This is a look at two recent Adidas track jackets, namely the “Adicolor 70s Montreal” and the “Blue Version Montreal”.
Both jackets are sort of reinterpretations of the mid-70’s jacket below which was the original “Montreal” jacket, so called presumably because of the 1976 Olympics in Montreal. Neither jacket, however, comes close to the original looks-wise, which also had an additional trick up its sleeve; a hood in a zippered pocket on the back of the collar! The original jacket was also for males, while the new ones are for females. We must also compare these jackets to the “Adicolor Classics” released two years ago because it has a lot of the same features.
Let’s start with a look at the collars. I would say that both collars qualify as being called “high” – especially when you compare these jackets to other contemporary ones. They do however fall well short of the “Classics” and the extra 3 cm it has makes a huge difference in looks. The “Classics” also comes over the tip of my nose (zip collar mask, yay!) – the “Montreals” do not. All three jackets have “wedge”-shaped collars (higher in the front than the back), but it’s much more pronounced on the “Blue Version” and the “Classics” and, in my opinion, that gives the collars on these jackets an advantage looks-wise both when they are fully zipped and unzipped. I also prefer the collars to be made of the same material as the jacket itself and the “Adicolor 70s” fails in that regard since it is ribbed. Conclusion: The “Blue Version” (even though the collar is ever so slightly lower) wins in the collar department, but both are left in the dust by the “Classics”.
| Jacket | Front | Back | Collar Material |
| Blue Version Montreal | 12.2 cm | 7.5 cm | Same as jacket |
| Adicolor 70s Montreal | 13 cm | 10.5 cm | Ribbed |
| Adicolor Classics | 16 cm | 11 cm | Same as jacket |
Both jackets have diagonal chest pockets that look great. Now, I know women tend to carry handbags and that’s where they keep the stuff they need, including their phones, but at the same time being able to store the most essential things in the pockets can be handy in some situations.
Will a phone fit in a pocket of these jackets? Of course, this will depend on your phone and if it has a case on it. I have a large phone from a major Korean brand with a case on the back and this is how it fares:
| Jacket | Phone fits? |
| Blue Version Montreal | Yes |
| Adicolor 70s Montreal | Nope |
| Adicolor Classics | Yes, but just barely |
Other noteworthy features:
| Feature | Blue Version Montreal | Adicolor 70s Montreal |
| Zip pulls | Same on all zips; slightly elongated and rounded with a hole. | Elongated on the front zip, “classic” pull tabs on the pockets. |
| 2-way front zip? (*) | Yes | No |
| Length | Cropped | Normal |
| String to tighten the jacket at the bottom? | No | Yes |
| Trefoil logo? | Yes, a small one (sewn on patch with embroidered logo) just below the collar on the back. | Embroidered, just below the pocket on the left hand side. |
| Fabric | 52% cotton, 48% polyester | 100% polyester |
Quality: Now, for any mass produced good there will be slight differences in quality between manufactured units. Still, it’s a good sign that both of my jackets don’t have any obvious flaws. Both jackets pretty much zip right out to the tips of the collars and the tips line up evenly.
Conclusion: I can recommend both jackets. Both would be good presents for women/girls who are into dressing sporty/casually. Or maybe you are looking to buy a loved one her first track jacket? Then, I imagine, either of these might be a good introduction to track jackets since they are a bit more stylish than your typical modern track jacket.
Note: Both jackets have matching pants for a full tracksuit look!
Note for men: The “Blue Version” is cropped. Looks great on women, but might be too short for you.
My personal preference is for the “Blue Version”. It has much more of a vintage 70’s feel to it, which I prefer. The “Adicolor 70s”, despite having “70s” in its name, actually feels more 80’s (or later) to me with its ribbed collar and elongated zip pull.
Also for your consideration; the “Adicolor Classics”. It blows the “Montreal” jackets out of the water when it comes to the collar.
