OddBalls

For other uses, see Oddballs (disambiguation).
Not to be confused with Oddbods.
OddBalls Apparel Limited
OddBalls
Company typePrivate
IndustryClothing
FoundedSeptember 2014 (2014-09)
Founders
HeadquartersUnit L3 Intersect 19, Third Ave,
North Shields
,
United Kingdom
Number of locations
1 (warehouse, office & production facility)
Key people
ProductsUnderwear and apparel with funky designs
BrandsCore-37 (sister company - bespoke teamwear)
Number of employees
50 (estimated) (2024)
Websitehttps://www.myoddballs.com

Oddballs[1] Apparel Limited is a British underwear and apparel brand. Founded in 2014, OddBalls was created to shake up the boring underwear market with bold, vibrant designs. With a focus on diversity and inclusivity, the company offers a range of vibrant and unique products, including underwear, socks, and accessories, for men, women, and children. Recognising their potential to do even more, OddBalls decided to use their bright, fun underwear as a platform to raise awareness and funds for testicular cancer and several other charities.  

OddBalls has expanded through partnerships with well-known sporting bodies and teams in the world, including the British & Irish Lions, England Rugby, Welsh Rugby Union, England football, England cricket team, and the Welsh FA.[2] They also work with organisations such as ACDC, Superman and The Who as well as collaborations with charities like My Name'5 Doddie Foundation and Alzheimer's Research UK.[3] They’ve become a standout in the underwear market, building a loyal community of fans who appreciate their bold style and social impact.

History

2014–2015: Early history

Founded in September 2014 by footballer Steve Harper, rugby player Richard Metcalfe, and former Newcastle Falcons CEO Paul Varley, OddBalls was inspired by Harper’s friend Jonas Gutierrez, who was diagnosed with testicular cancer. Motivated to spread awareness, the trio built a brand centred around bold, vibrant underwear designs. Which later become a platform to raise awareness and funds for testicular cancer and several other charities.

2015–2018: Partnerships & Initial Growth

During this time, OddBalls built a partnership with Premiership Rugby, soon expanding to collaborations with Welsh Rugby Union, England Rugby League, and English Rugby Union. With support from celebrities and sports figures, these partnerships established OddBalls as a prominent brand in the rugby and football communities. The company experienced significant growth, prompting a move to a new location in February 2017 to accommodate rising demand and a growing team.  

See the full list of OddBalls's partnerships here.

2018-2020: Expansion & Growth

OddBalls continued to grow through additional partnerships and celebrity endorsements. In September 2020, the brand relocated to a larger warehouse in North Shields to accomodate the rising demand.

Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 lockdowns, OddBalls continued fulfilling orders and growing its digital presence. During this time, customers were given the unique opportunity to submit their own designs, some of which, like the popular Donut design, became part of OddBalls' product lineup[4].

Future plans

Since its founding in 2014, OddBalls are proud to have donated £1,000,000 to various charities[5] and continues to support awareness and fundraising through its charitable partnerships.

Products

Underwear

As an underwear-first brand, OddBalls has launched over 600 unique designs[6], with more than 100 currently available. Initially focused on high-quality cotton, the brand offers a variety of styles for men and women, including boxers, briefs, thongs, and bralettes. To enhance comfort, OddBalls introduced breathable, moisture-wicking bamboo fabric[7] and later expanded to a seamless women's range featuring Brazilian and full-brief styles[8]. Sizes range from 6 to 20 for women and XXS to 3XL for men, ensuring a perfect fit for everyone. [9]

Socks

In addition to underwear, OddBalls offers a wide selection of socks in sports, trainer and crew styles, in a variety of sizes and fun, colourful designs, ensuring a perfect pair for every style.[10]

Clothing

Large sublimation machine at OddBalls/Core-37's production facility in North Shields, England.
Large sublimation machine at OddBalls/Core-37's production facility in North Shields, England.

The brand's clothing collection includes cosy pyjamas[11], sportswear such as rugby and training tops[12] and swimwear such as classic and compression lined swim shorts[13] and swimming briefs[14], all featuring bold designs and quality materials.

