Vintage Adidas Tag Guide
Adidas tags changed shape, font, and material almost every decade. Here's the short field guide we use at yourluxurystoregraz to date pieces we source.
The Trefoil era (1972 – early 90s)
The Trefoil launched in 1972 for Adidas' original apparel line. Look for a woven satin tag with the black Trefoil above bold "adidas" lettering, usually paired with a "Made in West Germany", "Made in Yugoslavia", or "Made in Taiwan" country tag stitched below. 80s pieces often carry a second, smaller Trefoil care tag on the side seam.
Equipment line (1991 – late 90s)
The Equipment sub-brand introduced the three-bar Performance logo years before it replaced the Trefoil brand-wide. Tags from this window read "adidas Equipment" with the three bars in green or black. Country tags shift to Portugal, Hungary, and increasingly East Asia.
Performance era (late 90s onward)
By the late 90s the three-bar Performance logo is the main label on sportswear, with the Trefoil reserved for the Originals line. Care tags become larger, printed on synthetic ribbon, and list multiple languages. RN numbers (US-only) appear on pieces from the 2000s.
Quick authenticity checks
- Stitching on the main tag should be dense and straight; loose or crooked stitches point to a fake.
- The Trefoil's three leaves should be symmetrical with clearly separated tips.
- Country and size tags should share the same era of typography as the main tag.
- Metal zippers on 80s / early 90s pieces are usually YKK or Opti and stamped.