Leslie Jordan

What Leslie Jordan does

Leslie Jordan Inc. is a Portland, Oregon-based custom performance apparel and accessories manufacturer founded in 1986 by Leslie Jordan. The company is privately held, independently woman-owned, and operates from a single Pacific Northwest headquarters housing in-house design, pattern-making, manufacturing, and a finished-goods warehouse. It serves endurance event organizers, race directors, and non-profit organizations, supplying custom sublimated and screen-printed apparel (short- and long-sleeve tees, tanks, quarter zips, polos, cycling jerseys, hoodies, jackets, vests), accessories (headwear, bags, towels, socks, gloves, blankets, pet bandanas, shoelaces), and bespoke finisher medals for marathons, half-marathons, 5Ks, 10Ks, trail runs, and cycling events.

The core technical differentiator is in-house sublimation printing expertise spanning spot, full, and panel sublimation, supported by proprietary fabric technologies including Butterfly Mesh (pinhole ventilation, 4-way stretch, moisture-wicking, UPF 50, odor control), Margay (94% Poly / 6% Spandex, 4-way stretch, heathered mélange finish), and GRS-certified recycled polyester that produces 75% less CO2 emissions than virgin polyester. The product portfolio is delivered through two fulfillment paths: in-stock inventory from the Oregon warehouse with 300+ unit minimums and faster turnaround, and custom offshore production for 500+ unit orders with broader customization.

Revenue is generated through one-time B2B custom apparel and accessory sales priced via quote with volume-based discounts. The go-to-market is sales-led and event-driven, combining direct outreach (phone, email, website inquiry), industry sponsorship with running organizations (RRCA, Running USA, Road Race Management, ATRA), trade show presence, and customer testimonial-driven content. Customer concentration skews toward non-profit race organizers with multi-year to multi-decade retention; notable named clients include Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic (30-year partnership), Revel Race Series, San Diego Half Marathon, Vancouver International Marathon, and Corktown Races.

Name

Leslie Jordan

Legal name

Leslie Jordan Inc.

Website

https://lesliejordan.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1986

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Leslie Jordan Inc. is a Portland, Oregon-based custom performance apparel and accessories manufacturer serving endurance event organizers, race directors, and non-profits with sublimated apparel, headwear, bags, medals, and accessories since 1986.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Custom Event Apparel & Accessories

NAICS

Cut and Sew Apparel Manufacturing (except Contractors) (31525), Sporting and Athletic Goods Manufacturing (339920), Apparel Accessories and Other Apparel Manufacturing (3159)

SIC

Apparel & Other Finishd Prods Of Fabrics & Similar Matl (2300), Sporting & Athletic Goods, Nec (3949)

akta.pro primary industry

Running & Endurance Wear (CRAAAEAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Workwear, Uniforms & Safety Apparel Cut & Sew (IMAOAEAC), Outerwear & Cold-Weather Apparel Manufacturers (CRAAAAAI), Sports, Outdoor & Adventure Packs Manufacturing (Backpacks/Duffels) (IMAOAHAE)

Keywords

• Custom event apparel
• Performance running shirts
• Sublimation printing
• Finisher medals
• Race merchandise

Headquarters

HQ city

Portland

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Custom Apparel Sales: One-time purchase of custom performance apparel including t-shirts, hoodies, jackets, medals, and accessories for endurance events. Bulk orders with minimum quantities required. Revenue generated from original orders and potential reorders.
2. In-Stock Inventory Sales: Sale of pre-made blank or minimally customized apparel from Pacific Northwest warehouse with lower minimum quantities and faster turnaround times.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Leslie Jordan manufactures and sells custom performance apparel, accessories, and finisher medals for endurance events, including custom sublimated t-shirts, hoodies, jackets, vests, headwear, bags, towels, socks, gloves, blankets, and bespoke finisher medals. The company offers free in-house design assistance and prototypes, serves event organizers and non-profits through a quote-based B2B model with bulk minimum order quantities, and combines Pacific Northwest in-stock inventory (300+ units) with custom offshore production (500+ units).

