Vintage Identification: Jerzees

History of Jerzees

Jerzees is a well-known brand primarily recognized for its apparel and activewear, including t-shirts, sweatshirts, and other garments. The history of Jerzees dates back to the early 20th century when the company was founded.

Jerzees was founded in 1984 in Providence, Rhode Island, USA. The brand was established as a division of Russell Corporation, which itself had a long history in the textile and apparel industry. Russell Corporation, founded in 1902, initially focused on producing athletic uniforms and sportswear.

Jerzees quickly gained prominence in the textile and clothing industry due to its commitment to producing high-quality, comfortable, and durable garments. The brand's early emphasis on creating clothing suitable for active lifestyles, sports teams, and casual wear helped it gain a loyal customer base.

In the 1990s, Jerzees expanded its product offerings beyond basic t-shirts and sweatshirts to include a wider range of styles, colors, and fabric blends. This strategic move allowed the brand to cater to various market segments and customer preferences, further boosting its popularity.

In 2006, Russell Corporation, including its Jerzees division, was acquired by Berkshire Hathaway, the multinational conglomerate headed by Warren Buffett. This acquisition brought Jerzees under the umbrella of one of the world's largest and most reputable companies. Under Berkshire Hathaway's ownership, Jerzees continued to grow and innovate. This commitment to innovation helped Jerzees maintain its competitive edge in the ever-evolving apparel industry.

Jerzees became synonymous with comfortable and reliable casual wear, and its products were widely used not only by individuals but also by schools, sports teams, and organizations that needed customized apparel. The brand's commitment to quality, combined with its extensive distribution network, allowed it to maintain a strong market presence.

Over the years, Jerzees' products became staples in people's wardrobes and were often chosen for their affordability, durability, and versatility. The brand's ability to adapt to changing fashion trends while staying true to its core values contributed to its long-lasting success.

 

How to identify vintage Jerzees

Vintage Jerzees, like many other brands, can be identified by their tags. In fact, Jerzees has one of the most recognizable tags- something about the Russell Corporation, they just make fun, standing-the-test-of-time tags. As always It is impossible for us to identify the exact year an item from Jerzees was made, so keep that in mind. It's time for yet another installment of vintage identification with: Jerzees.

 

*Sonny De Cru does not claim ownership of any images unless otherwise stated*

 

The Early to Late 80s Tags

Era: Early 80s to Late 80s
Info:
- Black tag belongs to the early to mid 80s
- Black tag features gold lettering
- White tag belongs to the mid to late 80s
- White tag is the beginning of their recognizable red font 
vintage jerzees tags

The Late 80s to Mid 90s Tags

Era: Late 80s to Mid 90s
Info:
- Features the most iconic Jerzees tag, the solid grid background
- Far left tag began in the late 80s extended to the early 90s
- Other listed tags range from the early 90s to mid 90s
vintage jerzees tags

The Mid 90s to Late 90s Tags

Era: Mid 90s to Late 90s
Info:
- During '96/'97, Jerzees ditched their classic look & switched to a thinner tag
- Tag features more of a rectangular, boxed tag
- Still made in USA
- Thinner tags bled into the 2000s as well, started being made in Mexico, etc...
vintage jerzees tags

Overview

 

vintage jerzees tag guide

Back to blog

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.