History of Jockey International...!!!

History of Jockey International

Founding and Early Years

Jockey International, originally named S.T. Cooper & Sons, was established in 1876 by Samuel Thrall Cooper in St. Joseph, Michigan. The company initially focused on producing high-quality socks for lumberjacks, who often suffered from poorly made wool socks. By 1878, S.T. Cooper & Sons was manufacturing nearly 2,500 pairs of seamless stockings each day.

Expansion into Underwear

In 1900, the company ventured into producing undergarments and rebranded as the Cooper Underwear Company. By 1902, the new Cooper Underwear Company mill, which produced White Cat union suits, was completed. This mill still serves as the headquarters of Jockey International, Inc.

Innovations and Success

In 1912, the patented Cooper union suit, branded as the Kenosha Klosed Krotch, became a market leader in underwear and quickly sold out. The company enlisted Joseph C. Leyendecker, an illustrator for The Saturday Evening Post, to create the "Man on the Bag" image, which became iconic for the brand.

The Birth of the Jockey Brief

In 1934, Arthur Kneibler, an employee of Cooper Underwear, was inspired by a postcard from the French Riviera depicting a man in a bikini-style swimsuit. This led to the creation of the Jockey brief. On January 19, 1935, during a blizzard, Coopers, Inc. sold the world's first briefs at the Marshall Field's State Street store in downtown Chicago. Designed by Kneibler, the briefs featured a Y-shaped overlapping fly and provided jockstrap-like support. Over 30,000 pairs were sold within three months of their introduction.

International Expansion

The success of the Jockey brief spurred international expansion. In 1936, Cooper signed its first international license agreement with the Canadian J.R. Moodie company. Orders from European export agents followed, and licensee agreements were established in Australia, Europe, South America, Asia, and Africa.

Rebranding and Continued Innovation

In 1971, the company was renamed Jockey Menswear, Inc., and the following year, Jockey International, Inc. In 1958, Jockey launched the first mass-market men's bikini brief, called "Skants," which enjoyed popularity through the 1960s and 1970s. Jockey continues to innovate and expand its product line, offering a wide variety of innerwear for men, women, and children.

Uses of Jockey Innerwear

Comfort and Support

Jockey innerwear is renowned for its comfort and support. The Jockey brief, with its Y-front design, ensures a secure fit and prevents discomfort during physical activities. The company's products are made from high-quality materials that provide breathability and moisture-wicking properties, keeping the wearer cool and dry.

Variety of Styles

Jockey offers an extensive range of styles to suit different preferences and needs. For men, the options include briefs, boxers, boxer briefs, trunks, and more. For women, Jockey provides bras, panties, shapewear, and sleepwear. This variety ensures that customers can find the perfect innerwear for any occasion, be it everyday wear, athletic activities, or special events.

Innovative Designs

Jockey is known for its innovative designs and continues to evolve its product line to meet the changing needs of consumers. From ergonomic fits to advanced fabric technologies, Jockey innerwear combines functionality with style to deliver exceptional performance and comfort.