kangol

Founded by Jacques Spreiregen in 1938 in Cumbria, England, Kangol began by producing berets for British workers and soldiers, most notably for the armed forces in World War II. The brand’s name reflects its material origins: K from knitting, ANG from angora, and OL from wool. After gaining popularity in the 1960s with associations to The Beatles, Kangol underwent a pivotal transformation in the 1980s. It was adopted by the burgeoning hip-hop community in New York City, with its bucket hats and 504 caps becoming synonymous with legends like LL Cool J, Run-DMC, and The Notorious B.I.G. This shift cemented Kangol's status as a cultural icon, bridging British heritage and American streetwear. Today, the brand maintains its connection to both histories, producing its signature headwear. While the global rights for Kangol hats have been held by the American-based Bollman Hat Company since 2002, the brand continues to trade on its cross-cultural legacy. It remains a staple for those seeking authentic accessories and frequently engages in collaborations with streetwear labels and artists. Its kangaroo logo, adopted in 1983 after American customers repeatedly asked for "the kangaroo hat," is now an unmistakable symbol of street style.