The Legacy of Sergio Tacchini - The Iconic Italian Men’s Sportswear Brand
Sergio Tacchini is one of the most influential names in men’s sportswear, football casual clothing and retro style. Founded in Italy in the 1960s, the brand has spent decades moving effortlessly between elite sport, the 80s casual scene and the football terraces.
From bold, colour-rich tennis kits that broke away from tradition to iconic mens track tops, Sergio has always stood for more than just clothing. It’s about attitude, heritage and that crossover between sport and subcultures. Today, with its 60th Anniversary collection on the horizon, Sergio Tacchini is firmly back in its stride — drawing on its archives while staying rooted in modern casual wear.
This guide breaks down who Sergio Tacchini is, why the brand still matters today, and why RD1 Clothing is one of the best places to shop Sergio Tacchini in the UK.
Who is Sergio Tacchini?
Sergio Tacchini, born in Italy in 1938, was a professional tennis player who competed at the very highest level, featuring in major tournaments including Wimbledon, the Australian Open and the French Open.
In 1966, Sergio founded his namesake brand, changing the game in tennis fashion almost overnight. At a time when the sport was dominated by all-white kits, Sergio introduced colour, personality, and style. While also being one of the first to focus on sportswear that was both comfortable and fashionable.
What started on the tennis court quickly moved beyond it. Over the decades, Sergio Tacchini evolved without ever losing its Italian identity or sporting roots.
Why is Sergio Tacchini So Popular?
“Cor, I used to love that stuff back in the day.” It’s the kind of reaction Sergio Tacchini still gets without trying.
Sergio Tacchini works because it’s always sat in the right place. It doesn’t force itself into the conversation; it’s already part of it.
Yes, it was worn by tennis greats like John McEnroe, Martina Hingis and Ilie Năstase. And yes, it crossed over into film, music and street culture through figures like Danny Dyer, LL Cool J and The Notorious B.I.G.. But that’s not really why people still wear Sergio.
The truth about its popularity is simple. The gear just looks right and stands out. Clean lines, proper colour, unmistakable track tops — the kind of pieces that make you say “I’ll have some of that.”
You’ll be walking down the road, stepping into the pub or bowling through an airport, and it happens. Sergio doesn’t shout — it just gets noticed. It’s the sort of kit that starts conversations naturally.
That’s why it’s never really gone away. It keeps finding its way back into wardrobes that know a good thing when they see it.
Sergio Tacchini and 80s football casual fashion
The 1980s marked a defining era for football casual culture in the UK. As supporters travelled across Europe following their teams, many returned home having discovered premium continental sportswear — laying the foundations for what we now recognise as football casual fashion.
Sergio Tacchini track tops quickly became part of that uniform. Alongside brands like Fila, Tacchini stood out thanks to its sharp tailoring, unmistakable colour palettes and strong sporting heritage. It looked different — and that was the point.
While often associated with terrace wear, Sergio Tacchini was never just for match days. These were pieces worn on nights out, for a pint down the local boozer or taking the kids to Sunday league — helping define football casual clothing as a lifestyle rather than just a look.
That same DNA lives on today through modern reissues and heritage collections, with its influence still visible in British pop culture, from 80s and terrace folklore to films like The Business and The Firm.
Do People Still Wear Sergio Tacchini?
Short answer — yes. And arguably more than ever.
Sergio Tacchini has seen a proper resurgence, driven by renewed interest in retro sportswear, 80s casual fashion and heritage brands that actually mean something. Younger generations are picking it up through vintage styling, archive-led reissues and modern pop-culture moments — while the original casual crowd never really dropped it in the first place.
Classic track tops like the Damarindo and Dallas have cropped up in recent shows such as Mobland and The Gentlemen, reinforcing Sergio’s place in modern style without forcing the issue. That visibility has brought the brand to a new audience, while still staying true to its football casual roots.
It’s not a comeback - it’s just Sergio doing what it’s always done.
Where has Sergio Tacchini been spotted?
We’ve already touched on Sergio Tacchini’s place in British film culture through titles like The Business and The Firm. But the brand’s cultural footprint goes well beyond that.
From series like Breaking Bad to modern cinema, Sergio continues to appear naturally on screen. In The Beekeeper, Jeremy Irons wears an Orion Track Top created in collaboration with Sergio Tacchini.
On the court, the legacy is just as strong. Players like John McEnroe and Goran Ivanišević wore Sergio styles such as the Supermac and Young Line at Wimbledon — cementing its credibility at the highest level.
Is Sergio Tacchini true to size?
Short answer — yes, but it depends how you want it to fit. Sergio Tacchini is cut with a classic 80s silhouette rather than an oversized, boxy shape. Track tops like the Orion or Supermac are designed to sit neatly on the body.
Our honest advice:
If you want a regular and more relaxed fit, size up in most Sergio styles.
If you prefer a slimmer fit, stick to your usual size.
Here at RD1, we provide detailed size guides and customer support to help you get the right fit, first time.
How can you tell if Sergio Tacchini is real?
With a heritage brand like Sergio Tacchini, authenticity matters. The real stuff always shows in the details. Genuine Sergio pieces are defined by:
- Sharp, cleanly embroidered or printed logos
- Neat stitching and high-quality finishing throughout
- Official internal tags with correct care and product information
- Premium fabrics with real weight, structure, and feel
The easiest way to avoid fakes is to shop with retailers who genuinely know the brand. At RD1, every Sergio piece we sell comes directly from official UK supply chains. That’s why you’ll often see Mickey popping up at Sergio HQ across our socials — like a kid in a sweet shop. What once started as a quick one-hour appointment is now a full day at it, with a fair bit of planning thrown in.
