Anvil Knitwear, a name synonymous with durable and reliable clothing, has woven itself into the fabric of American workwear history. With origins tracing back to 1899 under the High Point Shirt Manufacturing Company, Anvil has undergone numerous transformations and ownership changes, each chapter adding a new thread to its rich tapestry. From its humble beginnings, the brand has consistently adapted to the evolving demands of the apparel industry while maintaining its commitment to quality—a testament to its enduring legacy.

The early 20th century marked a pivotal moment for Anvil as it adopted its trade name around 1911, focusing on workwear products primarily sold in the Southeast US. This era laid the foundation for Anvil’s reputation in producing rugged, no-nonsense clothing designed to withstand the rigors of hard labor. The mid-century acquisition by Kirchhofer & Arnold in 1948 further solidified its position in the market, despite a turbulent decade that saw the brand navigating through bankruptcy and restructuring. The resilience of Anvil during these times is a reflection of its steadfast dedication to quality and reliability.

Anvil’s journey through the latter half of the 20th century saw it branching out into new markets and broadening its product range. By 1976, the company, now known as Anvil Knitwear, had pivoted to focus primarily on T-shirts, a product that would become central to its identity. The 1980s and 1990s were transformative years, with Anvil producing private label apparel for major brands like Reebok, L.A. Gear, Bugle Boy, and Panama Jack. This period also saw significant shifts in logo design and branding, mirroring broader changes in fashion trends and consumer preferences. The logos from each era—ranging from the classic anvil graphic to the modern, minimalist designs of today—offer a visual chronicle of the brand’s evolution.

In 2012, Anvil Knitwear entered a new chapter when it was acquired by Gildan Activewear for $88 million. This acquisition marked yet another shift in the brand’s storied history, bringing it under the umbrella of a global apparel giant while continuing to honor its heritage of producing high-quality, dependable clothing. As Anvil continues to evolve, its legacy endures through the garments it produces and the stories they tell. Whether you’re a vintage clothing enthusiast or simply appreciate well-made apparel, understanding Anvil’s history and evolution can enhance your appreciation for this iconic brand. In the following sections, we’ll delve into the specifics of identifying vintage Anvil products, focusing on key indicators like logos and tags from different eras.

How to tell if Anvil is vintage from the logo

Anvil has seen its logo evolve significantly over the decades. Each logo change reflects different design trends and company branding strategies. Understanding these changes can help identify if an Anvil product is vintage.

1976 to 1985 Anvil logo

• This logo features the word “Anvil” with an anvil graphic above it.
• The text is bold and capitalized, with a classic industrial feel.
• The anvil graphic is simple, reflecting the straightforward and durable nature of the brand’s products.

1985 to 1989 Anvil logo

• The logo design remains similar, with the anvil graphic and bold text.
• The text is slightly more refined, and the anvil graphic is a bit more detailed.
• This period’s logo is a transition, maintaining the brand’s established identity while updating its look.

1989 to 2017 Anvil logo

• The anvil graphic is removed, and the logo focuses solely on the text “Anvil.”
• The text becomes bolder and blockier, emphasizing a modern and robust appearance.
• This era marks a significant shift toward a more contemporary design, aligning with changing fashion trends.

2015 to now Anvil logo

• The current logo features a minimalist design with thin, uppercase letters.
• The text is streamlined, reflecting modern design aesthetics and simplicity.
• This logo represents Anvil’s adaptation to the current market while maintaining brand recognition.

How to tell if Anvil is vintage from the tags

Anvil tags have evolved significantly over the decades, reflecting changes in manufacturing locations, materials, and branding styles. Early tags are indicative of the brand’s origins in the USA, with later tags showing a shift to overseas production. Recognizing the differences in Anvil tags can help identify the era a garment was produced.

Can’t identify those vintage tags or labels? Upload a picture on our vintage tag identification page, and we’ll help you out!

1970s to mid 1980s vintage Anvil tags

• Tags often feature the Anvil logo with a black background and bold white lettering.
• Commonly used phrases include “Made in U.S.A.” and “Pre-Shrunk.”
• Tags sometimes include size information in a simple, clear font.

Mid to late 1980s vintage Anvil tags

• Introduction of more colorful tags, including red and blue variations.
• Some tags feature a blue or black background with contrasting text colors.
• Tags frequently state “Made in U.S.A.” with size indicators in bold.

Early 1990s vintage Anvil tags

• Tags transition to a more modern look with clean fonts and streamlined designs.
• Colors used include blue, black, and red, often with a horizontal bar or logo.
• Continued emphasis on “Made in U.S.A.” and “Pre-Shrunk” text.

2000s to 2010s vintage Anvil tags

• Tags become more varied in color and design, reflecting a broader range of products.
• Introduction of environmentally friendly lines, such as “anvilorganic” with green text and logos.
• Tags often indicate assembly locations, such as Honduras or Nicaragua, with a mix of materials listed.