Birthed from the inspiration of an 18th-century clipper’s sail inscribed with the words “Paul & Shark,” the Italian brand was born in the early 1970s out of a passion for the ocean and adventure. During his travels in Maine, Paolo Dini, the eldest son of Gian Ludovico Dini, discovered this historic relic in a small sailmaker’s workshop, sparking the beginnings of the nautical-inspired sportswear brand. Embodying maritime heritage, their distinctive shark emblem became synonymous with luxury yachting apparel, leading GQ to describe it in 2017 as “the sailing man’s sailing gear.”
Paul & Shark has consistently emphasized the pursuit of excellence in both design and function, exemplified by their iconic C0P918 pullover. This sailing sweater, launched in 1978, gained immediate recognition not only for its water-repellent properties but also for its unique metal packaging. This innovation set the foundation for a whole collection of water-repellent knitwear, firmly establishing Paul & Shark as a leader in combining maritime style with performance and elegance.
From these humble beginnings, the brand expanded into a total-look lifestyle powerhouse. With prestigious partnerships with Christian Dior and Balenciaga in the past, it became a beloved choice for those who cherish Italian style and the high performance of technical fabrics. Their dedication to quality is evident in their patented technologies and international acclaim, seen in the presence of Paul & Shark boutiques in over 900 cities worldwide.
Driven by a strong commitment to environmental responsibility, Paul & Shark continues to evolve with a modern vision that values sustainability. Their Save the Sea project, alongside initiatives in circularity, sustainable processes, and corporate responsibility, speaks to their dedication to preserving the oceans that inspired the brand’s original inception. Whether outfitting Italian explorer Alex Bellini or the modern-day sailor, Paul & Shark remains a testament to the spirit of adventure and nautical excellence.
Cool Paul & Shark ‘Typhoon’ Jacket Commercial
How to tell if Paul & Shark is vintage from the logo
Paul & Shark’s distinctive shark emblem and curved text are unmistakable markers of the brand’s maritime heritage. Since the 1970s, their logo has been synonymous with quality nautical sportswear, capturing the adventurous spirit of luxury yachting. While the logo’s core design has remained consistent, subtle changes across the decades offer helpful clues for identifying vintage Paul & Shark pieces. If you’re on the hunt for these classics, understanding the nuances of the different logos will help you pinpoint the era and revel in the brand’s rich history.
1972 to now Paul & Shark logo
- The original Paul & Shark logo features the iconic shark emblem with a curved “Paul & Shark” text above it.
- The word “yachting” is prominently written in a cursive, flowing script below the shark in red.
- The logo typically features a nautical-themed color palette, such as navy blue, gold, white, and red.
- The shark outline is simplistic and easily recognizable, embodying the brand’s maritime ethos.
1972 to now Paul & Shark logo
How to tell if Paul & Shark is vintage from the tags
The evolution of Paul & Shark tags tells a story of craftsmanship, innovation, and timeless style. From the gold-threaded serif lettering of the 1980s to the collection-specific loop tags of the 2000s, each era is marked by its own distinctive features. Identifying these changes can guide you in uncovering authentic pieces from different periods of the brand’s illustrious past. Whether it’s the gold-accented “yachting” logo or the contrasting threadwork of the latest collections, learning how to recognize vintage tags can make all the difference when tracking down original garments.
Struggling to identify vintage labels? Submit a picture on our vintage tag identification page, and we’ll assist you!
1980s vintage Paul & Shark tags
- Typically feature the “yachting” logo with a white shark icon.
- Made in Italy prominently displayed.
- Bold “Paul & Shark” lettering with a serif style, often in gold thread.
1980s Paul & Shark tags
1990s vintage Paul & Shark tags
- The shark logo is usually outlined in white, with “yachting” in bright red cursive.
- “Paul & Shark” lettering is in gold, paired with “Made in Italy.”
- Sometimes includes additional descriptors like “sportswear” or “100% puro cotone.”
1990s Paul & Shark tags
2000s vintage Paul & Shark tags
- More modern appearance with darker tags and clear contrast stitching.
- Often includes specific collection names like “Typhoon 20000.”
- Separate loop tags introduced with “Made in Italy” inscriptions.
2000s Paul & Shark tags
2010s vintage Paul & Shark tags
- Consistent logo across different collections with gold lettering and white shark icon.
- Innovative layouts with variations in shape and materials.
- Tags often feature contrasting colored threads for accent details.
2010s Paul & Shark tags
