Smart Set Athletic Club

Name: Smart Set Athletic Club
Rating: 4.8 (1049 reviews)

$36

Choose Size

Sezzle

Free Shipping on orders $99+. First return free.*

The Smart Set Athletic Club of Brooklyn was founded in 1904 and is credited with assembling the first formally organized fully independent African American basketball team, which debuted in 1907. Later that year the team became a founding member of the Olympian Athletic League, along with the St. Christopher Club, the Alpha Physical Culture Club, and the Marathon Athletic Club of Manhattan.

Smart Set members came from a tight-knit clique of well-educated, affluent, “old-money” African Americans who resided in what was then the predominantly white Stuyvesant Heights section of Brooklyn.

These players weren’t just prima donnas – their complete dominance of other all-Black basketball teams earned them the nickname “The Grave Diggers.” The Smart Set Athletic Club won the Olympian Athletic League championship title during its only two seasons, and they also won the first two Colored Basketball World Championships, for 1907-08 and 1908-09.

The Smart Set Athletic Club is a great example of how a small group of people came together as pioneers to create a new reality in the face of adversity and obstacles, despite having no road map and no guidelines other than their unyielding passion and commitment toward creating camaraderie and inspiring new standards of social achievement through exercise and sports.

A portion of net proceeds from the sales of our Black Fives assortment will benefit the The Black Fives Foundation, which works to inspire excellence by preserving, teaching, and honoring the pre-NBA history of African Americans in basketball.

Highlights

Legendary Comfort®
A portion of net proceeds donated to Black Fives Foundation

Size & Fit

Size	Sleeve Length (in)	Tee Length (in)
XS	7.75	26
S	8	27.25
M	8.25	28.5
L	8.5	29.75
XL	8.75	31
XXL	9	32
XXXL	9.25	33

Size	Sleeve Length (cm)	Tee Length (cm)
XS	20	66
S	20	69
M	21	72
L	22	76
XL	22	79
XXL	23	81
XXXL	24	84

Use these body measurements as a guide to select the size that's right for you. Our tees are designed with a relaxed fit that runs true to size. If you are at the lower end of a size range, expect a looser feel, in the middle the fit will be balanced, and at the top end it may feel more fitted.

How to Measure

Chest Measurement
Measure around the fullest part of the chest area and keep tape level under your arms and across your back.
Waist Size
Measure your natural waistline by placing the tape around the narrowest part of your torso, typically just above your belly button.
Garment Length
For accurate garment length, measure from the top of your shoulder down to where you want the hem to fall.
Sleeve Measurement
Start at the center of the back of your neck, run the tape across your shoulder, and down to your wrist with arm straight for a full sleeve measurement.

Fan Favorites

AI Generated Review Summary

The Smart Set Athletic Club of Brooklyn, founded in 1904, is celebrated for its pioneering role in African American basketball history. Customers appreciate the product's great design, soft and comfortable fabric, and high-quality material. The fit and feel of the product are highly praised, with many customers describing it as perfect. While some customers had differing viewpoints on size, the overall quality and look of the product are consistently commended.

Summary topics

Gift Satisfaction: 3%
Fit Satisfaction: 16%
Product Quality: 18%
Design Praise: 8%
Color Appreciation: 5%

Review topics: ["size","fit","color","price","looks","weight","length","issue","quality","fabric","design","shipping","material","comfort","style","service","shape","feel","customer service","shirt","softness","neck","wife","tee","homage","gift","logo","graphics","print","fan"].

Review highlights

"Great quality and fit, and love the unique design." — Hunter J.
"Love the retro look to the tees... solid quality and fit perfectly... will be making a collection." — Daniel C.
"Soft durable fabric, great looks and designs, Homage is cooler than the other side of the pillow." — Stephen C.

Reviews

Didn't complete the sewing job

"Shirt is nice, except for the fact that they left about a 2 inch gab in the underarm where they didn't finish sewing. So I have a big hole if I lift my arms."

— Michael G. (3/5)

USA

"Graphic is okay. I do love the stars below with the men’s and women’s winning years listed. As always, shirt is very soft and comfy."

— Cynthia N. (4/5)

Meh

"Not sure if they changed manufacturers but the recent four shirts I bought don't fit the same as they used to. Its a shame as Homage used to be the best tees."

— Christopher T. (5/5)

Disappointing but a Great Design

"Love the design, and the Homage shirts purchased in the past are my hands-down favorite shirts to wear. When I received this I was really disappointed to find that it’s significantly thinner than my other shirts. Like a tiny snag will destroy the shirt type of thin. Add in the lesser quality of the graphic, which seems more of a heat transfer than a screen print. Maybe they will bring back the thicker and higher quality shirts?"

— Paul B. (2/5)

Disappointed in print

"First homage purchase and bought two sports graphic tees. Both were printed off center/crooked. Disappointed these made it through. I like the fit and quality enough."

— Trevin L. (2/5)

Gorgeous!

"This tshirt is so CUTE! I love reading rainbow so this one was for me! Its unbelievably soft and was the perfect fit!"

— Amanda K. (5/5)

rebrand

"Had to get some new gear for the titans rebrand, so I always come to check out homage first. Great clothes,soft and true to size and they last."

— Brandon H. (5/5)

Love it

"These shirts are so soft, and fit perfectly. I will definitely be buying more."

— Molly T. (5/5)

Awesome shirt!!

"I was so excited to see a Paul O’Neill shirt available!! The quality is great & it’s so soft. I will definitely be purchasing from Homage again!!"

— Tara T. (5/5)

I absolutely love this shirt!

"I absolutely love this shirt! Beautiful color and greatest player of all time!"

— Stacey S. (5/5)

Q&A

FAQs

How does HOMAGE gear fit?

HOMAGE gear is designed for relaxed, easygoing comfort and runs true to size. Made from a soft cotton blend, pieces may shrink slightly after washing, so we recommend washing cold and tumble drying low to maintain the perfect fit. Need a hand? Check our Size Guide for tips.

What is Legendary Comfort®?

Legendary Comfort® is the soft, all-day feel that makes HOMAGE gear unlike anything else. Every piece is designed to look, feel, and wear like a vintage favorite, giving you the perfect mix of buttery softness, timeless style, and fan-inspired nostalgia. From tees to jackets and everything in between, HOMAGE delivers comfort and style built for fans who live for the game, the team, and the moment.

Is this product officially licensed?

Yes! All of our gear is officially licensed, featuring authentic logos, colors, and designs from your favorite teams, shows, and franchises. You can shop confidently knowing you’re getting genuine, high-quality merchandise.

What is your return and exchange policy?

We provide refunds and exchanges up to 60 days after the original purchase date for orders within the United States, and up to 30 days for orders outside of the United States. Refunds are credited to the card used in the original transaction. Duties and fees paid on orders will not be refunded.

What sets HOMAGE apart?

Every piece is designed with vintage-inspired fabrics, classic graphics, and timeless details that honor the icons and moments you love. From retro team logos to throwback pop culture designs, our gear is all about bringing memories to life through style, making HOMAGE apparel soft, nostalgic, and fan-approved.