Billabong
Gold Coast surf brand founded in 1973. The gothic wordmark and wave logo, with 'Since 1973' wording, date its vintage.
- Origin
- Australia
- Founded
- 1973
- Category
- Athletic & Streetwear
- Documented eras
- 4
How Billabong labels evolved over time. Match the markers below against the tag in hand to place a garment in its era.
1980–1989
Curved-Lettering Wave Tags
Bold curved lettering with the iconic wave logo, tags often stating 'Made in USA' or other origins, in simple black-and-white schemes with clear fonts.
- Features bold, curved lettering with the iconic wave logo.
- Tags often state “Made in USA” or other specific locations indicating manufacturing origin.
- Simple color schemes, primarily black and white, with clear, legible fonts.
How to spot it
Bold curved lettering with the wave logo.
Value signal
Strong; 80s Billabong has a surf-collector following.
1990–1999
'Since 1973' Colourful Tags
More colourful designs in varied background and font colours, the wave logo prominent with size indicators, some carrying 'Since 1973'.
- Introduction of more colorful designs with a variety of background and font colors.
- Tags prominently feature the wave logo and often include size indicators.
- Some tags include additional text such as “Since 1973” to highlight the brand’s heritage.
How to spot it
Colourful tags with the wave logo and 'Since 1973'.
Value signal
Solid 90s vintage; value tracks the graphic.
2000–2009
Bold-and-Minimal Loop Tags
A modernised look mixing bold and minimalist designs, tags with garment technical detail, more loop tags and intricate added logos.
- Modernized look with a mix of bold and minimalist designs.
- Tags may include technical details about the garment, such as fabric composition.
- Increased use of loop tags and more intricate designs, including additional logos and symbols.
How to spot it
A modernised tag, often with a loop.
Value signal
Common; modest resale.
2010–2019
Multi-Line Modern Tags
A variety of tag styles across product lines, traditional and modern fonts with graphical elements, some with QR codes for authenticity.
- Variety of tag styles reflecting different product lines within the brand.
- Use of both traditional and modern fonts, often with additional graphical elements.
- Tags might include QR codes or other digital elements for authenticity verification.
How to spot it
Varied modern tags, sometimes with a QR code.
Value signal
Modern; priced on the piece.