The adidas brand t-shirts

The three stripes, from Herzogenaurach to the All Blacks

It was in 1949 that Adi Dassler registered adidas, a contraction of his nickname and surname, in his hometown of Herzogenaurach. A shoe manufacturer since the 1920s, he initially built the brand's reputation on sports shoes before expanding into textiles. In rugby, adidas became the official supplier to the All Blacks in 1999, a partnership that has endured through several World Cups and remains one of the most followed in sport. This presence at the highest level feeds into its t-shirts: training models inspired by those of the players, supporter t-shirts in national colours, and basic cotton tees emblazoned with the logo.

The other brands

T-shirts are also available by brand:

• Serge Blanco.
• Camberabero.
• Nike.
• Macron.
• Errea.
• Erima.

The entire selection can be found on the t-shirts page.

adidas cotton or technical t-shirt: two distinct uses

The cotton t-shirt adidas is a staple for everyday wear: soft jersey, ribbed crew neck, logo printed on the chest or three stripes along the shoulders. It can be worn in town or in the stands on sunny days. The technical t-shirt, made of polyester, is meant for training: the brand incorporates its Aeroready technology, which absorbs moisture and wicks it away to keep the skin dry during exercise. It is recognized by its smoother feel and lightweight. For a player, the first is for everyday life, while the second is for physical training sessions and warm-up runs.

adidas sizing: regular, slim or loose fit

adidas specifies the fit of its t-shirts on the product page. The regular fit, the most common, corresponds to the usual size. The slim or fitted cuts, often found in training models, hug the torso: a broad-shouldered player will need to go up a size. The loose or oversized cuts, baggier, can be bought in your usual size to maintain the desired look. In terms of care, polyester should be washed at a maximum of 30 degrees, without fabric softener, which clogs the fibers and hinders sweat wicking; cotton can handle a bit more heat but shrinks in the tumble dryer.

Good deals

Great deals can be found in the promotions, clearance, sales, and Black Friday. The new arrivals showcase the latest collections. Items shipped in 24h are prepared and dispatched within 24 hours. Key times of the year follow a stable order: Black Friday in late autumn, the year-end holidays, the winter sales, the French Days in spring, followed by the summer sales and back to school.

Frequently asked questions

What does the trefoil mean on an adidas t-shirt?

Designed in 1971, the trefoil was initially the logo of the entire brand. It now identifies the Originals line, inspired by retro designs, while sports and training t-shirts bear the logo with the three inclined stripes.

Does adidas dress the French national rugby team?

Yes, the brand has been the supplier for the French Rugby Federation since 2024. It had previously held this role from 1986 to 1998 and then from 2012 to 2018, and produces supporter and training t-shirts in the colors of the Blues.

Why does a technical t-shirt retain odours?

Polyester retains more bacteria that cause odours compared to cotton. It should be washed quickly after the session, inside out, with a bit of white vinegar added to the rinse; leaving it damp and rolled up increases the problem significantly.

Where do the three stripes of adidas come from?

The brand acquired the rights to this motif in 1952 from a Finnish manufacturer who was already using it. The three stripes have become its signature, first on shoes, then on the sleeves and shoulders of many t-shirts.

adidas t-shirt for women: what fit to choose?

The women's models are cut shorter and more fitted at the waist, with narrower shoulders. A woman who prefers a looser fit can choose a men's model one size down from her usual size.