Adidas 'Chinese New Year' Jacket Goes Viral Globally

The sportswear brand's latest design taps into the 'new Chinese style' trend and Gen Z's embrace of Chinese culture.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Adidas has released a jacket inspired by traditional Chinese Tang suits that has gone viral on social media, especially among younger consumers. The jacket, which features design elements like frog buttons and a Mandarin collar, has become a hot commodity, with some resellers charging up to $400 for it. The success of the jacket is seen as part of a broader trend among young people, particularly in the West, to embrace and celebrate Chinese culture and identity.

Why it matters

The popularity of the Adidas jacket highlights the growing influence of 'new Chinese style' fashion, which blends traditional Chinese aesthetics with modern design. It also reflects a shift in how younger generations, both in China and globally, are expressing their cultural identity and pride. The jacket's viral success coincides with the 'Chinesemaxxing' trend, where Gen Z is showcasing their appreciation for various aspects of Chinese culture, technology, and soft power.

The details

The jacket, which was initially only sold in China and select Asian markets before becoming available in Europe, has become a highly sought-after item. Adidas stores in major Chinese cities have reported the jackets being sold out or only available in limited colors. The design of the jacket draws inspiration from the traditional Tang suit, with features like ornamental frog buttons and a Mandarin collar. Adidas says the jacket was created by its Shanghai-based design team, targeting Chinese consumers as part of a wider strategy to design for the domestic market.

  • The latest version of the jacket debuted at Shanghai Fashion Week.
  • The jacket became available in Europe in February 2026.

The players

Adidas

A German sportswear company that has been incorporating Chinese aesthetics into its designs, including collaborations with Chinese designers and celebrities.

Sarah Cheang

A design historian at the UK's Royal College of Art who commented on how the jacket's design offers a refreshing alternative to stereotypical Chinese motifs.

Bohan Qiu

The founder of Shanghai-based creative, PR, and brand consultancy agency Boh Project, who discussed how the jacket is the 'perfect armor' to tie together the 'becoming Chinese' trend among Gen Z.

Chris Zou

A Toronto-based content creator who made a humorous TikTok video about the jacket's popularity among the Asian diaspora.

Sam Li and Quentin Nguyen-Duy

Two young Asian American creators who made a skit about Asian Americans trying to 'reconnect with their roots' by wearing the Adidas jacket.

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What they’re saying

“It's hitting at the right moment with this 'becoming Chinese' trend in the West and this overall shift towards a positive image of China and Chinese culture.”

— Bohan Qiu, Founder, Boh Project (CNN)

“For me, it was seeing my (Asian) friends who grew up in America, whether it's San Mateo or San Francisco, the Bay Area or upstate New York… doing the unboxing and saying, in a Californian accent, 'Hey guys, check out this new, viral, Mandarin-style jacket.'”

— Sam Li, Chinese American creator (CNN)

“An incredibly recognizable brand has taken Chinese design and blended it in a very mainstream and accessible way.”

— Quentin Nguyen-Duy, Asian American creator (CNN)

The takeaway

The success of the Adidas 'Chinese New Year' jacket highlights the growing global interest in and appreciation for Chinese culture, particularly among younger generations. It also showcases how major brands are tapping into this trend by incorporating traditional Chinese design elements into their products in a way that resonates with consumers both in China and internationally.