Product overview

Leslie Jordan Inc. is a custom event apparel and accessories manufacturer specializing in performance wear for endurance events. The company operates as a single unified offering with an extensive product portfolio spanning apparel (t-shirts, tanks, quarter zips, polo shirts, hoodies, jackets, vests), accessories (headwear, bags, towels, socks, gloves, blankets), and awards (custom finisher medals). Core products include Short Sleeve Performance Tees, Custom Hoodies, Custom Finisher Medals, and Custom Bags, all customizable through sublimation printing, screen printing, and embroidery. The company differentiates through fabric technology including Butterfly Mesh, Margay, and GRS-certified recycled polyester, while offering in-stock inventory with lower minimums and faster turnaround alongside custom offshore production. Services include free design assistance, free prototypes, and guaranteed on-time delivery managed in-house from their Portland, Oregon headquarters.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Short Sleeve T-Shirts Custom-manufactured premium performance short sleeve T-shirts for endurance event organizers, race directors, and non-profits, available with sublimation, embroidery, or screen print customization.
• Long Sleeve T-Shirts Custom-manufactured long sleeve performance T-shirts with multiple neckline, panel, and thumb loop options for endurance events.
• Tanks & Sleeveless Custom racerback, muscle tee, and flowy tank tops for warm-weather endurance events and race giveaways.
• Quarter Zips Custom quarter zip pullovers with embroidered and sublimated decoration and configurable side panels for event and team use.
• Sport Polos Custom sport polo shirts with button up or zippered collars and honeycomb or smooth panel designs for event staff and teams.
• Cycling Jerseys Custom cycling jerseys with rear pockets, silicone grippers, and moisture-wicking fabrics for cycling event organizers and teams.
• Custom Hoodies Custom sublimated hoodies combining comfort, performance, and style for endurance events, teams, and merchandise.
• Lifestyle Hoodies Custom lifestyle hoodies designed for event merchandise, team apparel, and special event swag with material, hood, and zipper customization.
• Performance Hoodies Performance-grade custom hoodies with moisture-wicking, breathable tech fabrics for athletic and endurance use.
• Duo Hoodie Innovative two-tone custom hoodie with reversible Duo fabric providing two colors for the price of one.
• Jackets Custom performance jackets across multiple models (Diamond, Edge, Element, Ripstop Cloud, Skyline, etc.) with various fabric and feature options.
• Vests Custom vests including reflective microfiber, poly fleece hooded, and ripstop cloud variants for events and teams.
• Custom Beanies Custom premium beanies in knit, performance, cuffed, fisherman, and slouchy styles for events and brand promotions.
• Custom Running Hats Custom running hats with configurable panels, closures, sweatbands, and vents, decorated via sublimation, embroidery, or screen printing.
• Custom Sport Visors Custom sport visors for athletic events and brand promotion giveaways.
• Race Wraps Custom branded race wraps and face gaiters (transformable into face masks) with optional fleece lining for cold-weather events.
• Custom Running Socks Premium custom running socks with breathable, performance fabrics and configurable length, decoration, and packaging.
• Armwarmers High-performance custom armwarmers in premium recycled polyester for chilly race mornings, cycling events, and team uniforms.
• Custom Bags Custom printed bags including drawstring bags, backpacks, totes, duffels, and sling bags for events and brand promotion.
• Towel Car Seat Cover Custom microfiber car seat towel that absorbs sweat, protects upholstery, and converts via a headrest pocket into a wearable towel.
• Custom Sports Towels Custom sports towels in 100% cotton velour, 100% recycled poly microfiber, or dual-sided blend, with custom sizing options.
• Custom Beach Towels Ultra-soft custom beach towels with end-to-end designs in standard 60 x 30 inch 100% cotton velour.
• Custom Gloves & Mittens Custom gloves and mittens including G3 Tech, G3 Performance, G4 Touch Screen, and G6S Sublimated variants for cold-weather events.
• Custom Fleece Blankets Premium custom fleece blankets for giveaways, fundraising, or event merchandise.
• Custom Pet Bandanas Custom sublimated pet bandanas for dogs and cats in various sizes and colors.
• Custom Shoelaces Custom-printed shoelaces with configurable length, shape, finish, aglets, and add-ons such as glow-in-the-dark and reflective features.
• Custom Finisher Medals Bespoke finisher medals for marathons, 5K, 10K, and fun runs with multiple plating (gold, silver, copper, bronze, nickel, black nickel), finish, and attachment options.

