Founded in 1938 by Jacques Spreiregen, this legendary brand crafted hats for soldiers and workers before evolving into a global fashion powerhouse. Known for its unmistakable kangaroo logo—introduced in the 1980s to satisfy American demands for “the Kangaroo hat”—Kangol seamlessly bridges eras, from supplying berets to WWII soldiers to gracing the heads of hip-hop royalty like LL Cool J and Run-DMC.

The brand’s unique blend of playful spirit and urban sophistication is perfectly encapsulated in its evolving logos and tags, each era marking a distinct chapter in Kangol’s story. Whether it’s the Union Jack-themed tags of the 1980s, the bold “Born British” slogans of the ’90s, or the kangaroo icon above the prominent “KANGOL” lettering today, these markers help us distinguish the vintage gems from the newer iterations.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to spot vintage Kangol pieces by examining their logos and tags, and discover how the brand’s rich history, from Mary Quant and Pierre Cardin collaborations to LL Cool J and Samuel L. Jackson, continues to shape its modern identity. Whether you’re a collector, enthusiast, or simply Kangol-curious, this is your go-to resource for everything Kangol.

Nostalgic 90s Kangol Advert

How to tell if Kangol is vintage from the logo

The kangaroo logo that graces every Kangol hat emerged in the 1980s from a stroke of intuitive branding. Though the name “Kangol” derives from the materials silk (K), angora (ANG), and wool (OL), it was the demand for the “Kangaroo hat” that inspired the brand to adopt this iconic emblem. Despite lacking a direct connection to the company’s heritage, the logo has become synonymous with Kangol’s playful spirit and urban edge. Today, it stands as a hallmark of quality and global recognition. In the world of headwear, the kangaroo mark is original, unmistakable, and instantly iconic. However, the brand has been watered down beyond its legendary hats, particularly in the UK, where it often appears on budget-friendly sportswear. Despite this divergence in brand perception, the kangaroo logo remains a sublime testament to Kangol’s legacy and enduring appeal.

• 1970s to 1980s: The earlier logos predominantly used a rectangular or oval design with the brand name “KANGOL” displayed in bold white text against a dark background. The logo often included the Union Jack flag, emphasizing British heritage.
• 1990s to Now: The kangaroo icon became the central element, positioned above the word “KANGOL” in a bold, modern font. The symbol became synonymous with the brand, sometimes featuring additional details like sizing information or kangaroo illustrations.

1990s to now Kangol logo

The distinct kangaroo logo, paired with the “KANGOL” lettering, became a recognizable hallmark of quality headwear and apparel across generations. The logo’s design emphasizes a combination of playful spirit and authenticity, aligning with the brand’s British legacy.

How to tell if Kangol is vintage from the tags

Kangol’s tags have evolved over the decades, reflecting shifts in fashion trends and brand identity. In the 1980s, the tags prominently featured the Union Jack flag or simple rectangular designs, with “KANGOL” written in bold white letters against dark backgrounds to emphasize the brand’s British roots. By the 1990s, the tags introduced the “Born British” slogan alongside numeric sizing and vivid color accents, while in the 2000s, the kangaroo logo took center stage above the brand name, accompanied by numeric and loop-style sizing labels. In the 2010s, bold red and blue tags underscored the “Bred in Britain” slogan while promoting specific styles. This evolution of Kangol tags mirrors the brand’s journey from British heritage to global streetwear staple, offering collectors key insights into the timeline of these iconic hats.

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1980s vintage Kangol tags

• 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.

1980s Kangol tags

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.
• Sometimes featured a red-bordered rectangular label with prominent “KANGOL” text.

1990s Kangol tags

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.
• Used loop-style tags, sometimes in darker tones with contrasting logos.

2000s Kangol tags

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.
• Highlighted specific styles like “Bermuda Casual” with extra small labels.

2010s Kangol tags