GANT
Ivy League shirting brand founded in New Haven, Connecticut in 1949 by Ukrainian immigrant Bernard Gantmacher, credited with pioneering the locker loop and button-down Oxford shirt. Labels from the 1980s–90s feature a detailed shield emblem with three stars and vertical stripes above the bold 'GANT' wordmark; the shield detail and thread-back label style distinguish US-made pieces from later Swedish-ownership production.
- Origin
- USA
- Founded
- 1949
- Category
- Designer & Casual
- Documented eras
- 4
How GANT labels evolved over time. Match the markers below against the tag in hand to place a garment in its era.
1980–1989
1980s vintage GANT tags
Features bold, clean serif lettering predominantly in uppercase Includes the distinctive GANT shield logo, which became synonymous with the brand’s identity.
- Features bold, clean serif lettering predominantly in uppercase.
- Includes the distinctive GANT shield logo, which became synonymous with the brand’s identity.
- Mostly manufactured in the USA, as indicated on the tags.
How to spot it
Features bold, clean serif lettering predominantly in uppercase — confirms this label era.
Value signal
Good vintage demand; 1980s label detail is a key value driver.
1990–1999
1990s vintage GANT tags
Continuation of the GANT shield logo but with more varied tag colors Introduction of additional text details like size and country of manufacture below the logo.
- Continuation of the GANT shield logo but with more varied tag colors.
- Introduction of additional text details like size and country of manufacture below the logo.
- Tags commonly indicate manufacturing in more diverse locations, reflecting GANT’s global reach.
How to spot it
Continuation of the GANT shield logo but with more varied tag colors — confirms this label era.
Value signal
Moderate collector interest; condition and completeness determine value.
2000–2009
2000s vintage GANT tags
Introduction of modern, simplified designs with smaller logos Use of both stitched and printed tag types, depending on the garment type.
- Introduction of modern, simplified designs with smaller logos.
- Use of both stitched and printed tag types, depending on the garment type.
- Inclusion of multi-language care instructions, emphasizing the brand’s expanded international market.
How to spot it
Introduction of modern, simplified designs with smaller logos — confirms this label era.
Value signal
Entry-level vintage; value driven by brand recognition and condition.
2010–2019
2010s vintage GANT tags
Modern and minimalistic tag designs featuring streamlined text and logos Widespread use of non-USA manufacturing locations, such as India and Portugal.
- Modern and minimalistic tag designs featuring streamlined text and logos.
- Widespread use of non-USA manufacturing locations, such as India and Portugal.
- Tags often include fabric compositions and detailed care instructions in multiple languages.
How to spot it
Modern and minimalistic tag designs featuring streamlined text and logos — confirms this label era.
Value signal
Entry-level vintage; value driven by brand recognition and condition.