Ellesse, the iconic Italian sportswear brand, stands out as a testament to the fusion of style, innovation, and athletic functionality. Founded in 1959 by Leonardo “Mantis” Servadio in Perugia, Italy, the brand’s name, derived from the founder’s initials “L.S.” spoken as “elle” and “esse,” echoes its personal roots and commitment to craftsmanship. The distinctive Ellesse “half-ball” logo reflects both the rounded silhouette of a tennis ball and the angular tips of a pair of skis, symbolizing the brand’s historic focus on tennis and skiing. This emblem became a visual hallmark of Ellesse’s journey through sports fashion, continuously adapting while staying true to its roots.

From its early days of ski apparel mastery in the 1970s with the celebrated Jet Pant to its iconic presence on tennis courts in the 1980s, Ellesse has consistently set trends. Their skiwear, marked by quilted jackets and meticulously tailored ski trousers, garnered international acclaim and even landed in the Pompidou Centre in Paris as a testament to Italian design excellence. The 1980s saw Ellesse’s logo firmly etched into the minds of sports enthusiasts as it pioneered the external branding of sportswear, creating an undeniable link between sports functionality and street-level fashion. Collaborations with French designer Jean-Charles de Castelbajac and partnerships with global athletes like Chris Evert and Boris Becker solidified the brand’s reputation for combining high-performance sportswear with a dash of Italian flair.

Over the decades, Ellesse’s evolution has been chronicled through its logos and tags, with each iteration reflecting the brand’s changing dynamics. From the early stylized “L&S” monogram to the recognizable “half-ball” symbol, Ellesse logos tell a story of adaptation and innovation. The vibrant and colorful tags of the 1980s mirror the spirited ethos of the era, while the streamlined logos of the 2000s embody a sleek, modern aesthetic that aligns with the evolving tastes of sports fashion. Despite these changes, the core identity of Ellesse remains rooted in a commitment to merging sportswear technology with fashion-forward design.

As the brand embraces new ventures, such as partnering with The Sidemen or collaborating with Michael Kors, Ellesse continues to inspire with collections that celebrate its rich heritage and innovative spirit. Whether through Tomorrowland Winter’s snow apparel or the TikTok live shopping concert, Ellesse effortlessly merges sports, fashion, and culture, making it a timeless icon in the world of athletic style.

Italian Y2K Ellesse Commercial

How to tell if Ellesse is vintage from the logo

Founded in Italy in 1959, Ellesse has grown to become an iconic sportswear brand renowned for its blend of fashion and functionality. Known for its distinctive logo featuring the “half-ball” symbol, the brand has continuously evolved its logo designs over the decades to reflect changing styles and tastes while maintaining its core identity. Each era of Ellesse’s logo is a reflection of the brand’s growth and position in the sportswear world.

The various iterations of the logo over time capture the brand’s adaptability and innovative spirit. From the original stylized “L&S” monogram to the refined “Italia” branding in recent years, Ellesse logos provide valuable insight into the changing dynamics of sports fashion. Let’s dive into the history and evolution of these logos.

1959 to 1968 Ellesse logo

• Ellesse’s earliest logo was a simple and elegant “L&S” monogram, representing the initials of Leonardo Servadio, the brand’s founder.
• The text “Leonardo Servadio” flanks the logo vertically on both sides, emphasizing the personal touch of Italian tailoring.
• The logo reflects the artisanal and high-quality nature of the early products, with a nod to traditional craftsmanship.

1968 to 1975 Ellesse logo

• The logo shifts to a more linear style, introducing the “Ellesse” brand name in a handwritten script.
• Focus remains on the brand’s roots in high-quality Italian fashion, but the logo feels more contemporary with cleaner lines.

1975 to 2006 Ellesse logo

• The recognizable “half-ball” symbol debuts, symbolizing a combination of a tennis ball and ski tips, reflecting the brand’s dual focus on tennis and skiing.
• The bold, serif “Ellesse” text accompanies this symbol for a memorable and distinctive look.

2006 to 2010 Ellesse logo

• The brand name “Italia” appears beneath the main logo, reinforcing the company’s heritage.
• The color scheme remains the same, with the “half-ball” becoming more pronounced in size.

2010 to 2020 Ellesse logo

• The font is adjusted to a slightly lighter weight, giving a more modern feel.
• The “half-ball” remains consistent, solidifying it as an essential brand identifier.

2020 to now Ellesse logo

• The logo remains largely the same, but the word “Italia” is removed, signaling a shift towards a more global brand identity.
• The colors are slightly refined to enhance the visual impact.

How to tell if Ellesse is vintage from the tags

Ellesse, a renowned Italian sportswear brand, has consistently defined athletic style since its founding in 1959. Known for its unique blend of performance and fashion, Ellesse has a rich legacy that reflects in its vintage tags, which vary across different eras. Understanding these differences provides valuable insights into the brand’s evolution over the decades.

Each period features distinct labels that help enthusiasts and collectors identify the authenticity and timeline of the garments. From the bright, colorful logos of the 1980s to the sleek, modern styles of the 2010s, these tags capture the unique spirit of each era while illustrating the brand’s ability to innovate and adapt to changing trends.

Need help identifying vintage labels? Submit a picture on our vintage tag identification page, and we’ll take care of it!

1980s vintage Ellesse tags

• Often features bold, colorful logos with the signature semi-palla (half-ball) emblem.
• Labels frequently include “Made in Italy” text and international size indicators.
• Some tags have the words “Italy” or other geographical references reflecting Italian craftsmanship.

1990s vintage Ellesse tags

• Labels incorporate both bright, recognizable semi-palla logos and monochrome color schemes.
• Country-specific references like “Made in Taiwan” or “Made in the British Crown Colony of Hong Kong.”
• Occasional inclusion of collaboration labels, such as partnerships with designers or regional variations.

2000s vintage Ellesse tags

• Introduction of distinct sub-brands like “Sportivo,” often with larger, more colorful tags.
• Bold lettering and streamlined designs reflect a sportier, more athletic look.
• Size indicators often separate from the main label, emphasizing international sizes.

2010s vintage Ellesse tags

• Tags highlight a return to the brand’s roots with the iconic semi-palla emblem and “EST 1959” inscriptions.
• Includes loop tags for easy identification and comfort, with modern layouts.
• Consistent use of the Ellesse logo and brand name in varying color palettes and textile designs.