Content by: Jay Vlazlovski [ Instagram ]
Introduced by: XEONIQ [ Instagram | Tumblr ]
Introduction
Jay Vlazlovski is a Nike ACG enthusiast and collector from Australia with a substantial and growing collection of vintage pieces from Nike’s long running outdoors sub-line. He has been documenting his archive with photos and an in-depth background to each piece as well as pertinent collector information including product codes, official colourways and seasons.
I’ve selected a few of my favourite Instagram write ups specifically from Jay’s “Fleece Friday’s”, which I feel are relevant for Shell Zine and its audience, and re-hosted them here. His Instagram features many more garment, footwear and accessory types from Nike ACG and is worth following if you have an interest in the brand.
ACG HO99 Sherpa Fleece Pullover
Colourway: Putty / Okra / Light Stone
Product Code: 161198-288
By the end of the ’90s, ACG had begun to place a heavy focus on snowsports, capitalising on seasonal demand during colder months to deliver purpose-driven product to more adventurous consumers. Against the backdrop of a challenging fiscal environment, ACG officially launched its Snowboarding apparel line in 1998, reigniting the category’s penchant for winter gear in the process. The demands of snowboarding called for a product that aligned with ACG’s multi-layering system, and warmth was inevitably a key consideration in such a high-octane, low-temp sport; an item like the Sherpa Fleece Pullover made sense.
Originally released a year prior (albeit with some noteworthy differences) and listed vaguely as ‘Hoody’ in catalogs, the ’99 Sherpa Fleece Pullover was undoubtedly a heavyweight fleece. Designed as a ‘Layer 3’ (outer layer) piece, its body comprised of a thick 13.42 oz. polyester/rayon mix double terry polar fleece, guaranteeing serious insulation for the wearer. A sturdy 5.19 oz. nylon twill fabric also provided overlay coverage on high-abrasion zones like the shoulders, elbows and pocket flaps, offering protection and adding structure to the pullover’s baggy fit. Less conspicuous features included elastic binding on the hood, hems and cuffs, while a zipped pouch pocket with a concealed security pocket and lift pass ring provided plenty of storage capacity.
At first glance the Sherpa Fleece Pullover was an unassuming piece, foregoing the vivid colours of predecessor ACG fleeces, but it excelled at offering warmth and comfort against the bitter cold. It was the perfect complement – both aesthetically and performance-wise – to a slate of tonal neutral coloured jackets and vests from the Holiday ’99 season, and ultimately there could not have been a more appropriate fleece to usher in the new millennium for ACG.
ACG SU20 Polartec Fleece Half-Zip Pullover
Colourway: University Red/Black
Product Code: CK6839-657
The Polartec Fleece Half-Zip Pullover from Summer 2020 was released in multiple contrasting colourways. This standard pullover combines a traditional half-zip silhouette with a centered kangaroo pocket featuring side zip access and an additional flap pocket for small item storage, as well as an elasticated hem and cuffs.
Made primarily from Polartec’s ultra-soft 200 Series synthetic fleece, the Half-Zip Pullover was designed to provide midweight warmth and is therefore better suited for moderate activity in milder temperatures. From a versatility standpoint this piece functions well as a transitional item, serving as a middle layer for insulation when needed or as an outer layer for cooler but relatively dry trail journeys.
With no significant technical features beyond the material itself and some minor storage capacity, the Half-Zip Pullover in some way resembles many of the basic (yet still classic) fleece jackets that saturated ACG catalogues throughout the mid- to late-1990s, particularly the many bold colour-blocked pieces. More recent lightweight alternatives, on the other hand, can be found in the Polartec ‘Wolf Tree’ Fleece Jacket from 2020 and the Women’s Therma-Fit ‘Wolf Tree’ Half-Zip Top from the current Punalu’u ACG collection, both of which include Polartec fleece materials and simple zip and pocket accessibility.
ACG HO96 Pete’s Fleece Pullover / M.B.F. Half-Zip Pullover
Colourway: Smoke/Black
Product Code: 350386-213
Released during a period of significant transition for the ACG category, the Pete’s Fleece Pullover was one of the last fleeces to emerge before the introduction of the ever-popular ‘Lungs’ logo and ACG’s renewed focus on the elite outdoor athlete. It was produced in three earthy colourways and sat comfortably within the ‘M.B.F.’ (Man’s Best Friend) line – a somewhat enigmatic collection of fleece pieces denoted by a tag featuring the face of a shaggy old dog and the reassuring ‘Quality Comfort’ text.
Made from a fabric blend of 55% acrylic and 45% polyester Sherpa pile, the Pete’s Fleece Pullover – alternatively named the M.B.F. Half-Zip Pullover – was particularly minimal in its construction. Its only visible external branding was a subtle black embroidered ACG triangle trademark on the left chest, and its technical elements were limited to a half-zip closure (with tiny ACG detailing), two deep side-seam pockets with brushed mesh pocket bags, and spandex binding throughout its hem, cuffs and standing collar. What it lacked in fancy technical features, however, it more than redeemed with its cosy oversized fit and trusty materials.
In general, pieces from the M.B.F. line were unique in their appeal. Like a favourite old blanket, they seemed to offer both comfort and a sense of nostalgia, especially in comparison to many of the more advanced ‘new age’ products at the time. So while we may never who Pete was, it’s fair to say he left a pretty cosy legacy with this Fleece Pullover; as the tag says, it really was quality comfort.
ACG FA90 Devil’s Tower Pullover
Colourway: Black/New Emerald/Green Spark
Product Code: 1CF2-67
With its bold, contrasted panels and unique snap-button fastening, the Devil’s Tower Pullover from Fall 1990 was distinct among ACG’s original monument pieces. Offering more material complexity than other jackets from the same season, its main body comprised of Malden Mills’ heavyweight Polarplus fleece (today recognised as Polartec 300) and was complemented with a Polarlite fleece yoke and collar, while Supplex nylon helped reinforce overlays throughout the piece. A large front cargo pocket functioned as its main item compartment, with additional side zip pockets adding to its overall storage capacity, and elastic binding at the hem and cuffs trapping warmth against the body.
The Devil’s Tower monument itself retains strong cultural significance to local First Nations people including the Lakota, Arapahoe and Kiowa tribes, each of whom share unique sacred narratives about the origins of the landmark. Prior to being named Devil’s Tower (a poor translation of ‘Bad God’s Tower’) in 1875 and then declared America’s first national monument by Teddy Roosevelt in 1906, it was already known by names like Mato Tipila (‘Bear Lodge’ in Lakota), and similar titles derived from the resemblance of its striated walls to bear claw marks.
Aided by legendary mountaineers and rock climbers like John Roskelley and Jeff Lowe, the ACG division was able to deliver marketing for the Devil’s Tower Pullover through publications like Backpacker Magazine; one such ad stated that it could be worn alone for hiking or layered for colder conditions, claiming its nylon reinforced shoulders would help it “stand up to the rocks”. And despite its glaringly ’90s colour-blocking and top-heavy fit, the quality USA-made design of the Devil’s Tower Pullover meant it would still hold its own, three decades later.
If you enjoyed these write ups and photography and wish to see more Nike ACG content, follow Jay on his Instagram account: @MRVLAZ
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