About the Store
National Sportswear of Belleville, NJ is a well-established custom apparel and screen printing company with a rich history dating back to 1947. Founded by Marc S. Tartaglia and Robert Rossetti, the business initially operated as the Red Diamond Company, named after the US Third Army (11th Regiment) 5th Infantry Division in which Marc proudly served under General Patton during World War II. What began as a custom outdoor sign and lettering company has evolved into a comprehensive apparel customization business that has served New Jersey and beyond for over seven decades.
As the company grew, the founders recognized the need for mass production of signs and lettering, positioning Red Diamond among the first businesses to introduce silk screen printing for the production of multiple signs, banners, and other printed materials. This innovative approach set the foundation for what would become National Sportswear’s signature services. The pivotal transformation occurred in 1955 when the company diversified into screen printing, embroidery, and tackle-twill applications on garments and textiles, expanding their business model to include the customization of wearable items.
The company’s reputation for quality craftsmanship quickly grew, leading to a significant partnership with Russell Athletic on the East coast, for whom they performed all custom lettering. This relationship, along with their expanding network of sporting goods stores and advertising specialty firms across the nation, cemented National Sportswear’s position as a leader in the custom apparel industry. Today, the business continues to build on its foundation of expertise, offering state-of-the-art customization services while maintaining the personal touch and attention to detail that has defined their work for generations.
Services and Products:
National Sportswear offers a comprehensive range of customization services and products designed to meet the needs of businesses, sports teams, schools, organizations, and individuals. Their primary services include professional screen printing with capabilities for both single and multi-color designs, allowing for vibrant and durable prints on a variety of materials. The company’s embroidery services provide elegant and long-lasting customization for higher-end apparel items, perfect for corporate uniforms, team jackets, and promotional products that require a sophisticated finish. Their laser transfer technology offers an alternative customization method for specialized applications where traditional screen printing might not be ideal. Complementing these production services, National Sportswear also provides professional logo design and digitizing services, helping clients transform their ideas into print-ready artwork that effectively represents their brand or message. All of these services are performed in-house by experienced professionals using state-of-the-art equipment and materials, ensuring consistent quality and timely delivery.
Product Catalog
National Sportswear carries an extensive inventory of customizable apparel and accessories from leading brands in the industry. Their product catalog includes a diverse selection of t-shirts varying in styles, weights, and fabrics to suit different needs, from lightweight performance wear to heavyweight cotton options. The collection extends to sweatshirts, hoodies, and fleece items perfect for cooler weather, team uniforms, or corporate branding. Their selection of jackets ranges from athletic styles to more professional options suitable for various settings and seasons.
The store also offers specialized athletic uniforms for a wide range of sports, including baseball, basketball, football, soccer, and more, designed to meet the performance needs of athletes while providing ample space for team branding and customization. Their accessories line includes caps, beanies, bags, and backpacks that can be customized with logos or designs. For businesses and organizations, National Sportswear provides corporate apparel options including polos, button-downs, and apparel suitable for professional environments. Their catalog is regularly updated to include the latest styles and innovations in the apparel industry, ensuring clients have access to contemporary options that align with current trends.
Special Services
National Sportswear distinguishes itself through a range of specialized services designed to provide clients with a comprehensive customization experience. Their in-house design team offers professional assistance with logo creation and artwork refinement, helping clients transform rough concepts into polished designs ready for production. For clients with existing logos or designs that need to be adapted for printing or embroidery, the company provides digitizing services that convert artwork into formats compatible with their production equipment. The business offers personalized consultations where clients can discuss their project requirements, explore sample products, and receive expert recommendations on the best customization methods and products for their specific needs.
Understanding the unique requirements of different client groups, National Sportswear has developed specialized services for sports teams, schools, businesses, and event organizers. Their team ordering system streamlines the process for sports teams and organizations needing multiple customized items with individual names and numbers. For businesses, they offer corporate branding packages that ensure consistency across various apparel items used for staff uniforms or promotional purposes. Event organizers can take advantage of their event merchandise services, which include planning, production, and even on-site sales support for custom apparel at conferences, tournaments, or fundraisers. The company also maintains a quick-turnaround service for urgent orders, with capabilities to expedite production when clients face tight deadlines for special events or last-minute needs.
Payment Methods
National Sportswear offers flexible payment options designed to accommodate the needs of various clients, from individuals placing small orders to organizations requiring bulk customization. The company accepts all major credit cards including Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover, providing convenience for both in-store and online purchases. For business clients, institutional purchase orders are accepted, allowing for streamlined procurement processes for schools, government agencies, and corporate clients with established accounting systems. The store offers deposit-based payment plans for larger orders, typically requiring a percentage upon order placement with the balance due upon completion or delivery. For recurring clients and organizations with established relationships, National Sportswear provides invoicing options with net terms based on approved credit applications. All transactions, whether in-person or online, are processed through secure payment systems that protect client financial information while ensuring smooth and efficient payment experiences.