Quantifiable outcome

• 75% less CO2 emissions compared to virgin polyester production
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Four partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Road Runners Club of America (RRCA)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerRRCA is the oldest and largest national association of runners and running organizations, dedicated to growing the sport of running. Leslie Jordan sponsors and partners with RRCA to increase brand visibility among running clubs and event organizers.
• Running USAcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerRunning USA is a not-for-profit organization devoted to improving distance running and racing in the United States through collective marketing, information dissemination, and services to events and industry members.
• Road Race ManagementminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSince 1982, Road Race Management has been the industry's leading resource for dissemination of information and exchange of ideas among running event producers of all sizes.
• American Trail Running Association (ATRA)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerATRA serves the mountain, ultra & trail running community as a Colorado not-for-profit corporation, representing and promoting trail running with individual, club, race, and corporate memberships.

Scale indicators2 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• RushOrderTees: RushOrderTees is a large direct-to-consumer custom apparel printer specializing in screen-printed and embroidered apparel for groups, teams, and events. It competes directly with Leslie Jordan in the custom event apparel space but operates at substantially larger scale with a tech-enabled online ordering platform.
• Underground Printing: Underground Printing is a Michigan-based custom apparel manufacturer serving events, schools, and organizations. It is comparable to LJ as a custom apparel producer serving event-driven customers with screen printing and embroidery services.
• Squad Locker: Squad Locker is a custom team apparel and gear platform that lets coaches and organizers build and manage stores for teams and events. It competes with LJ in the team and event apparel vertical with a more digital, store-based ordering model.
• AMBRO Manufacturing: AMBRO Manufacturing is a contract custom apparel manufacturer offering screen printing, embroidery, and sublimation services. Comparable to LJ as a mid-sized custom apparel manufacturer serving events and organizations.
• Wooter Apparel: Wooter Apparel is a custom sports apparel manufacturer focused on team uniforms and athletic wear. It overlaps with LJ in performance apparel for organized sports and events.
• Boombah: Boombah is a custom sports apparel and equipment manufacturer serving teams, leagues, and organizations. It is comparable to LJ for its custom teamwear capabilities and event-driven customer base.
• Alleson Athletic: Alleson Athletic is a manufacturer of custom team uniforms and athletic apparel for schools, leagues, and organizations. It is comparable to LJ as a custom apparel manufacturer serving organized athletic customers.

Broad incumbents

• Custom Ink: Custom Ink is a market-leading online custom apparel platform serving groups, teams, and events with screen printing and embroidery. It is a broad incumbent in custom apparel with overlapping capabilities to LJ, but its much larger scale and self-serve platform compete for the same race organizer and non-profit customers.
• Champion Teamwear: Champion Teamwear is a large branded custom team apparel platform under the Champion brand, serving schools, teams, and organizations. It is a broad incumbent with overlapping custom apparel capabilities to LJ, but operates at significantly larger scale with broader distribution.
• Augusta Sportswear Brands: Augusta Sportswear Brands is a major manufacturer of athletic and team apparel including Holloway, Augusta, and Russell Athletic lines. It is a broad incumbent that competes in adjacent product categories to LJ, particularly team and event apparel.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles15 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Leslie Jordan