The Rise of ‘Tangcore’: How Adidas and Chinese Culture Are Captivating Gen Z

If you’ve interacted with anyone under the age of 30 recently, you may have heard references to living through “a very Chinese time.” Younger generations are embracing elements of Chinese culture, from traditional medicine to viral dishes and a key component of this trend is the Adidas Chinese Track Top, affectionately dubbed the “Tang” jacket.

The Viral ‘Tang’ Jacket

The Adidas Chinese Track Top, initially sold in China and select Asian markets before becoming available in Europe in February 2026, has become a coveted item among Gen Z. The jacket’s popularity exploded on TikTok and Instagram, particularly after its debut at Shanghai Fashion Week. While not explicitly marketed for Chinese New Year, it’s been unofficially adopted as the “Chinese New Year” or “Tang” jacket by social media users.

The jacket’s design draws inspiration from the Tang suit, a historic garment originating from China’s Qing dynasty, and its earlier iteration, the “ma gua,” worn by horse riders from the mid-17th century. Key design elements include ornamental, knotted toggles (frog buttons or “pankou”) and a standing Mandarin collar. Videos showcasing the jacket have gone viral, with one TikTok video of a man handing the tops to family members garnering over 2.6 million views and another of a woman wearing the jacket racking up over 1 million views across TikTok and Instagram. Some consumers have even traveled to China specifically to purchase the jacket, with resellers offering it for as much as $400 on platforms like StockX.

Adidas and Chinese Aesthetics

This isn’t the first time Adidas has incorporated Chinese aesthetics into its designs. The success of the “Tang” jacket builds on a history of the brand referencing Chinese culture, leveraging a combination of hype and scarcity. Adidas Originals recently collaborated with CLOT by Edison Chen to celebrate Chinese cultural heritage for Chinese New Year 2026 as reported by Adidas News.

Beyond the Jacket: A Broader Trend

The popularity of the Adidas jacket is indicative of a larger trend: a growing embrace of all things Chinese among young people. This extends beyond fashion to include practices like consuming traditional Chinese medicine and ordering drinks like siu tim. The trend is particularly visible in Kuala Lumpur, where restaurants are increasingly offering regional Chinese cuisines and viral dishes, catering to a local audience.

This shift raises questions about cultural appropriation and originality. As demand for diverse Chinese cuisine grows, it prompts reflection on who is influencing whom.