Wilson Sporting Goods Company, a cornerstone in the world of athletic equipment, has a storied history that spans over a century. Founded in 1913 by the Sulzberger & Son’s meatpacking company, Wilson’s journey from using animal by-products to create tennis racket strings and surgical sutures to becoming a global leader in sports equipment is nothing short of remarkable. Initially named the Ashland Manufacturing Company, the firm was renamed in 1915 to Thomas E. Wilson Company after Thomas E. Wilson took over as president. Under his leadership, the company expanded its product line to include baseball shoes, tennis rackets, and footballs, setting the stage for its future success.

Over the decades, Wilson has made significant contributions to various sports, developing innovative products that have become standards in their fields. In the 1920s, Wilson introduced the Ray Schalk catcher’s mitt and the double-lined leather football, innovations that changed the game. By the 1930s, the company had become a major supplier of footballs to the NFL, a partnership that continues to this day. Wilson’s influence extended to basketball in 1946, when it became the official game ball supplier for the Basketball Association of America, the precursor to the NBA. The post-World War II era saw Wilson excel in tennis, signing Jack Kramer and producing his signature line of tennis rackets, which became immensely popular.

Wilson’s legacy is also marked by strategic acquisitions and partnerships that have broadened its reach and product offerings. In the 1960s and 70s, the company was involved in producing protective equipment for American football and baseball, while continuing to innovate in other sports. The acquisition of iconic brands like Louisville Slugger in 2015 further cemented Wilson’s status as a powerhouse in the sports equipment industry. Today, Wilson remains at the forefront of sports technology, providing high-quality gear for a wide range of sports, from baseball and football to tennis and golf. The company’s dedication to innovation, quality, and performance continues to shape the landscape of sports worldwide.

Y2K Wilson TV Commercial

How to tell if Wilson is vintage from the logo

Wilson Sporting Goods has a rich history, and its logos have evolved significantly over the years, reflecting changes in design trends and branding strategies. The progression of Wilson’s logo can help you identify whether your Wilson item is vintage. Below, we detail the changes in Wilson’s logo from different eras.

1914 to 1962 Wilson logo

• The earliest Wilson logo featured the company name “Thos. E. Wilson & Co.” prominently.
• The logo had a bold red “W” in the background with the company name in a black bar across the center.
• This logo reflects the early branding when the company was still named after its founder, Thomas E. Wilson.

1914 to 1962 Wilson logo

1962 to 1994 Wilson logo

• The logo adopted a more modern and streamlined look.
• The name “Wilson” is in bold, capitalized black letters with a red underline and overline creating a distinct emblem shape.
• This era’s logo is notable for its simplicity and strong visual impact, making it recognizable and memorable.

1962 to 1994 Wilson logo

1994 to now Wilson logo

• The current logo is a further simplification of its predecessors.
• It features the word “Wilson” in a stylized, bold, and rounded red font.
• The font is unique with a slightly playful design, reflecting the brand’s modern and approachable image.
• This logo has been consistent since 1994, showcasing the brand’s long-term identity.

1994 to now Wilson logo

How to tell if Wilson is vintage from the tags

The evolution of Wilson’s clothing tags offers a fascinating glimpse into the brand’s history and changing manufacturing practices. Over the decades, Wilson has updated its tag designs, reflecting shifts in production locations and branding styles. Identifying vintage Wilson apparel can be greatly assisted by examining the specific features of its tags from different eras.

Having trouble identifying vintage tags or labels? Upload a picture on our vintage tag identification page, and we’ll assist you!

1980s vintage Wilson tags

• Features the classic Wilson logo in bold red lettering.
• Often includes “Made in U.S.A.” indicating domestic production.
• Tags may display care instructions and fabric composition prominently.

1980s Wilson tags

1990s vintage Wilson tags

• Introduction of larger Wilson “W” logo in addition to the brand name.
• Manufacturing moved to other countries, such as Honduras, reflected on the tags.
• Bold lettering and prominent “100% Cotton” or fabric mix details.

1990s Wilson tags

2000s vintage Wilson tags

• Tags start to display more diverse color schemes, including black and red.
• Production locations vary widely, with tags showing countries like Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.
• The inclusion of specific product lines such as “Ultra Collection” or “Advantage.”

2000s Wilson tags

2010s vintage Wilson tags

• Modern design with a combination of black, white, and red colors.
• Tags may display detailed size information and various international size standards.
• Production countries continue to diversify, including Cambodia and Taiwan.

2010s Wilson tags