Meihua Sportswear: "Never Say" Chinese Brand

Plum Brand Sportswear

Meihua sportswear was renowned both domestically and internationally during the 1970s and 1980s. Its product line included pure cotton, synthetic fibers, polyester-cotton blends, cotton interlaced fabrics, and acrylic materials. Each piece was meticulously crafted with excellent stitching quality.

During those decades, Chinese people were proud to wear plum sportswear. From national teams down to provincial squads, many athletes proudly donned this iconic color. As a professional sports brand, Meihua was selected for the first time by New China to participate in the Olympics, marking the 1984 Los Angeles Games. The Chinese delegation chose Meihua as their official sportswear. Xu Haifeng, dressed in his custom plum suit, clinched China's first-ever Olympic gold medal. Lang Ping and his volleyball team secured the Olympic championship and achieved five consecutive victories in world rankings. Zhu Jianhua, a celebrated high jumper, marked China's first Olympic medal in athletics. The plum sportswear bore witness to the glory and dreams of China’s legendary athletes!

In that golden era, not only did athletes love plum sportswear, but it also became a popular choice among the general public. From students in schools to older individuals passionate about fitness, this apparel found a broad fanbase. The allure of plum sportswear stems from its unique “polyester-cotton intertwined” design: the chemical fiber exterior is vibrant and doesn't fade or shrink easily, while the cotton interior is absorbent and soft.

A perfect fit is another hallmark of plum sportswear. Tailored specifically for athletes by the National Sports Commission, these garments were marked with dimensions like 90cm, 100cm, and 105cm. Some export products used international sizing (S, M, L). Interestingly, the history of plum sportswear coincides with the rise of "mod" and "old school" street styles.

Meihua boasts its own iconic classic styles, such as the National Red and White or Ecliptic, and the Shihlin Blue and White. As early as 1972, Premier Zhou Enlai tasked the “Plum Blossom” brand with developing standard sports attire for the National Sports Committee and its affiliated teams. He emphasized durability, comfort, and non-fading qualities. After numerous trials, the final colors were Guo Hong (a deep red) and Shihlin Blue. The latter was particularly favored due to its practicality—resistant to dirt, suitable for work and exercise. By the 1980s, plum sportswear had become ubiquitous across China.

The quality of Meihua sportswear is unparalleled. It can last for over 20 years without showing signs of wear. During the 1990 Asian Games in Beijing, a North Korean athlete caught the attention of a reporter with their plum suit. Upon learning about its strength and durability—breathability, sweat resistance, and washability—they expressed admiration.

Chinese classics, authentic originality—Meihua Sportswear embodies the spirit of perseverance with its rich heritage, classic style, and exceptional quality!