Danskin was founded in 1882 in New York City by brothers Joel and Benson Goodman to manufacture goods specifically for dancers' needs, and has since been one of the worlds leading manufacturers of dance and active wear for girls and women.
They introduced the first knit tights and leotards, and pioneered the production of such dance standards as fishnet stockings.
Throughout the late 19th century and the first half of the 20th century, Danskin dominated the market for dancewear in the United States, and expanded their influence by introducing Danskin for gymnasts and figure skaters. In the 1950's, they created the first nylon bodywear for the general population.
In 1976, the company began to market swimwear. By the end of the decade, Danskin boasted an 80 percent share of the bodywear market overall. In 2007, 125 years after it began, Danskin was ranked #23 of the WWD top 100 brands, and #5 in activewear (above Puma and Converse), demonstrating its stronghold in the women's athletic apparel realm.
Danskin is now one of the most trusted brands for women's fitness apparel from running to yoga and dance.
Rocawear was established in 1999 off of the meteoric success of Co-founder Shawn "Jay Z" Carter, as an apparel collection to fit the urban lifestyle, and quickly became the destination brand for street-savvy consumers.
Today, the brand is a dominant lifestyle apparel brand for a wide range of customers, and has expanded its appeal beyond the national borders and has become a brand of international significance.
The resulting success is an apparel collection to fit the urban lifestyle, and has resulted in over 3 million square feet in over 2500 doors, adding up to over $750 million in sales.