Nautica
The American nautical-sportswear brand founded by David Chu. The side sailboat emblem, then the three-sail logo, and 'Nautica Competition' wording date its tags.
- Origin
- USA
- Founded
- 1983
- Category
- Designer & Casual
- Documented eras
- 3
How Nautica labels evolved over time. Match the markers below against the tag in hand to place a garment in its era.
1990–1999
Navy 'Competition' Tags
Rectangular tags with 'Nautica' in bold white on navy; 'Nautica Competition' tags add contrasting red text, with make info — USA or Hong Kong — and size indicators.
- Rectangular tags featuring the “Nautica” logo in bold white letters on a navy-blue background.
- Nautica Competition” tags often used contrasting red lettering beneath the logo.
- Tags frequently included manufacturing information, such as being “Made in U.S.A.” or “Made in Hong Kong.”
- Size indicators were commonly displayed alongside the logo, such as “XL/TG” or “M.”
How to spot it
Bold white 'Nautica' on navy, or red 'Competition'.
Value signal
Strong; 90s Nautica, especially Competition, sells very well.
2000–2009
Multi-Colour Competition Tags
Similar logos with fuller care text, more font and colour variety including black-white-red 'Nautica Competition', made in China, Vietnam or the Philippines.
- Tags often used similar logos as the 1990s but included more comprehensive care instructions.
- Introduced a wider variety of fonts, layouts, and colors on tags, including “Nautica Competition” in contrasting black, white, and red.
- Manufacturing locations varied, including countries like China, Vietnam, and the Philippines.
- Size indicators remained prominent and were often displayed with labels like “XS/TP” or “L.”
How to spot it
Varied 'Nautica Competition' colourways.
Value signal
Common; modest resale.
2010–2019
Yellow-Accent Modern Tags
Updated logos sometimes with subtle yellow accents, detailed separate care labels, bold or italic 'Nautica' with descriptors like 'Jeans Company'.
- Modern tags used updated logos, sometimes with subtle yellow accents beside the lettering.
- Included more detailed care labels, often attached separately from the main tag.
- Maintained the “Nautica” branding in bold letters, occasionally using italic fonts or additional descriptors like “Jeans Company.
- Care instructions were more detailed, often showing a global manufacturing footprint.
How to spot it
Modern 'Nautica' tags, sometimes with a yellow accent.
Value signal
Modern; priced on the piece.