Everlast

Everlast is a globally recognized American brand specializing in sports equipment, particularly in the realms of boxing, mixed martial arts, and physical fitness. The company's roots trace back to The Bronx, New York, where it was founded in 1910 by Jacob Golomb, a 17-year-old son of a tailor who was also an avid swimmer. Golomb started the company with the intention of creating swimwear that was significantly more durable than the options available at the time, promising that his swimsuits would last for at least a year, hence the name ""Everlast.""

Over the years, Everlast expanded its product line to include a wide array of sports equipment. It first ventured into boxing gear in 1917 when the young boxer Jack Dempsey requested headgear that would endure more than 15 rounds of a match. This marked the beginning of Everlast's long-standing association with boxing, eventually leading to sponsorships of legendary fighters like Roberto Durán, Joe Frazier, Marvin Hagler, Larry Holmes, Sugar Ray Leonard, and notably Muhammad Ali, cementing its status as the most recognizable brand in boxing.

The company has undergone several ownership changes throughout its history. After Golomb's passing in the 1950s, his son Daniel took over and made strategic changes, such as enlarging the Everlast logo on boxing gloves for better visibility on television. In 1958, Ben Nadorf bought a 50% stake in Everlast Sports Mfg. Corp and later became the sole owner in 1995. The turn of the millennium saw the company being acquired by George Horowitz's Active Apparel Group, which had been manufacturing sportswear under license for Everlast. In a significant move in 2007, Everlast was acquired by the British retailing group Frasers Group.

Everlast's commitment to quality and innovation has led to its expansion into the mixed martial arts (MMA) sector, where it has also gained recognition, winning the World MMA Awards for Best Technical Equipment Brand multiple times. The brand's boxing equipment continues to be manufactured in a factory in Moberly, Missouri, while other products are produced internationally by licensees.

In addition to its equipment line, Everlast has developed a clothing and footwear range that includes T-shirts, sleeveless shirts, hoodies, leggings, shorts, pants, compression garments, and sneakers. The brand's influence extends beyond equipment and apparel, as it also ventured into the fitness industry with the Everlast Gyms chain, which was established after Frasers Group acquired a number of DW Sports Fitness locations in 2020. By late 2023, Everlast Gyms had nearly 60 branches across the United Kingdom, demonstrating the brand's continued growth and presence in the global market. Everlast's storied heritage and its evolution from a swimwear manufacturer to a leading name in fight sports and fitness exemplify its enduring legacy and commitment to supporting athletes and fitness enthusiasts around the world.