How a Viral Adidas Jacket Sparked a Chinese Style Wave

An Adidas track top unofficially dubbed the “Chinese New Year” or “Tang” jacket has become a viral fashion phenomenon, driven largely by Gen Z consumers and social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram.

Though not explicitly marketed as a Lunar New Year release, the jacket debuted at Shanghai Fashion Week and quickly gained attention for its resemblance to traditional Chinese garments, including frog-button fastenings and a Mandarin collar.

Initially sold in China before expanding to other Asian markets and Europe, the jacket rapidly sold out in several cities, with resale prices climbing to hundreds of dollars online. Viral videos showcasing the jacket have garnered millions of views, helping cement its status as a coveted fashion item.

Observers say the appeal goes beyond hype and scarcity. The jacket aligns with the rise of “new Chinese style,” a trend among young consumers that reinterprets traditional aesthetics through a modern lens. Its popularity also coincides with broader online trends celebrating Chinese culture, food, wellness and fashion.