Hummel International Sport & Leisure A/S, commonly referred to as Hummel, is a storied sportswear brand with deep roots in the world of athletics. Founded in 1923 by Albert and Michael Ludwig Messmer in Hamburg, Germany, Hummel initially made its mark by introducing the first football boots. Over the decades, the brand has evolved significantly, both in its products and its visual identity, which includes its distinctive logo. Recognizing the various iterations of Hummel’s logo can provide valuable insight into the vintage status of a garment, a crucial aspect for collectors and enthusiasts of vintage sportswear.

Hummel’s journey from its German origins to becoming a Danish-owned company is a testament to its resilience and adaptability in the competitive sportswear market. In 1956, the brand underwent a significant transformation when Bernhard Weckenbrock acquired it, moving its operations to Kevelaer, North Rhine-Westphalia. This transition laid the groundwork for Hummel’s expansion into a wider array of sports apparel, eventually leading to its acquisition by the Danish Thornico Group in 1999. Today, Hummel is headquartered in Aarhus, Denmark, and continues to manufacture apparel for numerous sports, including football, handball, and rugby, as well as fashion-forward lines through its Hummel HIVE sub-brand.

One of the key aspects of identifying vintage Hummel items is understanding the evolution of its logo. The original 1970s Hummel logo featured an intricate bumblebee design with detailed wings and body, accompanied by the brand name in a unique, rounded lowercase font. This logo reflected the brand’s identity during a period of significant growth and its expansion into the global sportswear market. As the years progressed, the logo underwent simplification, mirroring broader trends in branding. By the 2000s, Hummel had adopted a more minimalist bee design, retaining the lowercase “hummel” but opting for a cleaner, more streamlined font to appeal to modern consumers.

In addition to logos, Hummel’s tags have also evolved, offering further clues to the era of a garment. From the distinctive triangular tags of the 1970s featuring bold serif lettering to the introduction of the chevron pattern in the 1980s and the modern, minimalist designs of the 2000s, each iteration of Hummel’s tags reflects changes in both design trends and manufacturing technologies. Collectors often look for these details to authenticate and date vintage pieces, making the study of Hummel’s logos and tags an essential part of vintage sportswear collecting.

For those passionate about vintage Hummel sportswear, understanding the nuances of the brand’s historical logos and tags can greatly enhance the ability to identify and appreciate authentic vintage pieces. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a new enthusiast, recognizing these details not only enriches your collection but also deepens your connection to the rich history of this iconic sportswear brand.

How to tell if Hummel is vintage from the logo

Hummel has a rich history in sportswear, and its logo has evolved significantly over the decades. Recognizing the different logos used by Hummel can help determine if an item is vintage. The logos reflect the brand’s changes in design and branding strategy, making it possible to date items based on the logo style.

1970s to 2000s Hummel logo

• The 1970s logo features a bumblebee design, which is more intricate compared to later versions.
• The bee has detailed wings and body, with an overall rounded design.
• The text “hummel” is in lowercase with a unique, rounded font style.
• This logo reflects the brand’s identity during its expansion in the sportswear market.

1970s to now Hummel logo

2000s to now Hummel logo

• The 2000s logo introduces a more simplified version of the bee.
• The bee’s design is less detailed, with a more geometric and minimalist approach.
• The text “hummel” retains the lowercase format but appears in a more streamlined font.
• This modern logo is part of Hummel’s strategy to appeal to contemporary audiences while maintaining brand recognition.

2000s to now Hummel logo

How to tell if Hummel is vintage from the tags

Hummel, known for its distinctive chevron logo and innovative sportswear designs, has undergone several branding changes over the decades. The evolution of Hummel’s tags can help collectors and enthusiasts determine the era of a garment. Below is a guide to identifying Hummel vintage tags by decade.

Need help identifying vintage tags or labels? Submit a picture on our vintage tag identification page, and we’ll assist you!

1980s vintage Hummel tags

• Introduction of the chevron pattern, often seen in red on the tags.
• Tags may include size indicators and a simple, clean layout.
• The “hummel” name is usually in lowercase with a bee logo.

1980s Hummel tags

1990s vintage Hummel tags

• Tags continue to use the chevron pattern, typically in various colors.
• Size information is prominently displayed on the tag.
• Some tags may feature additional branding elements such as the bee logo or country-specific indicators.

1990s Hummel tags

2000s vintage Hummel tags

• More modern and minimalist design with darker colors and cleaner lines.
• Introduction of loop tags and embroidered labels.
• Tags often include size and care information in multiple languages.

2000s Hummel tags

2010s vintage Hummel tags

• Modern layouts with a variety of colors and materials.
• Introduction of printed tags with size information categorized by regions (Europe, USA, Asia).
• Tags often include the “hummel” name with the chevron pattern and additional descriptors like “since 1923.”

2010s Hummel tags