Adidas “Take Off” Rough Rat Gallery Crewneck — Early 90s — Size US S/M

Adidas “Take Off” Rough Rat Gallery Crewneck — Early 90s — Size S/M

ThePlugOfVintage presents a rare Adidas “Take Off” series crewneck from the late 1980s / early 1990s — designed in West Germany, manufactured in Hong Kong, and featuring the iconic “The National Rough Rat Gallery” graphic print. One of the most sought-after pieces in the archival Adidas collecting world. Original labels intact.

The chest carries the bold “The National Rough Rat Gallery” print, and the sleeves and ribbing are accented with striking lime green detailing. A garment that perfectly captures the moment Adidas stepped off the athletics track and onto the streets.

• Brand: Adidas — Take Off series
• Design: West Germany
• Country of manufacture: Hong Kong
• Era: Late 80s / Early 90s (c. 1991–1993)
• Style: Crewneck sweatshirt
• Graphic: The National Rough Rat Gallery — Rocky Rat, Funky Rat, Pilot Rat, Accident Rat, Punk Rat
• Accent colour: Lime green on sleeves and ribbing
• Material: 60% Cotton / 40% Polyester
• Fit: Boxy / oversized box cut
• Size: US S/M

About the Take Off Series — Adidas Goes Rogue

After the mid-1980s, Adidas underwent a major strategic shift. The brand wanted to expand from pure athletic performance into youth leisure and streetwear. For this experimental new era, the “Take Off” line was created — combining premium athletic materials with completely uninhibited, wild graphics.

Between 1991 and 1993, Adidas introduced cartoon rat characters into parts of the Take Off collection — known among collectors as the “No Rats” or “Rough Rats” series. This crewneck features five distinct characters: Rocky Rat, Funky Rat, Pilot Rat, Accident Rat, and the background-lurking Punk Rat. It was Adidas’ direct response to the rising alternative rock, skateboarding, and punk/hip-hop subcultures of the early 90s.

The series was a limited experiment. When Adidas hit financial difficulties and went through ownership changes in 1993, the Take Off line was discontinued and the brand returned to its more traditional “Equipment” direction. These sweatshirts were produced in relatively small numbers and have never been reproduced. What exists is what exists.

Condition

7/10 — Good Vintage

• Good condition for a garment of this age and rarity
• Fabric shade is very slightly faded — consistent with age and honest vintage wear
• Graphic print is intact and fully legible
• Original labels are present and readable
• A few very small holes on the front of the sweatshirt, neatly repaired
• Faint wear mark on the ribbing of one sleeve — subtle and in keeping with the garment’s history
• No odour, no structural damage

A rare early 90s Adidas Take Off Rough Rat Gallery crewneck — West Germany design, lime green accents, five rat characters. Minor age marks on a genuinely irreplaceable archival piece.

Please note — Vintage Item Disclaimer

All items at ThePlugOfVintage are thoroughly inspected, documented, and photographed before listing. Any known flaws or imperfections are always disclosed in the product description — we believe in full transparency, because that’s the standard serious collectors deserve.

We kindly ask that you read the product description carefully and take time to review all provided images before purchasing. Our goal is to present every flaw and detail as accurately as possible — so you know exactly what you’re getting.

That said, vintage garments carry decades of history, and occasional minor signs of age, wear, or natural material changes may exist beyond what even a careful inspection can detect. If you have any specific condition questions, we are always happy to present the item personally upon request.

Every piece we list is sold as-is, as a vintage item.