This Italian powerhouse was founded in 1965, and its journey through the decades has left us with iconic pieces that every vintage aficionado should recognize. If you’re hunting for Benetton’s best, you’ll want to keep an eye out for spellout sweatshirts, the renowned striped rugby polo, and the colorful knitwear that dominated the 90s fashion scene.

But what truly makes these pieces special is the storied history behind them. The 1969 logo, with its abstract circular shapes and intertwined asterisk-like symbol, set the tone for the brand’s distinct identity. By the 80s, Benetton had refined its look with the “Maglierie benetton” logo on a green rectangular backdrop, embodying the united colors concept that would soon sweep the globe. The 90s brought in the “United Colors of Benetton” in bold uppercase letters, marking a decade when knitwear and sweatshirts became everyday essentials.

In every era, the tags also tell their story: the bright hues and lowercase “benetton” tags of the 80s, the uppercase “United Colors of Benetton” labels of the 90s, and the organic, sustainability-focused tags of the 2010s. Today, Benetton continues to embody its original spirit with a modern twist.

Benetton’s iconic pieces are more than just threads—they’re vibrant artifacts of fashion history, inviting you to step into a world where color meets creativity in every stitch.

Rare Must Watch 80s Benetton Advert

How to tell if Benetton is vintage from the logo

From its early days as “Maglierie Benetton” to the distinctive “United Colors of Benetton,” each logo iteration encapsulates a unique era in the brand’s history. The evolution began in 1969 with a stylized knitting stitch and transformed through decades of bold design choices. Whether it’s the addition of the signature green box or the shift to the iconic “United Colors of Benetton” name in the 1980s, each change reflects a step in the brand’s colorful journey.

Explore the history of the logos to uncover how Benetton embraced both tradition and modernity, ultimately becoming a worldwide symbol of energy and movement in fashion.

1969 to 1971 Benetton Logo

• The first logo shows the word “benetton” with abstract circular and curved shapes.
• Includes a distinctive symbol with intertwined lines, resembling an asterisk.

1971 to 1989 Benetton Logo

• Introduces “Maglierie benetton” with the original intertwined symbol.
• Green rectangular background is introduced, which will continue in later versions.

1977 to 1989 Benetton Logo

• Retains the same logo but includes “benetton” in lowercase with the signature green background.

1989 to 1996 Benetton Logo

• Includes “United Colors of Benetton” in uppercase on a green rectangular background.

1996 to 2011 Benetton Logo

• Maintains “United Colors of Benetton” in uppercase within a larger rectangular green box.

2011 to now Benetton Logo

• The modern logo retains “United Colors of Benetton” in uppercase in a bright green rectangle.

How to tell if Benetton is vintage from the tags

The evolution of United Colors of Benetton tags mirrors the brand’s dynamic journey through changing trends and fashion landscapes. Each tag is a testament to the brand’s innovative spirit and unwavering commitment to quality. In the 1980s, the bright, lowercase “benetton” tags were a colorful emblem of creativity, often paired with the iconic “Made in Italy” stamp. The 1990s ushered in uppercase “United Colors of Benetton” tags, blending bold fonts with varied backgrounds to reflect the era’s multicultural appeal. The early 2000s brought a shift toward sleek, minimalist tags with simple yet impactful designs, while the 2010s emphasized sustainability with terms like “Organic Cotton” and clean, modern aesthetics. Each tag tells a story of its time, showcasing how Benetton has consistently adapted to changing trends while staying true to its vibrant and inclusive ethos.

Can’t figure out your vintage labels? Submit a picture on our vintage tag identification page, and we’ll help you identify them!

1980s vintage Benetton tags

• Tags prominently feature the word “benetton” in lowercase and a distinctive logo.
• Often include the phrase “Made in Italy.”
• Use of various bright colors like green and red.

1990s vintage Benetton tags

• Tags often include “United Colors of Benetton” in uppercase, with “Made in Italy” above or below.
• Various tags are present in multiple colors, including green, blue, and red.
• Some tags include “100% Cotton” indicating fabric composition.

2000s vintage Benetton tags

• Tags often include “United Colors of Benetton” in uppercase.
• Use of simple, bold fonts on rectangular or loop tags, sometimes with different background colors.
• Still contain “Made in Italy” with the iconic green color used in many tags.

2010s vintage Benetton tags

• Tags often emphasize sustainability with terms like “Organic Cotton.”
• Include “United Colors of Benetton” prominently in uppercase.
• Simple rectangular tags often using white backgrounds and green font.