If you're into vintage clothing, especially thrashed tees or old-school athletic wear, you've definitely come across Champion. From gym class essentials to streetwear staples, Champion shirts are iconic—and their tags are goldmines for dating your finds.
Here’s a decade-by-decade breakdown of Champion shirt tags and how they’ve changed over time:
1950s–1960s: "Running Man" and Early Days
- Tag Style: These are extremely rare and usually feature the iconic Running Man logo—an athlete in motion—paired with "Champion Knitwear Company, Inc."
- Material: Often 100% cotton, loopwheeled construction.
- Details:
- Sewn-in white cotton tags.
- Sizing was sometimes handwritten or printed faintly.
- Made in the USA, almost always mentioned.
✅ Tell-tale sign: A simple tag with “Champion Knitwear Co.” and possibly the running man logo = 1950s–early 60s gem.
1960s–1970s: Blue Bar Tag Era
- Tag Style: The Blue Bar tag became standard. Look for a white background with a blue horizontal bar and "Champion" written in block font.
- Details:
- "100% Cotton" or “Cotton/Acrylic Blend.”
- "Made in USA" clearly printed.
- RN 26094 sometimes appears.
✅ Time stamp: Blue Bar tags ruled from late 60s through late 70s. These are some of the most collectible Champion shirts, especially for sports or college graphics.
1980s: Transition to Script Logo + Embroidery
- Early '80s: Still saw some Blue Bar tags.
- Mid-to-late '80s: The Script Champion logo was introduced.
- Tag Style:
- White tag, with red/blue script logo (“C” with a tail).
- "Champion Products Inc." or "Champion Knitwear."
- RN 26094 remains consistent.
- Details: - Often 50/50 cotton/poly blends.
- "Made in USA" present.
- Some tags show fiber content on one side, branding on the other.
✅ Nostalgia hit: These tags scream vintage gym wear and are often found on old ringer tees and reverse weaves.
1990s: Made in USA Script Tag + Reverse Weave Boom
- Tag Style: Dominated by script logo tags, more refined.
- Red, white, and blue tag layout.
- “Champion” in script with a larger, trademarked “C” emblem.
- Details:
- Sizes in bold.
- RN 26094 still there.
- “Made in USA” continues through most of the '90s.
- “Reverse Weave” was clearly labeled on sweats.
✅ Key look: If you find a Champion shirt with the tri-color script tag and USA origin, you’re probably holding a piece from 1990–1996.
Late 1990s–2000s: Offshore Manufacturing & Printed Tags Begin
- Tag Style:
- Script logo continues, but “Made in Honduras” or “Mexico” appears.
- By the early 2000s, tags started switching to heat-pressed/printed styles.
- Details:
- Polyester content increased.
- Font and layout modernized.
- RN 26094 still included.
✅ Heads-up: If your tag is printed directly on the fabric and says Honduras or El Salvador, it’s from post-1998 onward.
2010s–Now: Modern Champion & Collab Explosion
-Tag Style:
- Mostly printed tags (no more sewn-in).
- Still using the classic script “C.”
- Details:
- Includes care instructions, fiber content, and country of origin (often Central America or Asia).
- Special collabs (like Champion x Supreme or Champion x Vetements) have custom tags.
✅ Pro tip: Modern tags are clean, minimal, and functional—but if you're hunting for that gritty, vintage look, earlier decades are where the magic’s at.
Tag Timeline at a Glance
| Decade | Tag Style | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| 1950s–60s | Running Man, Knitwear Co. | Rare, basic, loopwheeled cotton |
| 60s–70s | Blue Bar Tag | Block font, “Champion Products Inc.” |
| 1980s | Script Logo Introduced | 50/50 blends, classic gym fits |
| 1990s | Script Logo, Made in USA | Reverse Weave hype, quality peak |
| 2000s | Script + Printed Tags | Overseas production, polyester blends |
| 2010s–Now | Printed tags + Collabs | Minimal, streetwear-driven designs |
Final Tips for Dating Champion Shirts:
- Check the RN number (26094 has stayed consistent for decades).
- Look at the country of origin—“Made in USA” is a clear vintage marker.
- Pay attention to material blend—older shirts are often 100% cotton or 50/50.
Whether you're reselling vintage tees or building your own collection, knowing your Champion tags is tight tight tight. Next time you’re thrifting or deep in a flea market bin, flip that neck tag and time travel.
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