Russell Athletic is an iconic sportswear brand that has been around since 1902. Establishing a presence of more than a century, it has become a favourite among athletes and sports enthusiasts. Over the years, the brand has undergone many changes to its logo design, making it easy to identify the era a vintage crewneck belongs to.
If you are looking to expand your crewnecks or hoodie wardrobe, this post is for you!
Identifying vintage clothing can be tricky, so we have put together this guide on authentic vintage Russell Athletic sweatshirts to help you make informed purchase decisions. Whether you’re an experienced vintage shopper or a newbie in the retro fashion world, read on to learn the essentials to get started!
A Brief History of Russell Athletic
Russell Athletic was founded in Alabama by Benjamin Russell. Initially, they manufactured undergarments for women and ventured into developing new textile products later. In 1920, the cotton jersey or sweatshirt, as we know it today, was invented. They diversified the product line and added sports team apparel to the portfolio.
Today, Russell Athletic is known for its innovative design, quality pieces, and iconic logo. It is famous for its long-standing relationship with basketball and American football teams. Many prominent personalities have worn it’s apparel, increasing the reach of its streetwear and vintage clothing.
How to Read Your Russell Athletic Sweatshirt Logos?
Russell Athletic has had several logo changes throughout its history. By identifying the logo on your sweatshirt, you can determine the era it belongs to.
- The 1950s - 1960s: The first logo featured a reference to the brand’s merger with Southern Manufacturing Company. It formed the basis for the modified tags in the future.
- The 1970s: On vintage crewnecks belonging to this era, you may notice the Eagle R logo and blocky text.
- The 1980s: The logo from this period is the most popular among retro lovers. It features the Eagle R emblem and the blocky font. It established the colour scheme and is used even today with slight differences.
- 2004: The latest logo is similar to the previous versions but with the letters in Italics. The font size of the word ‘Athletic’ is smaller than ‘Russel.’
Reading the Tags on Your Russell Athletic Vintage Crewnecks
In addition to the logo, you can identify the era of your Russell Athletic hoodie by checking the tags. Here’s a rundown to help you:
- The 1950s: Crewnecks from this era typically have a simple label in a thick fabric with “Made in U.S.A.” often stitched in. You may also find “Sanforized” or “Shrink-Proof” on it.
- The 1960s: Hoodies from this period have the same tag as the ‘50s but with a slightly modified font and layout. However, you may notice a new logo with composition details mentioned on it.
- The 1970s: The vintage clothing from this decade has the words “Made in the U.S.A.” It may also have “75% Cotton/25% Polyester” or “50% Cotton/50% Polyester”. Also, you will notice that the tags are longer.
- The 1980s: You may find “Russell Athletic” written in uppercase on labels from this era. They may also have the fabric care instructions and content.
- The 1990s: Crewnecks from this era have the same labels as the ‘80s, with a different font and layout. You may also find a barcode.
- The 2000s: Hoodies from this era have “Made in Vietnam” or “Made in China” on them.
- The 2010s: From the 2010s, the crewnecks have a tag design similar to the 2000s, with a QR code you can scan to verify authenticity.
Explore Our Authentic Vintage Sweatshirts in Canada
If you want to add vintage crewnecks or hoodies in Canada made by Russell Athletic to your collection, look no further than Black Market Clothing! Our lineup of vintage sweatshirts includes pieces from various eras. All our garments are carefully curated and authenticated to ensure you get the best products at amazing prices.
Here are some of our top Russel Athletic vintage crewnecks:
University Of Toronto Vintage Clothing
University of Toronto Grey Vintage T-Shirt
Reverse Weave Vintage Crewneck
East Carolina Varsity Crewneck
Westminster College 50% Cotton, 50% Polyester Vintage Crewneck
These numbers are chic and easy to style. You can pair them with any bottoms of your choice and head out without putting too much thought into your outfit.
Feel free to browse our selection today to find your next favourite piece of vintage fashion without breaking your bank account!
So what are you waiting for? Simply get started to upgrade your wardrobe now. Happy and stress-free shopping!