Access and Accessibility
National Sportswear’s Belleville location is designed to provide a welcoming environment for all clients seeking custom apparel solutions. The showroom features an accessible entrance with adequate space for customers using mobility aids to navigate comfortably among the product displays. Sample products are arranged at various heights, allowing all visitors to examine materials and styles regardless of physical limitations. The consultation area is equipped with comfortable seating and a table at an appropriate height for wheelchair users to review design concepts, catalogs, and product samples. Staff members are trained to provide attentive assistance to all customers, adapting their presentation of options and information to accommodate varying needs. For clients unable to visit the physical location, National Sportswear has developed alternative service options, including virtual consultations where designs and product options can be discussed remotely, and comprehensive online ordering systems that make their services accessible to a broader client base regardless of physical mobility limitations.
Client Experience
National Sportswear has built a stellar reputation in the community, as evidenced by their impressive 4.9-star rating from 30 customer reviews. The company’s client-centered approach is reflected in testimonials like that from Robert Citarelli of Aspen Landscaping in East Hanover, NJ, who praised the professional appearance the customized apparel gave his business and highlighted the helpful guidance provided by the National Sportswear team in selecting appropriate garments and designing effective branding elements. This testimonial exemplifies the personalized attention that characterizes the customer experience at National Sportswear, where each project receives individualized consideration regardless of size.
The company’s commitment to client satisfaction extends beyond the initial purchase through comprehensive follow-up services and quality guarantees. Clients receive clear communication throughout the production process, including regular updates on order status and prompt notification of any adjustments to timeline or specifications. For first-time customers, the team provides detailed guidance on design considerations, material selection, and care instructions to ensure long-lasting satisfaction with their purchased items. Returning clients benefit from the company’s record-keeping system, which maintains design files and order histories to streamline reorders and ensure consistency across multiple purchases. The business has cultivated long-term relationships with many local organizations, schools, and companies who return regularly for seasonal uniforms, updated corporate apparel, or special event merchandise, demonstrating the trust and loyalty that National Sportswear has established in their community.
Production Process
National Sportswear takes pride in their comprehensive in-house production process, which ensures quality control and timely completion of all orders. The workflow begins in the design department, where skilled graphic artists work with clients to develop or refine artwork that will translate effectively to the chosen customization method. For screen printing projects, the process continues with the creation of custom screens for each color in the design, a technical procedure requiring precision and expertise to achieve sharp, detailed results. The printing floor houses state-of-the-art automatic and manual presses capable of handling everything from single-color designs to complex multi-color artwork, with specialized equipment for different fabric types and garment styles.
The embroidery department features computerized machines that transform digitized designs into precise stitched patterns, with operators who carefully monitor the process to ensure consistent quality across batches of any size. For garments requiring both printing and embroidery, the production team coordinates workflows to optimize efficiency while maintaining quality standards at each stage. Before packaging, all customized items undergo a detailed quality inspection to verify design accuracy, print or stitch quality, and overall workmanship. Items that meet the company’s rigorous standards are carefully packaged to protect them during storage and delivery. This end-to-end in-house process allows National Sportswear to maintain their reputation for reliability and excellence, delivering consistent results that meet or exceed client expectations while adhering to promised timelines.
Brand Partnerships
National Sportswear has established strong relationships with numerous leading apparel manufacturers, allowing them to offer a diverse catalog of high-quality blank products for customization. As an authorized dealer for multiple premium brands, the company provides clients with authentic garments that serve as the perfect canvas for their custom designs. These partnerships enable National Sportswear to access the latest styles and innovations in the apparel industry, ensuring that clients can choose from contemporary options that align with current trends and performance standards. The company’s long-standing relationships with suppliers also translate to competitive pricing and reliable availability, benefits that are passed on to their customers through affordable pricing and consistent stock levels.
Beyond supplier relationships, National Sportswear has developed collaborative partnerships with local organizations that strengthen their community presence. They work closely with area schools to develop standardized uniform programs that balance budget considerations with quality and durability requirements. Local sports leagues benefit from the company’s team package programs, which simplify the ordering process while ensuring consistent branding across multiple teams and seasons. The business also partners with community events and fundraisers, often providing specialized merchandise solutions that help organizations generate revenue while promoting their cause. These multifaceted partnerships, both with suppliers and community entities, underscore National Sportswear’s integrated approach to business, where quality products and meaningful relationships combine to create value for all stakeholders.
