Nutmeg Mills, founded by brothers Martin and Richard Jacobson in the early 1980s, revolutionized sports merchandising for major US sports leagues with their eye-catching designs and bold graphics. These innovative T-shirts, sweatshirts, and other apparel pieces allowed fans to proudly display their team spirit in everyday life, far beyond the confines of the stadium. The Jacobson brothers, who had cut their teeth in their father’s retail business along the East Coast before selling it in the late 1970s, reinvested their earnings into a new venture in Tampa, Florida. There, they transformed a women’s and junior sports apparel business into Nutmeg Mills, named after their home state of Connecticut, affectionately known as the Nutmeg State.

The entrepreneurial spirit of the Jacobson brothers was evident from an early age. At just 15, Richard secured a $20 license to sell sports pennants outside Yale University games in New Haven, Connecticut. This early venture was a sign of things to come. By the 1980s, the brothers had a keen eye for untapped markets and saw an opportunity in collegiate sports apparel. They approached the Collegiate Licensing Company and the University of Florida with a proposal to produce licensed merchandise. This bold move paid off, as Nutmeg Mills quickly became the top royalty payer to colleges across the nation, with schools like UF, Florida State, and Michigan among their early partners.

Nutmeg Mills’ success in collegiate sports soon opened doors to professional leagues. In 1981, they secured their first deal with the NBA, becoming one of the league’s earliest apparel partners. They smartly marketed their products by providing official gear to the stat crew at every NBA game, ensuring maximum visibility. This success was quickly followed by licensing agreements with the MLB, NHL, and eventually the NFL. By the early 1990s, Nutmeg Mills was a major player in sports merchandising, culminating in their sale to VF Corporation in January 1994. This marked the end of an era for the Jacobson brothers but solidified Nutmeg Mills’ legacy in the world of sports apparel.

Iconic 90s Nutmeg x JCPenney Commercial

How to tell if Nutmeg is vintage from the logo

Nutmeg Mills, known for its sports apparel, has had a variety of logos over the years. The evolution of their logo can help in identifying the era of the product, which is particularly useful for vintage collectors. Below are the details of the Nutmeg logos from different eras:

1980s Nutmeg logo

• The 1980s Nutmeg logo features the text “Nutmeg Mills” in a stylized, red font.
• The font is slightly curved, giving it a distinctive vintage look.
• This logo was often embroidered on tags and apparel, showcasing the brand’s American manufacturing roots.

1980s Nutmeg logo

1990s Nutmeg logo

• The 1990s Nutmeg logo has a more modernized and bolder appearance.
• The text “NUTMEG” is prominently displayed in large, red block letters with a slight arch.
• Underneath, the word “MILLS” appears in smaller, green letters, often accompanied by a registered trademark symbol.
• This logo represents the brand’s peak popularity in sports apparel during the 1990s.

1990s Nutmeg logo

How to tell if Nutmeg is vintage from the tags

Nutmeg Mills, an iconic American sportswear brand, has evolved significantly in its tag design over the decades. These changes in design can help identify the era of a Nutmeg garment, reflecting the brand’s development and the trends of the times.

Struggling to identify vintage tags or labels? Submit a picture on our vintage tag identification page, and we’ll help you out!

1980s vintage Nutmeg tags

• Early tags feature the “Nutmeg Mills” branding.
• Tags are predominantly white with bold red lettering and “Made in U.S.A.” text.
• Some tags include a size indicator directly below the brand name.

1980s Nutmeg tags

1990s vintage Nutmeg tags

• Tags often display “Nutmeg” in large, bold red letters.
• Includes “MILLS” in smaller, spaced-out letters below the main logo.
• Consistent use of “Made in U.S.A.” and care instructions on the tag.
• Some variations include additional design elements such as green or blue accents and different label shapes.

1990s Nutmeg tags