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

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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.

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*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.

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