Accessories

OddBalls provides a wide range of accessories available on their website, including stylish hats – such as bobble hats, caps, bucket hats – along with grooming sets, fleece blankets, umbrellas, towels, sunglasses, and more.

Bespoke products

OddBalls offers custom products[15], such as the iconic bobble hat, socks, swimming briefs, umbrellas and more! The brand manufactures clothing such as t-shirts, vests and underwear, for various teams and organisations, partnering with local and international sports clubs to create custom OddBalls products. This gives clubs of any size the ability to sell their own high quality, bespoke range of OddBalls products, generating vital funds for resource, donations to charities or trips abroad!

Social media presence

OddBalls has built a strong online social presence, featuring much user-generated content shared by their customers across various platforms. The brand champions body positivity and inclusiveness, promoting these values on both their website and social media channels. OddBalls currently has 192k followers on Facebook, 112k on Instagram, 84.4k on Twitter, and 37.9k on TikTok., with verified accounts on Facebook and Twitter.[16][17]

Charitable Partnerships

Recognising the potential to make a meaningful impact, OddBalls has dedicated itself to raising awareness for testicular cancer and other important causes through its vibrant, fun underwear[18]. Beyond their bold designs, they’re proud to support numerous charities, including partnerships with The OddBalls Foundation[19], Movember, Prostate UK, My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, and Alzheimer’s Research UK. [20]

OddBalls Foundation - Charitable Partnerships

In addition to the OddBalls underwear brand, the OddBalls Foundation was established to lead all of the brand's charitable efforts[19]. Dedicated to raising awareness around testicular cancer, the Foundation organises fundraising events and collects donations from both individuals and the OddBalls parent company[21]. Funds are reinvested in the Foundation or donated to various charities, helping advance their mission of cancer awareness and support.

Guide for men to check themselves for testicular cancer. This is on the back of an underwear package. Similar guides can also be found on posters stuck in mens toilet stalls across the UK.
A 'Check Yourself' guide for men to check themselves for testicular cancer. This is on the back of an underwear package. Similar guides can also be found in Men's bathroom stalls across the UK.

References

  1. ^ "OddBalls - The Underwear Everyone's Talking About". OddBalls. Retrieved 2025-08-20.
  2. ^ "About Us". OddBalls. Retrieved 2024-02-23.
  3. ^ "Shop by Design". OddBalls. Retrieved 2025-08-20.
  4. ^ "Facebook". www.facebook.com. Retrieved 2024-02-23.
  5. ^ "About Us | Our Story". OddBalls. Retrieved 2025-08-20.
  6. ^ "Shop by Design". OddBalls. Retrieved 2025-08-20.
  7. ^ "What Is Bamboo Underwear? Benefits, Fabric Facts & Care Tips". OddBalls. Retrieved 2025-08-20.
  8. ^ "Seamless Underwear". OddBalls. Retrieved 2025-08-20.
  9. ^ "All size guides". OddBalls. Retrieved 2025-08-20.
  10. ^ "Socks". OddBalls. Retrieved 2025-08-20.
  11. ^ "Pyjamas". OddBalls. Retrieved 2025-08-20.
  12. ^ "Men's Gym Tops". OddBalls. Retrieved 2025-08-20.
  13. ^ "Men's Swim Shorts". OddBalls. Retrieved 2025-08-20.
  14. ^ "Swimming Briefs". OddBalls. Retrieved 2025-08-20.
  15. ^ "Custom Products". OddBalls. Retrieved 2025-08-20.
  16. ^ "Facebook". www.facebook.com. Retrieved 2024-02-23.
  17. ^ "OddBalls's twitter account". Twitter.
  18. ^ "About Us | Our Story". OddBalls. Retrieved 2025-08-20.
  19. ^ a b "Raising Awareness of Testicular Cancer". oddballsfoundation. Retrieved 2024-02-23.
  20. ^ "Shop by Design". OddBalls. Retrieved 2025-08-20.
  21. ^ "THE ODDBALLS FOUNDATION - Charity 1164815". register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk. Retrieved 2024-02-23.
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