Kangol
English hatmaker founded in 1938 and adopted by hip-hop culture in the 1980s. Union Jack motif tags mark the early brand; the kangaroo logo, 'Born British', and 'Bred in Britain' slogans run through the 1990s–2000s peak era.
- Origin
- England
- Founded
- 1938
- Category
- Athletic & Streetwear
- Documented eras
- 4
How Kangol labels evolved over time. Match the markers below against the tag in hand to place a garment in its era.
1980–1989
1980s vintage Kangol tags
Primarily featured a union jack flag or simple rectangular design Used “KANGOL” in bold white letters on dark backgrounds.
- Primarily featured a union jack flag or simple rectangular design.
- Used “KANGOL” in bold white letters on dark backgrounds.
- Tag often stated “Made in Great Britain,” emphasizing the British origin.
How to spot it
Primarily featured a union jack flag or simple rectangular design — confirms this label era.
Value signal
Good vintage demand; 1980s label detail is a key value driver.
1990–1999
1990s vintage Kangol tags
Maintained the union jack flag motif but introduced a bolder “Born British” slogan Included various tags stating “Medium,” “Large,” or numerical sizes.
- Maintained the union jack flag motif but introduced a bolder “Born British” slogan.
- Included various tags stating “Medium,” “Large,” or numerical sizes.
- Sometimes featured a red-bordered rectangular label with prominent “KANGOL” text.
How to spot it
Maintained the union jack flag motif but introduced a bolder “Born British” slogan — confirms this label era.
Value signal
Moderate collector interest; condition and completeness determine value.
2000–2009
2000s vintage Kangol tags
Introduced a more prominent kangaroo icon above the brand name Often accompanied by numeric sizing labels or “M/M” tags for medium.
- Introduced a more prominent kangaroo icon above the brand name.
- Often accompanied by numeric sizing labels or “M/M” tags for medium.
- Used loop-style tags, sometimes in darker tones with contrasting logos.
How to spot it
Introduced a more prominent kangaroo icon above the brand name — confirms this label era.
Value signal
Entry-level vintage; value driven by brand recognition and condition.
2010–2019
2010s vintage Kangol tags
Frequently used bold red or blue tags with “KANGOL” written in large font Showed “Bred in Britain” and “Established in 1938” prominently.
- Frequently used bold red or blue tags with “KANGOL” written in large font.
- Showed “Bred in Britain” and “Established in 1938” prominently.
- Highlighted specific styles like “Bermuda Casual” with extra small labels.
How to spot it
Frequently used bold red or blue tags with “KANGOL” written in large font — confirms this label era.
Value signal
Entry-level vintage; value driven by brand recognition and condition.