The short answer: Both are Italian retro‑sportswear icons built around the tennis‑court track top. Choose Sergio Tacchini for the cleaner 80s tennis look and bold colour‑blocking — just size up, as the tops come up small. Choose FILA for the chunkier 70s/Settanta heritage and tipped‑rib trims — and it fits true to size.

Sergio Tacchini vs FILA at a glance

Heritage: two Italian sportswear originals

Sergio Tacchini was founded in 1966 by the Italian tennis professional of the same name. Through the late 70s and 80s its tracksuits became courtside icons — worn by stars like John McEnroe and Guillermo Vilas — and crossed over into British terrace and casual culture, where the bold colour‑blocked track tops are still a staple today.

FILA goes back to 1911 in Biella, northern Italy, originally making knitwear and textiles before moving into sportswear in the 1970s. Its tennis heyday is defined by Björn Borg, whose FILA kit became legendary at Wimbledon. The brand later became a cornerstone of 90s hip‑hop and UK casuals style, and the Settanta track top remains its most recognisable piece.

Style & the icon track tops

Both brands live and die by the track top, but the look is different. Sergio Tacchini leans on crisp, panelled colour‑blocking with a stand collar and the round ST monogram — a sharper, tennis‑club feel. FILA tends toward a chunkier, more retro silhouette: ribbed bomber‑style collars and cuffs with contrast tipping, velour options, and the unmistakable red‑and‑navy F‑box. If you want clean and sporty, go Sergio Tacchini; if you want heritage and texture, go FILA.

Fit & sizing: the key difference

This is where they part ways. Sergio Tacchini tops come up small — t‑shirts, polos and track tops all run snug, so we recommend sizing up for a comfortable, regular fit (the shorts and joggers are true to size). FILA is true to size with a comfortable regular cut — order your usual size. Get the sizing right and either brand layers easily.

For full measurements, see our Sergio Tacchini Sizing & Fit Guide and FILA Sizing & Fit Guide.

Price & value in the UK

The two sit in a similar, accessible bracket — retro track tops typically land around £60–£90, tees from around £25–£35. At Spiral Seven we’re an official stockist of both, with regular sale lines and free next‑day UK delivery on orders over £70, so it’s easy to compare the two side by side at fair prices.

Which should you buy?

• Buy Sergio Tacchini if you want the clean 80s tennis look, bold colour‑blocked track tops and a sharper finish — remember to size up.
• Buy FILA if you want 70s heritage, the Settanta‑style ribbed collar and texture, and a true‑to‑size fit.
• Still deciding? They sit perfectly together in a casuals wardrobe — many go Sergio Tacchini for tennis‑clean fits and FILA for retro statement pieces.

Shop the brands at Spiral Seven

Browse the full ranges — Shop Men’s Sergio Tacchini and Shop Men’s FILA. For more, see our Best Designer Polo Shirts for Men guide.

FAQs

Is Sergio Tacchini or FILA better?

Neither is “better” — both are authentic Italian retro‑sportswear brands. Sergio Tacchini has the cleaner 80s tennis look; FILA has the chunkier 70s heritage feel. Pick on style and fit.

Does Sergio Tacchini come up small?

Yes — Sergio Tacchini tops (t‑shirts, polos, track tops) run small, so size up for a regular fit. The shorts and joggers are true to size.

Does FILA fit true to size?

Yes. FILA clothing is cut true to size with a comfortable regular fit, so order your usual size. (Note: FILA trainers tend to run small, but the clothing is true to size.)

What are their most famous pieces?

Sergio Tacchini is best known for its colour‑blocked track tops (Orion, Dallas); FILA for the Settanta track top and its Björn Borg tennis heritage.

Are they good for terrace / casuals style?

Both are staples of UK terrace and casuals culture — retro track tops, tees and polos that layer well and carry genuine sportswear heritage.

Last updated: 29 June 2026 · Spiral Seven is an official UK stockist of Sergio Tacchini and FILA.