Founded in the 1920s, by Jewish Polish World War I veteran
Jacques Spreiregen, Kangol (the K from knitting, the ANG from angora, and the
OL from wool) produced hats for workers, golfers, and especially soldiers.
In 1938, Spreiregen opened a factory at Cleator, Cumbria,
England, a second factory was opened at nearby Frizington, and later a third
factory, manufacturing motorcycle helmets and seat belts in Carlisle.
Kangol were
the major beret suppliers to the armed forces during World War II, including
famously Field Marshal Montgomery. During and after the war, Kangol berets were the height of
fashion. In the 1960s, designers Mary Quant and Pierre Cardin worked with the
company, whose products graced the heads of the rich and famous, including the
Beatles and Arnold Palmer, and later Diana, Princess of Wales.
The Kangaroo logo was adopted by Kangol in 1983 because
Americans were always asking where "they could get the Kangaroo
hat...". No Kangol hat has ever actually been manufactured in Australia. The global rights to Kangol hats have been held by American
hatmakers Bollman Hat Company since 2002 and all production went offshore,
specifically to China and Malaysia. South Pacific Berets stocks a small number
of the original British made ‘Monty Beret’, some 40 years old but brand new and never worn,
fitted with the traditional two air vents and the kangaroo logo.
Size XL equals 58/59. Genuine vintage berets, on clearance @ $35.00
