Football Clubs

Despite the rise of adidas and other rival brands, Umbro’s brand was able to hold on to the England shirt contract and retain several high-profile football clubs.

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1980s

In the 1980s, Umbro also introduced a range of football boots, making their portfolio of football products a very impressive one.

Dominance

However, the brand's dominance of the UK football kit market was threatened by competition from Adidas and Le Coq Sportif.

Liverpool

In the late 1980s, Arsenal and Liverpool switched to rival brands and soon after, Umbro's presence in the UK was threatened by competition from these rivals.

Popularity

As the popularity of football continued to rise, Umbro began developing new products around the theme of football, including reversible football kits.

Pioneered

In the 1970s, Umbro pioneered the use of Airtex, a lightweight fabric filled with tiny holes that provide ventilation.

Umbro logo

These kits were also the first to feature the Umbro logo, which was repeated on the sleeves and included a diamond logo on the shoulder.

Fabric Technology

After the 1980s, fabric technology became a dominant factor in the design of football kits. Players started to demand high-performance materials for the comfort of their bodies. In the 1990s, Umbro introduced the Sportswool fabric to provide a cool and sweat-free environment for the players. The company also introduced Tactel fabric in the late 1980s.

In addition, the company's brand name was allowed to be printed on football kits for the first time. Its first kit was produced for Manchester City in 1934, which won the FA Cup.

Since its establishment in Wilmslow, England, Umbro has been one of the premier kit suppliers. It is the official supplier of kits for numerous notable football clubs.

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Bukta dominated

During the 1920s and 1930s, Umbro and Bukta dominated the British football kit market. By the early 1960s, 85% of British teams were outfitted with Umbro football kits.

founded

Umbro was founded in 1924 by two brothers named Harold and Wallace Humphrey. Bukta kits were produced by a company based in Stockport, England.

company

The company provided many English teams with football kits in the 1930s, and also supplied the kits for Ajax during the 1970s.

Acquired

Umbro also produced kits for the England team in the 1960s and was acquired by Nike in 2007.