Ellesse

Ellesse is Retro Sportswear with Iconic Italian Style. Ellesse has long been synonymous with standout retro sportswear, fusing bold Italian design with authentic 70s and 80s heritage. At Atom Retro, we champion the timeless appeal of Ellesse classics pieces inspired by vintage tennis whites, alpine ski culture, and the terrace-ready Mod Casuals” movement. From retro track tops and logo tees to all-season ski jackets, the Ellesse collection delivers an unbeatable blend of style, comfort, and sporting nostalgia.

Whether you're drawn to the clean lines of a Rimini Track Top, the timeless profile of the Roma Track Top, or the sharp silhouette of the Vicenza Track Top, every Ellesse garment channels decades of cultural influence. Fans of bold graphic branding will appreciate essential styles like the Prado Signature T-shirt, while lovers of technical outerwear will find year-round practicality in iconic pieces such as the Lombardy Ski Jacket.

A Heritage of Innovation: The Story Behind Ellesse

Ellesse was founded in 1959 by Italian tailor Leonardo Servadio, who saw an opportunity to reshape traditional sportswear with more expressive, fashion-forward design. By combining technical fabrics with refined tailoring, Servadio created clothing that delivered performance on the slopes and tennis courts without losing its flair.

From the 1960s through the 1990s, Ellesse established itself as a brand worn by global sports talent and cultural tastemakers alike. Tennis stars and world-class skiers embraced the label, helping cement its reputation for stylish athletic apparel. By the 1980s, Ellesse had been wholeheartedly adopted by the football casuals, who brought Italian sportswear back to the British terraces and made it part of everyday street culture.

Today, Ellesse continues to evolve within the modern athleisure landscape, combining vintage silhouettes with contemporary fits and materials. The result is a brand that works seamlessly from the gym to the street, remaining instantly recognisable thanks to its iconic half-tennis-ball and ski-tip logo.

Why We Love Ellesse - Retro Style, Modern Comfort

The Ellesse Heritage range at Atom Retro focuses on the brand’s most celebrated details:

• Funnel necks and tipped cuffs
• Archive-inspired colour palettes
• Bold contrast paneling
• Signature Ellesse logos and graphic branding
• Premium fabrics with everyday comfort

From classic sweatshirts and vintage-inspired T-shirts to sharply cut track tops and retro jackets, the collection is designed for fans of casual sportswear who appreciate both style and authenticity. Many of the pieces pair effortlessly with our wider range of men's trainers, allowing you to create a full head-to-toe retro sports look.

The Ellesse Name is a Nod to Italian Craftsmanship.

The name Ellesse cleverly reflects its founder's initials: L. S.(pronounced elle and esse in Italian). This subtle detail captures the heart of the brand heritage, individuality, and craftsmanship rooted in Italy's rich design tradition.

Shop Ellesse at Atom Retro

Explore the latest Ellesse Heritage releases and rediscover iconic silhouettes reimagined for today. Whether you're updating your terrace wear, refreshing your off-duty wardrobe, or looking for retro sportswear with attitude, Atom Retro offers one of the UK's strongest curated selections of Ellesse apparel.

Stand out. Stay classic. Wear Ellesse.

Further Reading:

90s Rewind: The 1990s Sportswear Fashion Revival - Read how Ellesse amongst other notable sportswear brands had a resurgence in the 1990s thanks in part to one  of one their most iconic and enduring  styles - The Rimini Track Top.