Sergio Tacchini
Sergio Tacchini’s iconic retro sportswear featuring classics like the Damarindo, Dallas and Orion Track Tops, the Supermac and Young Line Polo Shirts, and the timeless Master T-Shirt instantly transports you back to the golden age of 1980s Casuals style. Synonymous with old-skool sportswear and football terrace culture, Sergio Tacchini remains legendary for its bold colour blocking, sleek silhouettes, and unmistakable Italian flair. These heritage pieces have helped fuel today’s revival of vintage men’s sportswear, proving why Sergio Tacchini continues to lead the way in authentic retro fashion.
A Brief History of Sergio Tacchini
Founded in 1966 by former Italian tennis champion Sergio Tacchini, the brand reshaped the world of tennis apparel by breaking away from traditional all-white uniforms. Tacchini introduced vibrant colours, contrast stripes and Italian tailoring, bringing style and individuality onto the court.
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The Italian delegation at the 1976 Montreal Olympics
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The 1983 Italian basketball team in the European Cup
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Tennis greats like John McEnroe and Martina Navratilova, and later Novak Djokovic
McEnroe wore some of Tacchini's most iconic pieces including the Ghibli Track Jacket, Young Line Polo, Dallas Track Top, Fjord Track Jacket, and Blow Polo cementing the brand's place in retro sportswear history.
Sergio Tacchini & the 80s Casuals Movement
By the early 1980s, Sergio Tacchini had moved beyond the tennis court and gained cult status on the football terraces. British football fans travelling across Europe discovered premium Italian sportswear, quickly embracing Sergio Tacchini for its clean silhouettes, statement colours and status appeal.
Terrace favourites such as the Dallas, Orion, and Damarindo Track Tops became symbols of the growing Casuals subculture, pairing effortlessly with retro trainers and denim. This connection became immortalised in Nick Love's cult film The Firm (2009), where the Orion Track Top became a defining look for the character Bex.
From Tennis to Lifestyle: Evolving Through the 90s and Beyond
Through the late 80s and 90s, Sergio Tacchini evolved into a full lifestyle brand, adding athleisure, footwear, and accessories while maintaining its tennis-inspired DNA. Shapes, colours, and movement drawn from the court remained central to the brand's identity, blending with Italian craftsmanship to create a look that resonated across streetwear and terrace culture.
Today, Sergio Tacchini stands as a symbol of timeless retro style, beloved by sportswear collectors, fashion fans, and casual connoisseurs. As designer John Varvatos famously put it: Style is timeless. It transcends generations. Sergio Tacchini's enduring appeal continues to prove the point.
Sergio Tacchini FAQs
What Sergio Tacchini styles did John McEnroe wear?
McEnroe famously wore several key styles throughout the 1980s, including the:
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Ghibli Track Top
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Young Line Polo Shirt
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Fjord Track Jacket
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Dallas Track Top
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Blow Polo Shirt
He was memorably photographed beside Bjorn Borg at Wimbledon in 1980 wearing the Ghibli Track Top, still a firm favourite today.
Who founded Sergio Tacchini?
Italian tennis professional Sergio Tacchini founded the brand in 1966, originally under the name Sandys. He introduced colour and personality to tennis apparel, then expanded into skiwear, golfwear and lifestyle fashion. The distinctive ST logo, resembling a tennis ball and baseline, remains a hallmark of the brand.
Who wears Sergio Tacchini?
In the 80s, the brand was worn by tennis icons like John McEnroe and Jimmy Connors, and became a staple of the UK Casuals movement and football terrace culture. More recently, actors and music artists both in in the UK and US have incorporated Sergio Tacchini into contemporary urban fashion, blending retro polos with tailored blazers and also bringing back that authentic 1980s Casuals and Retro Sports look to their ensemble. Swedish actor, Alexander Skarsgard recently wore a vintage Sergio Tacchini track jacket on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert in the US.
Is Sergio Tacchini still in style?
Absolutely. The resurgence of 80s culture, football terrace aesthetics, and vintage sportswear has made Sergio Tacchini more popular than ever. Modern releases remain faithful to the originals. The styles team up perfectly with track pants and trainers for a classic retro look, or layered under a blazer with jeans for a refined streetwear twist.
Is Sergio Tacchini true to size?
As a European brand, Sergio Tacchini typically offers a slimmer fit. If you prefer a slightly looser silhouette, consider sizing up.
Where are Sergio Tacchini clothes made?
The brand is headquartered in Bellinzago Novarese, near Milan. Production is outsourced globally, while design, development and brand direction remain rooted in Italy.
Does Sergio Tacchini do womenswear?
Yes. The Sergio Tacchini Women's Collection includes retro tennis-inspired polo dresses, classic tees, statement polos, and the iconic Women's Track Top combining sporty heritage with a modern feminine edge.
Shop Sergio Tacchini at Atom Retro
Explore our full collection of Sergio Tacchini track tops, retro polo shirts, classic tees, shorts, and vintage-inspired jackets. Whether you're reliving 80s Casuals style or updating your contemporary wardrobe, Sergio Tacchini delivers timeless Italian sportswear with authentic retro attitude. Atom Retro stocks a wide range of Sergio Tacchini Men's and Women's styles with Worldwide shipping.
Further Reading:
90s Rewind: The 1990s Sportswear Fashion Revival - We look at how some of the classic 90s looks are making a comeback.
Sergio Tacchini and the 1990s Britpop Era - Sergio Tacchini and 1990s Britpop went hand in hand. We delve in to some of Tacchini's most iconic Britpop looks.
