NAIROBI, Kenya- Nike’s popular Tech Fleece tracksuit experienced an unexpected surge in demand and rapid sell-outs online following the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, after images of him wearing the outfit went viral on social media.
The trend began after a photo of Maduro in U.S. custody, shared publicly by U.S. President Donald Trump, showed him dressed in a grey Nike Tech Fleece tracksuit.
The image quickly circulated on platforms including X, TikTok and Instagram, attracting global attention not just for the geopolitical implications of his capture but also for his choice of clothing.
The outfit depicted Maduro wearing a matching grey hooded Tech Fleece jacket and joggers, a product line known for its lightweight warmth and contemporary athletic design.
Following the release of the image, online searches for “Nike Tech” spiked sharply, and social media posts referencing the apparel rose significantly.
Mentions of the product on X reportedly climbed to over 5,000 posts per day, up from roughly 325 daily posts in preceding months.
Within hours of the image’s circulation, demand for the Nike Tech Fleece set increased dramatically.
The specific grey version worn in the photo sold out in multiple sizes on Nike’s official website, especially in larger options such as XL and above.
Other retailers across the United States and Europe reported similar sell-outs as consumers rushed to purchase the look.
Many online users shared memes, fashion commentary, and ‘steal the look’ posts analyzing the outfit, leading to rapid amplification of the product’s visibility across a global audience.
The incident also spurred diverse responses on social media. Some users jokingly referred to the wardrobe moment as “accidental product placement,” while others dubbed the particular colourway “Maduro grey,” a reference to the shade that appeared prominent in the viral photo.
According to retail price listings, the Nike Tech Fleece tracksuit typically retails at around $140 for the jacket and $120 for the matching pants, though some outlets have reported promotional pricing as demand fluctuated.
Nike Tech Fleece is a premium sportswear line by Nike, first launched in 2013, designed to provide warmth without bulk through a lightweight, layered knit fabric.
Initially created for athletic warm-ups and cool-downs, it quickly crossed into everyday wear due to its clean, modern silhouette, comfort, and functionality.
The range includes hoodies, joggers, and full tracksuits, known for their streamlined cuts, zippered pockets, and breathable yet insulating material.
Over time, Tech Fleece has become a streetwear staple, widely adopted beyond sports into music, youth culture, and digital spaces.
Notably, it has been embraced by e-gamers and esports teams, with some using Nike Tech Fleece as an official or semi-official uniform during travel, media appearances, and competitions due to its comfort, uniform look, and professional aesthetic.
This crossover appeal has cemented Tech Fleece as both performance wear and a lifestyle fashion essential.