Rab
Sheffield climbing and outdoor brand founded by Rab Carrington in 1981. Bold serif 'Rab' with 'Hand Made in Sheffield, England' is the hallmark of the earliest tags; batch numbers and Pertex fabric-type details track the 1990s.
- Origin
- England
- Founded
- 1981
- Category
- Outdoor & Heritage
- Documented eras
- 4
How Rab labels evolved over time. Match the markers below against the tag in hand to place a garment in its era.
1980–1989
1980s vintage Rab tags
Bold, serif lettering for the Rab logo Tags often include “Hand Made in Sheffield, England” indicating local production.
- Bold, serif lettering for the Rab logo.
- Tags often include “Hand Made in Sheffield, England” indicating local production.
- Size indicators usually present alongside the main logo.
- Occasionally features additional product information such as material and care instructions.
How to spot it
Bold, serif lettering for the Rab logo — confirms this label era.
Value signal
Good vintage demand; 1980s label detail is a key value driver.
1990–1999
1990s vintage Rab tags
Introduction of more detailed product information, including batch numbers and fabric details like Pertex Tags still primarily produced in England with “Made in Sheffield, England” prominently displayed.
- Introduction of more detailed product information, including batch numbers and fabric details like Pertex.
- Tags still primarily produced in England with “Made in Sheffield, England” prominently displayed.
- Use of both serif and sans-serif fonts for different sections of the tag.
- Size tags often included as a separate, smaller tag beneath the main label.
How to spot it
Introduction of more detailed product information, including batch numbers and fabric details like Pertex — confirms this label era.
Value signal
Moderate collector interest; condition and completeness determine value.
2000–2009
2000s vintage Rab tags
Modernization of the tag design with a mix of serif and sans-serif fonts Introduction of darker tag colors and more durable materials.
- Modernization of the tag design with a mix of serif and sans-serif fonts.
- Introduction of darker tag colors and more durable materials.
- Still includes “Made in Sheffield, England” on many items, but some products start to feature international production locations.
- More detailed care instructions and product information included.
How to spot it
Modernization of the tag design with a mix of serif and sans-serif fonts — confirms this label era.
Value signal
Entry-level vintage; value driven by brand recognition and condition.
2010–2019
2010s vintage Rab tags
Further modernization with sleek, minimalist designs Tags often feature international manufacturing locations, reflecting the brand’s global expansion.
- Further modernization with sleek, minimalist designs.
- Tags often feature international manufacturing locations, reflecting the brand’s global expansion.
- Introduction of new tag styles and layouts, including loop tags and printed labels.
- Use of various colors and materials for tags, adapting to different product lines and styles.
How to spot it
Further modernization with sleek, minimalist designs — confirms this label era.
Value signal
Entry-level vintage; value driven by brand recognition and condition.