Stedman, a name that resonates with quality and heritage in the textile industry, has a storied past that dates back nearly a century. Established in 1930 by Sulon B. Stedman in Asheboro, North Carolina, the company initially carved its niche in the market by producing handkerchiefs. Rapidly expanding its manufacturing capabilities, Stedman soon became one of the largest handkerchief producers in the country, with an impressive output of nearly a million per week by the late 1930s. This early success set the stage for Stedman’s evolution and adaptation through the subsequent decades, solidifying its place as a significant player in the American garment industry.

The World War II era marked a pivotal period for Stedman when the U.S. Navy contracted the company in 1945 to produce men’s T-shirts for the war effort. This move not only broadened Stedman’s product range but also established its reputation for reliability and quality in military apparel. Post-war, the company fully committed to the production of underwear and sportswear for men and boys by 1953, aligning its manufacturing focus with the booming demand for casual and athletic wear. Despite facing challenges, such as the near-collapse due to quality control issues from a significant Air Force contract in 1968, Stedman’s resilience and strategic redirections ensured its survival and growth.

The formation of The Stedman Corporation in 1970 marked another milestone, as the company expanded its operations to include multiple national offices, warehouses, and a substantial workforce. This period of growth and diversification continued into the 1980s when leadership changes and corporate maneuvers, including an attempted sale to Lehman Brothers and subsequent acquisition by Sara Lee, shaped its trajectory. The turn of the millennium saw the revival of the Stedman brand in Europe, ensuring that the legacy of this iconic American company continued to thrive. Through its dynamic history, Stedman has continually reinvented itself, maintaining a brand identity that is both rich in heritage and adaptable to contemporary markets.

How to tell if Stedman is vintage from the logo

Stedman has seen a variety of changes in its logo design over the years, reflecting its evolving brand identity and market presence. By examining these logos, you can determine the approximate era of a Stedman product. Here’s a guide to help you identify the vintage of Stedman items based on their logos.

2000s to now Stedman logo

• The current Stedman logo features a modern, streamlined design.
• The font is clean and sans-serif, with slightly rounded edges.
• A distinctive feature is the red oval placed below the letter “d,” which acts as a separator line running horizontally through the logo.
• This design reflects a contemporary aesthetic aimed at a broad audience.

2000s to now Stedman logo

How to tell if Stedman is vintage from the tags

The evolution of Stedman tags provides valuable insights into identifying the vintage of their garments. Over the decades, Stedman tags have transformed in design, material, and information provided, reflecting the branding and manufacturing changes. Below is a detailed guide to identifying vintage Stedman tags from different eras.

Can’t identify those vintage tags or labels? Submit a picture on our vintage tag identification page, and we’ll help you out!

1960s vintage Stedman tags

• Simple design with minimalistic text.
• Tags typically include basic product information and size.
• Emphasis on the Stedman brand name in a straightforward font.

1960s Stedman tags

1970s vintage Stedman tags

• Introduction of more detailed product names such as “Hi Cru” and “Hi’Neck”.
• Tags often feature bold serif lettering and specific fabric information.
• Size indicators are commonly included, sometimes with washing instructions.

1970s Stedman tags

1980s vintage Stedman tags

• Tags show a mix of product names like “Fashion T” and “Sport-T”.
• Use of bold and colorful fonts to highlight product types and sizes.
• Inclusion of fabric composition details (e.g., 50% Polyester, 50% Cotton).

1980s Stedman tags

1990s vintage Stedman tags

• Collaboration tags with Hanes, reflecting manufacturing partnerships.
• Modernized logo with a more corporate and streamlined design.
• Tags often include comprehensive care instructions and size information.

1990s Stedman tags