86% matchFUBU
90s hip-hop logo jerseys and hoodies, same era
What changes: Own-brand block logos rather than league licensing
Brand profile
Starter
American sportswear label known for licensed satin team jackets, hoodies and caps tied to MLB, NBA, NFL and NHL clubs.
New HavenOrigin
UnisexFocus
StreetwearStyle
$Price
4 brands like Starter like FUBU, Rocawear, South Pole →
What to know about Starter
Licensing built the whole business
Starter began with high school uniforms in 1971, secured MLB rights in 1976, then NBA, NHL and NFL deals — the clothes exist to carry club marks.
The satin team jacket travelled
Its satin and pullover team jackets moved from stadium sidelines into 1990s hip-hop and streetwear, which is still what the label is bought for.
Mass-retail pricing, trademark-owned brand
The name now sits with Iconix Brand Group and sells cheaply through mass retail and starter.com — jackets, hoodies, tees, joggers and caps under the star-and-arrow logo.
How Starter fits
Overall fit
runs large
Starter's team jackets, hoodies and tees are typically cut roomy and boxy in line with their 90s heritage, so most shoppers find them larger than modern slim fits.
Tip: Consider sizing down one from your usual, especially on jackets and hoodies, unless you want the classic oversized look.
Medium confidence · based on 8 sources
By category
| Category | Runs | Shape | Size advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hoodies & sweatshirts | runs large | relaxed and boxy | Size down for a trimmer fit; true size gives a baggy streetwear silhouette. |
| Jackets | runs large | boxy and roomy | Size down if you don't want the intentionally oversized pullover look, or keep true size for layering. |
| T-shirts & graphic tees | slightly large | boxy regular | Take your usual size unless you prefer a fitted look, then size down. |
Directional fit consensus summarized from public sources with AI — a starting point, not a guarantee. Confirm with the product's own measurements before buying.
If you like Starter
86% match
78% matchRocawear
Logo-heavy hip-hop outerwear from the same lineage
What changes: Denim-led, no team licensing
76% match
72% matchUmbro
Licensed team kits and Drill tops, football side
What changes: Football-specific, British terrace heritage
Starter fit questions
Does Starter run big or small?
Starter runs large. Consider sizing down one from your usual, especially on jackets and hoodies, unless you want the classic oversized look. Starter's team jackets, hoodies and tees are typically cut roomy and boxy in line with their 90s heritage, so most shoppers find them larger than modern slim fits.
How does Starter fit?
Starter's team jackets, hoodies and tees are typically cut roomy and boxy in line with their 90s heritage, so most shoppers find them larger than modern slim fits. Overall shape: boxy and relaxed.
How do Starter hoodies & sweatshirts fit?
Starter hoodies & sweatshirts runs large. Size down for a trimmer fit; true size gives a baggy streetwear silhouette. Shape: relaxed and boxy.
How do Starter jackets fit?
Starter jackets runs large. Size down if you don't want the intentionally oversized pullover look, or keep true size for layering. Shape: boxy and roomy.
How do Starter t-shirts & graphic tees fit?
Starter t-shirts & graphic tees fits slightly large. Take your usual size unless you prefer a fitted look, then size down. Shape: boxy regular.
Brand facts
Starter makes licensed sports apparel, best known for the satin and pullover team jackets that spread from stadiums into 1990s hip-hop and streetwear. Founded by David Beckerman in New Haven, Connecticut, in 1971, it began with high school uniforms before securing MLB licensing in 1976, then NBA, NHL and NFL deals. Current output covers team jackets, hoodies, tees, joggers and caps carrying club marks and the star-and-arrow logo, plus non-sports tie-ins such as Coca-Cola. The trademark sits with Iconix Brand Group, with distribution through mass retail and starter.com.
- Founded
- 1971
- Origin
- New Haven, United States
- Made in
- Asia
- Price
- $
- Focus
- Unisex
- Facts checked
- August 2026
- Styles
- Streetwear, Athleisure / Sportswear, Y2K