And if there’s ever a quality control issue — which is rare — it goes straight back up the chain to Sergio, so you’re properly looked after by both us and them. It’s all part of making sure the Sergio we bring you is the real deal.
RD1 Clothing - Sergio Tacchini Collections
Sergio Tacchini Damarindo Collection
The Damarindo is one of those Sergio pieces that just gets it right. Born as a tennis warm-up in the 80s, it quickly found its way onto the terraces thanks to its clean colour-blocking, sharp lines and no-nonsense style.
Twin stripes across the chest and sleeves keep it looking tidy, while the contrast colours and athletic fit give it real power. The modern Damarindo track top sticks to the original blueprint — embroidered logo, branded zip, open pockets, elasticated cuffs and hem. Easy to wear, easy to recognise.
One of the most talked-about pieces from the collection is the Sergio Tacchini Damarindo Track Top, specifically the Almond/Maritime Blue colourway, which was worn by Peter Serafinowicz (Tommy Dixon, The Debt Collector) in The Gentlemen — proof that it still holds its own.
Here at RD1, we offer a great selection from the Damarindo Collection. Make sure you're signed up to our mailing list so you don't miss out on the latest drops and updates.
Sergio Tacchini Orion Collection
The Orion is pure Sergio — clean, minimal,and straight out of the 80s. Famously worn by John McEnroe when he lifted the Wimbledon trophy in 1983, this one’s proper sportswear history.
Built with a sharp Italian silhouette, the Orion keeps things simple for a reason. A neatly placed embroidered logo, contrast piping, and the appliqué double stripe on the sleeve do the talking. No overdesign, no noise — just a tidy track top that works anywhere.
You’ve got open pockets, a branded zip, elasticated cuffs and hem, and a funnel neck that sits right whether you’re moving or taking it easy.
We keep a strong rotation of Sergio Tacchini Orion pieces at RD1. When they land, they don’t hang about — so if you’re after one, don’t sleep on it.
At RD1 Clothing, we offer a great selection from the Sergio Tacchini Orion Collection. Be sure to sign up to our mailing list so you’re the first to know about new releases and updates.
Sergio Tacchini Dallas Collection
The Dallas Collection is Sergio at its most unapologetic. This is the louder side of 80s Italian sportswear — bold, confident and made to stand out. Dropping during Sergio Tacchini’s tennis dominance, the Dallas was never meant to blend in.
Built around statement track tops and track pants, the collection is defined by its twin chest stripes, vibrant colour combinations, and sharp athletic cuts. Navy and white, green, white and navy — proper 80s energy with no soft edges. Funnel and stand-up collars, full zip fronts and ribbed cuffs and hems keep the fit clean and comfortable without losing shape.
The Dallas has serious heritage behind it. Worn by John McEnroe during Sergio’s golden years and later cemented in 80s inspired film through The Business, it’s a piece of sportswear history that still hits today.
This isn’t subtle kit — and it was never meant to be. The Dallas Collection is for those who want their Sergio loud and confident.
Here at RD1, we offer a great selection from the Dallas Collection. Be sure to sign up to our mailing list so you stay updated on the latest releases and exclusive drops.
Additional Sergio Tacchini styles at RD1
Beyond the core collections, RD1 Clothing also stocks a wide range of sought-after styles such as:
Velour - plush textures with unmistakable retro appeal
Supermac - iconic tennis and casual crossover
Young Line - bold colour blocking rooted in 80s design
Frankie - relaxed silhouettes with streetwear influence
Renshaw - clean, court-inspired styling
Santoro - understated, heritage-led sportswear
These lines ensure something for every type of Sergio Tacchini fan.
Sergio Tacchini 60th anniversary collection (coming soon)
2026 marks 60 years of Sergio Tacchini, with the upcoming 60th Anniversary Collection celebrating everything the brand has stood for since day one.
Inspired by sun-drenched Italian clay courts and classic European summer colour palettes, the collection revisits iconic silhouettes through premium fabrics, rich textures and refined detailing. Expect crochet knits, elevated piqué polos, cotton tracksuits and plush velour styles — effortless pieces for channelling your inner Tony Soprano while holding court in your own manor.
Sergio Tacchini 60th Anniversary
Where to Buy Sergio Tacchini in the UK
If you’re looking for authentic Sergio Tacchini track tops, 80s-inspired tracksuits or men’s retro sportswear, RD1 Clothing is your go-to destination. As one of the UK’s leading independent casual wear retailers, we personally select every Sergio piece we sell — choosing styles rooted in nostalgia, cultural significance and built to stay in your wardrobe for years to come.
Sergio Tacchini perfectly reflects what we stand for: authenticity, heritage and timeless design. That’s why Sergio remains a cornerstone of our collection season after season.
Our ranges includes iconic Damarindo track tops, clean and contemporary Sergio Orion styles, and classic Dallas collection pieces — all rooted in retro sportswear history and reworked for modern casual wear.
As an established Sergio stockist, RD1 Clothing offers:
- 100% genuine Sergio products
- Extended sizing up to 4XL
- Fast UK delivery
- Easy, hassle-free returns
Explore our full men’s Sergio clothing collection today and discover classic casual wear that blends vintage attitude with modern style — the way Sergio was meant to be worn.
Sergio Tacchini Men’s Sale at RD1
RD1 also offers exclusive discounts on Sergio Tacchini menswear. Browse our Sergio Tacchini Men's Sale for the best deals on tracksuits, track tops, and more.
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