Moss Bros, a staple of British menswear since 1851, is steeped in history and tradition. Founded by Moses Moss in the heart of London’s Covent Garden, the brand began with a simple but ambitious mission: to sell only the finest quality clothing and provide unparalleled service. Over the decades, Moss Bros evolved from a modest second-hand clothing store into one of the UK’s most prestigious retailers, specializing in formalwear for men. Its reputation for quality and elegance quickly established Moss Bros as the go-to destination for those in need of impeccably tailored suits and formal attire.

Throughout its long history, Moss Bros has adapted to the changing times while remaining true to its roots. In the late 19th century, the brand made its mark by introducing a hire service for formalwear, a move that would become a cornerstone of its business. The early 20th century saw the company expand its offerings to include military uniforms during the World Wars, further solidifying its status as a trusted name in British fashion. By mid-century, Moss Bros had become a public company, continuing to grow its presence with new stores and innovative services, including a pioneering women’s hire department.

Despite the challenges of modern retail, Moss Bros has managed to retain its relevance by embracing both tradition and innovation. The company has continually updated its branding, as evidenced by the evolution of its logos and tags, while also expanding its product offerings to include ready-to-wear, bespoke tailoring, and hire services. Today, with over 150 stores across the UK, Moss Bros remains a symbol of timeless style and British sartorial excellence. Whether you’re looking for a vintage piece or something more contemporary, the brand’s rich history and commitment to quality make it a reliable choice for discerning gentlemen.

Moss Bros x Nikolas Santur Collaboration

How to tell if Moss Bros is vintage from the logo

Moss Bros is a renowned British formalwear retailer with a history dating back to 1851. Over the decades, the company has updated its logo several times to reflect changing design trends and brand positioning. The logo is a key indicator when trying to determine if a Moss Bros product is vintage. Below is a breakdown of the Moss Bros logo from the era provided in the image.

2000s to now Moss Bros logo

• The logo features the brand name “MOSS BROS.” in bold, capitalized sans-serif font, which gives it a modern, minimalist aesthetic.
• The text “EST. 1851” is placed above the brand name, emphasizing the company’s long history and heritage.
• Beneath the brand name, there is a line with small, capitalized words: “BESPOKE | READY-TO-WEAR | HIRE,” reflecting the range of services offered by Moss Bros.
• The overall design is sleek and contemporary, with a focus on clarity and elegance, suitable for the brand’s modern identity.

2000s to now Moss Bros logo

How to tell if Moss Bros is vintage from the tags

Moss Bros, a well-established British menswear brand, has a rich history reflected in the evolution of its clothing tags. By examining the design elements and details of Moss Bros tags, particularly from the 1980s and 1990s, you can determine the vintage of the garments. The tags from these eras showcase the brand’s commitment to classic style, with subtle changes over time.

Need help with vintage tags or labels? Submit a picture on our vintage tag identification page, and we’ll take care of it!

1980s vintage Moss Bros tags

• Bold serif “Moss Bros” lettering is prominently featured, reflecting the brand’s classic identity.
• “Covent Garden” appears below the brand name, emphasizing the store’s iconic location.
• Tags typically use a monochrome color scheme, often black text on a white or light background.
• Some tags from this era include handwritten details, indicating specific suit information or alterations.

1980s Moss Bros tags

1990s vintage Moss Bros tags

• The “Moss Bros” serif logo continues in this era, with slightly updated and modernized font styling.
• “Covent Garden” remains a consistent element, maintaining its placement beneath the brand name.
• Tags may introduce minor color accents, such as blue or red lines, enhancing the minimalist design.
• Overall, the tags maintain a clean, elegant look, focusing on clarity and brand consistency.

1990s Moss Bros tags