When it comes to classic terrace style, few brands carry the same weight as Ellesse. Born in Italy but adopted wholeheartedly by British football Casuals, the label’s iconic track tops became a defining look of the 1980s and beyond. Now, with the return of the Rimini, Roma, and Milan jackets in fresh new-season colourways, a new generation gets the chance to experience three of the most recognisable silhouettes in retro sportswear.

But these aren’t just old designs brought back for nostalgia’s sake. Each of these jackets tells a story—of tennis courts, Italian craftsmanship, British terraces, and the era when sportswear became streetwear.

The Birth of an Italian Icon

Ellesse was founded in 1959 by Leonardo Servadio, an Italian tailor with a vision: to blend high-quality tailoring with athletic functionality. The brand name itself comes from his initials—L.S., pronounced “Ell-esse.”

In the 1970s and early 1980s, Ellesse carved out a reputation for stylish ski and tennis apparel. At a time when most sports brands kept logos subtle or hidden, Ellesse did the opposite. It proudly placed bold branding on the outside of garments, turning performance wear into fashion statements.

By the early ’80s, the brand’s clean lines, vibrant colour blocking, and unmistakable half-ball logo made their way from tennis courts to city streets—and eventually onto football terraces across the UK.

The Rimini: The Terrace Classic

The Rimini’s defining features include:

• Bold horizontal stripes across the chest and sleeves

• A classic funnel neck

• Dual Ellesse logo badges

• A sharp, athletic silhouette

It wasn’t just its looks that made the Rimini iconic—it was its cultural impact. The jacket gained renewed fame after appearing in the opening scene of the 2009 film The Firm, a modern remake of the British cult classic about football casual culture. The exposure sparked a surge of interest, ultimately leading to the relaunch of the Ellesse Heritage line in the UK in 2010.

Today, the Rimini remains the ultimate terrace track top: instantly recognisable, effortlessly stylish, and deeply rooted in casuals history.

The Roma: Understated 80s Elegance

Key features include:

• Contrasting sleeve stripes

• Clean, balanced colour blocking

• Dual Ellesse chest badges

• Streamlined, sporty fit

The Roma embodies the same blend of performance and style that defined Ellesse’s golden era. It’s less about bold statements and more about refined terrace aesthetics—making it a favourite among those who appreciate classic sportswear without the flash.

Like the Rimini, the Roma became part of the British casuals uniform, worn by fans who prized European sportswear labels for their quality, exclusivity, and distinctive style.

The Milan: From Tennis Legend to Terrace Staple

Distinctive design elements include:

• Funnel neck construction

• Striped collar, cuffs, and hem

• Piping details along the sides and sleeves

• Clean, athletic lines inspired by tennis wear

The Milan bridges the gap between performance and casual style. Its sporty, court-ready design translated perfectly to streetwear, earning it a place alongside the Rimini and Roma in the wardrobes of terrace regulars across Britain.

Even decades later, it remains a staple piece—proof that great design never goes out of fashion.

From Courts to Terraces

What makes the Rimini, Roma, and Milan so important isn’t just their design—it’s what they represent.

During the late ’70s and ’80s, British football casuals began adopting European sportswear brands as part of their matchday look. Labels like Ellesse, Sergio Tacchini, Fila, and Diadora became symbols of status and style. The clothes were functional, well-made, and—crucially—different from mainstream British sportswear.

Ellesse’s bold logos and Italian flair made it a natural fit for the movement. The Rimini, Roma, and Milan track tops quickly became terrace staples, worn by fans who valued authenticity and attention to detail.

A New Season, the Same Iconic Style

The return of these three classics in new-season colourways is more than just a reissue—it’s a continuation of a legacy. Each jacket carries decades of cultural weight, from Italian tennis courts to British football terraces and beyond.

Whether you’re a long-time casuals enthusiast or discovering the brand for the first time, the Rimini, Roma, and Milan offer something rare in modern menswear: genuine heritage combined with timeless design.

Some styles come and go. Others, like these Ellesse icons, never really leave—they just wait for their next moment.

And with this latest drop, that moment has arrived once again.

Shop the complete Ellesse men's range here.