The Spring Ford Classic Tag was used on numerous rock bands’ tour merchandise during the 1980s. These blank t-shirts were used on official tour merchandise sold at the concerts. Some of the most iconic and influential rock bands like Aerosmith, Def Leppard, and Boston all had t-shirts made by Spring Ford Corporation. Today, many of these shirts are highly sought after by collectors.
Who Made the Spring Ford T Shirt
Jeff Bevington and several of his family members started Spring Ford Industries in 1982. The company was headquartered in Spring City, Pennsylvania, a suburb just 35 miles from Philadelphia. Spring Ford grew to become one of the largest private label knitted textile and apparel manufacturers in the United States. The manufacturing process was vertically integrated with 14 plants and warehouses around the US and Mexico. At its peak, the company employed 2,600 personnel. Sales and design offices were based in New York City and Los Angeles. However, the company ceased operations due to the challenges of overseas competition and the high costs associated with relocating manufacturing plants and equipment. Other than band merchandise, the company’s clientele included popular brands such as Nike, Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, and Gap.
What Do Spring Ford Tags Look Like?
The T-Shirts are generally composed of a 50/50 Cotton Polyester Blend. They are single stitch at the arm, and can be either single or double stitched at the hem.
Which Bands Used the Spring Ford Tag?
Aerosmith during their Permanent Vacation Tour circa 1987-1988

Boston during their Third Stage 1987 Tour in the US

Def Leppard during the time they released their Hysteria album

Whitesnake circa 1987

Testament during the time they released their second album The New Order in 1988.

Where Else Can You Come Across the Spring Ford Tag
University T Shirts of that era such as Yale and University of Michigan

Novelty T Shirts By Hallmark and Shoebox Greetings


Professional Sports including NFL and MLB

Miller Lite T-Shirts

Disney T-Shirts

The Simpsons T-Shirts
