If you grew up in the ’90s, there are certain things that instantly take you back. Starter jackets are definitely one of them.
Target is leaning hard into ’90s sports nostalgia right now with Starter jackets, Zubaz pants and other retro NFL gear. I spotted the Philadelphia Eagles collection, and the classic Starter pullover immediately stood out. It has the half-zip front, oversized pocket, Starter zipper pull and the kind of bold color blocking that made these jackets so recognizable 30 years ago.
The Eagles Starter pullover is $150, which was enough for Target to put a security tag on the one I found in the store. That initially surprised me, but these jackets have a serious nostalgia factor, and I could easily see certain teams and sizes becoming popular.
Starter Jackets Weren’t Always About Your Favorite Team
One of the funny things about Starter jackets in the ’90s was that you didn’t necessarily wear the team you actually rooted for. Sometimes you just wanted the jacket with the best colors. The Charlotte Hornets were a perfect example. Teal and purple were about as ’90s as you could get. The Miami Dolphins had aqua and orange, the Lakers had purple and gold, the Bulls had red and black, and the Raiders had their unmistakable silver-and-black combination. Starter essentially turned team colors into fashion.
That’s also what made seeing a whole rack of Starter jackets so memorable. Every team offered a completely different look, with oversized logos, contrasting sleeves and bright color combinations. Hornets, Dolphins, Eagles, Bulls, Lakers and Raiders jackets could appeal to kids who weren’t particularly interested in those teams at all. Sometimes the coolest jacket simply won.
Target’s New Starter Jacket Gets the ’90s Look Right
The new Eagles jacket isn’t an exact reproduction of one particular vintage Starter jacket, but that’s probably not the point. It brings back the elements people actually remember.
The half-zip pullover design is there, along with the large front pocket and big EAGLES lettering. There’s also a Starter zipper pull, while the green, black and white sleeves give it the bold color-blocked look you’d expect from a Starter jacket.
It feels familiar without looking like something that has literally been sitting in someone’s closet since 1994.
Old vs. New: The Eagles Starter Jacket
Put an original Eagles Starter jacket next to the new 2026 Target version and you can definitely see the differences. Some ’90s fans will probably say to skip the remake and buy a vintage Starter instead, and there’s an argument for that. The originals have that unmistakable oversized, crinkly nylon appearance, more unusual color blocking and the character that comes with owning an actual piece of ’90s sportswear.
But the new version has some advantages too. It keeps the classic half-zip silhouette and big front pocket while looking cleaner and less wrinkled than many vintage examples. It also appears more substantial, which will likely make it the better choice if you actually want a jacket to keep you warm and wear regularly, rather than something you’re primarily buying as a vintage collectible. The remake isn’t trying to replace the original. It’s a modern jacket that does a pretty convincing job of bringing the old Starter look back.
Zubaz Are Back Too
Starter isn’t the only ’90s sportswear name showing up at Target.
There are also Zubaz pants, including the wonderfully ridiculous tiger-stripe patterns that were everywhere during the era. The Eagles version I found was only $30, making these a much cheaper way to get in on the nostalgia.
There are stonewashed shirts and other throwback pieces as well, including a full button-down Eagles jacket for around $130. But if you’re looking for the item that most immediately screams 1990s, I still think the half-zip Starter jacket wins.
There’s a Good Way to Save If You Want a Starter Jacket
Here’s one tip worth knowing before paying $150.
When I found the jackets, Target was running a buy one NFL item, get a second NFL item 30% off promotion. If the Starter jackets are included and you have a friend who wants one too, buying them together could make the price a little easier to swallow.
Two $150 jackets normally cost $300. Taking 30% off the second jacket saves $45, bringing the total to $255. Split the purchase evenly and you’re effectively paying $127.50 each, saving $22.50 per person.
Target promotions can change, so obviously check the current offer and eligibility before buying.
Are the New Target Starter Jackets Worth $150?
At $150, this isn’t cheap nostalgia. If all you want is the original thing, there’s also a huge vintage Starter market out there, and hunting down an authentic ’90s jacket can be part of the fun.
But I think Target’s version makes sense for someone who wants the Starter look without necessarily wanting a 30-year-old jacket. You get a brand-new jacket, modern construction and a cleaner appearance while still getting the half zip, big pocket, Starter branding and oversized ’90s styling.
More than anything, it’s fun seeing this stuff back on store shelves. Starter jackets and Zubaz sitting together at Target feels like someone recreated a corner of a sporting goods store from 1993.
And if history repeats itself, don’t be surprised if people start choosing their jackets the same way we did back then:
Forget the standings. Which team has the best colors?