Kangol is a British clothing company famous for its headwear range & heritage. The name Kangol originates from the first materials used for production, with the K coming from Silk, the ANG from 'Angora', and the OL from 'Wool'. Similarly, despite having little relevance to the brands history or products, the Kangaroo logo came about due to the similar nature of the spelling, with many people searching for kangaroo hats stumbling across Kangol. Check out a brief history of the brand below.
Kangol, A Brief History
The Kangol brand traces its roots to the 1920s in the UK. Jacques Spreiregen, who had started a hat company in Paris before moving to England and establishing a workshop on the outskirts of London in 1920 -in 1938, Spreiregen registered "Kangol" as a trademark for his products.
During the 1950s, Kangol became a popular brand in the UK and US. Its signature berets were sported by celebrities like Bing Crosby, the Beatles, and Princess Margaret. The distinct design of the Kangol hat was an amalgamation of function and style, which appealed to people of all ages and genders. The brand cemented its reputation as a premium headwear manufacturer with the release of the famous "Kangol 504" cap in the 1960s. The Kangol 504 cap is now an iconic part of popular culture, appearing in movies, music videos, and on the heads of numerous famous individuals.
Kangol remained one of the most popular headwear brands throughout the 1970s and 1980s. It was a favourite of the hip-hop community, and many artists, including LL Cool J and Run-DMC, famously sported Kangol berets in their music videos and performances. The crossover with hip-hop culture helped the brand to penetrate new markets, which allowed the company to be successful outside of the UK and the US.
Fast forward to the early 2000s, Kangol was acquired by the sports and fashion conglomerate, Bollman Hat Company. Under a new management structure, the Kangol brand reinvented itself as a lifestyle brand that produced a range of clothing and accessories, including bags, shoes, and clothing. The brand also branched out into collaborations with designers such as Joyrich, Supreme, and Stussy. These collaborations helped the brand to reconnect with its core audience while inviting new fans to join in on the Kangol experience.
Today, Kangol remains a heavyweight in the world of hat design and manufacture. The brand has managed to evolve with the times, staying true to its distinctive aesthetic while also adapting to changes in fashion and popular culture. With its emphasis on quality and innovation, Kangol will continue to be an iconic symbol of style and functionality. Check out a few of our favourites from the Kangol collection below.
