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Nostalgia has become something of a pop culture phenomenon in recent years, with the arrival of the 2010s pushing the eighties and nineties firmly into the retro zone.
This revival of styles from times gone by has seen many once-popular brands re-emerge, tapping into the renewed obsession for all things old school. And with sports luxe currently dominating industry trends, it comes as no surprise that some classic activewear names are experiencing a renaissance, be it over ten, twenty or one hundred years later.
So, let us reintroduce you to eight sporting labels that are now back on the fashion radar – some of which you are sure to know from the first time around.
Champion
Athletic apparel brand Champion started out life way back in 1919, designing technical sportswear styles for professional athletes.
However, the label had its real heyday in the 1990s, being adopted as a sports-meets-streetwear brand for casual urban dressers.
Champion has now stormed back into the fashion charts, teaming up with the likes of Wood Wood, Todd Snyder and Urban Outfitters in the past year to bring its throwback pieces bang up to date.
Available at Amazon and Champion.
Recommended
Champion Classic Satin Varsity Bomber, available at Amazon, priced $120:
Ellesse
Another brand that found popularity back in the nineties is Italian heritage label Ellesse, with its bold slogan sweatshirts now returning to satisfy the appetite of vintage lovers everywhere.
The label continues to stay true to its original designs, reissuing key pieces with contemporary elements for an updated look.
Available at ellesse.
Recommended
ellesse SL Succiso Sweatshirt, available at Amazon, priced $59.30:
Le Coq Sportif
Hands up if you once owned a Le Coq Sportif tracksuit? We certainly did, with the brand’s bold aesthetic considered on-trend back in the mid-nineties.
The French label first introduced its signature branded pieces in 1948, and has since gone on to become the official uniform supplier for a wide variety of sports teams – most notably Everton F.C..
If you’re not much of a football fan, do not fear, as the label is now focusing on vintage apparel that is bound to appeal to the modern man-about-town. We’re particular fans of its retro cycle wear range.
Available at Yoox.
Recommended
Le Coq Sportif Ton Sur Ton Hoodie, available at Yoox, priced $109:
Fila Vintage
A cornerstone brand of the eighties football casuals subculture, Fila has held a place in retro lovers’ hearts since its late 20th century prime.
Today, the brand continues to harness its throwback appeal, launching a range of classic and original pieces under its Vintage sub-brand.
From track jackets to striped polo shirts, shoppers will be transported back to the eighties (in a good way) in no time.
Available at Stuarts London.
Recommended
Fila Settanta Track Jacket, available at Stuarts London, priced $74:
Reebok
Reebok’s popularity has shown no sign of faltering over its extensive lifetime, remaining one of the most successful sportswear brands in the world since it was founded back in 1895.
However, it was the trainer-mad days of the eighties and nineties that cemented it as a fashion leader, with key silhouettes such as the Pump and Classic becoming instant must-owns.
These signature styles are still being produced today, with new iterations and modern technology taking Reebok’s heritage designs to a whole new level.
Available at Amazon and Reebok.
Recommended
Reebok Club C 85 Shoes, available at Amazon, priced $75:
Saucony
Running shoes have remained the speciality of US label Saucony for decades, with the brand producing technical footwear for professional athletes and budding runners alike.
Once famed for its practical appeal, the running shoe revival of recent years has seen Saucony’s classic silhouettes coveted by sneaker fans worldwide, for their simple yet striking aesthetic.
Modern day collaborations with the likes of Club Monaco and Penfield, along with limited edition releases, have helped Saucony smoothly enter the luxury trainer arena to become a key footwear player for the modern age.
Available at Amazon and Saucony.
Recommended
Saucony Shadow Original Sneakers, available at Amazon, priced $60.95:
Kappa
Kappa is another Italian sportswear label that caters to both the professional and amateur athlete, providing the official uniforms for a range of football, basketball and hockey teams across the globe.
Although your everyday sportswear fan will probably hold vivid memories of its popper leg trousers emblazoned with oversized logos, Kappa now focuses on pared-back, technical styles for both working out and daily wear.
Available at Amazon.
Recommended
Kappa Authentic Estessi T-Shirt, available at Amazon, priced $35:
Umbro
Umbro’s diamond logo is sure to conjure up memories of your school days – bulky backpacks, branded sports socks and the like – with the Manchester-born label’s pieces going beyond their original purpose to be adopted by the style-conscious youth of the eighties and nineties.
After being acquired by Nike in 2007, the brand went through something of a revamp, focusing on its footballing heritage and vintage appeal to produce classic, stylish pieces complete with original features.
Available at Amazon and Umbro.
Recommended
Umbro Football Shirt, available at Amazon, priced $31.81:
