March 04, 2025
Russel Athletic Vintage Label History From 1970s Until Now - Vintage Rare USA
The Russell label has a rich history dating back to the 1970s, evolving from a staple of American athletic wear into a widely recognized brand in vintage and contemporary fashion. Russell produces items like Sweatshirts, t-shirts, and Jersey for schools and teams.
1960s: The Russell Southern Co. Era
- Label: "Russell Southern Co" Written in Red on the Label
- Fabric: Made in USA
1970s: The Rise of the Eagle "R" Logo
- Label: Begining of the "R" Logo with the Eagle in Gold or Red Embroidered
- Fabric: Made in USA
1980s: The Rise of the Eagle "R" Logo
- Label: The Iconic Blue And Red "R" logo Appears
- Fabric: Made In USA
1990s: The Peak of Russell Athletic's Popularity
- Label: The Label is now embroidered with the Same Logo
- Fabric: Made In USA or Made In Mexico (in the late 1990S)
- Notable Details: Russell became the official outfitter of the NFL (1992-1999), further solidifying its dominance.
*Alternative Label for 1990S Heavy Weight Sweatshirt
2000s: Transition to Mass Production
- Label: Modern Russell Athletic tags featured simplified fonts and a more streamlined “R” logo with the eagle, tags are made of Nylon.
- Fabric: Lighter weight materials became more common, with most of the items made outside of the USA
- Notable Details: Russell lost its NFL contract in 1999 and gradually became less dominant in professional sports.
