FOUNDED IN 1914

OUR STORY

An Admirable Journey

1914

In the beginning

Starting out as a humble hosiery maker in Wigston, Leicestershire to eventually becoming a global sportswear brand takes innovation, luck and most of all a knowledge for product. Founded in 1914 Admiral spent many years producing woollen undergarments for the British troops both in the 1st and 2nd World Wars. In 1939 a contract between Admiral and the Royal Navy saw the business grow rapidly and not just in base-layer garments but also sportswear for exercise on board the ships.

MEET THE TEAM

In 1914 the Admiral team lined up outside the Wigston factory.

1950

POST WAR YEARS

After the war ended and Admiral’s manufacturing capabilities had grown exponentially all the machinery had to be put to work. This saw its first foray into mass produced commercial sportswear. Taking their 6years worth of manufacturing experience Admiral started producing sportswear for Football, Rugby, Athletics and Cricket. The Admiral logo started to demand respect as any company that could produce for the troops were clearly capable manufacturers. For a further 17 years the business continued producing for all manner of teams until a famous victory at Wembley Stadium changed the brand forever.

EARLY PRESS

As the company began to grow the Admiral brand was pushed front and centre.

1966

THE GAME CHANGER

During the 1966 World Cup, England's number one Gordon Banks chose to wear the Admiral goalkeeper kit. Being based in Leicester he got to see the first hand innovation the brand was making introducing padding to the elbows of sportswear. It was during this match that Head of Marketing Bert Patrick created the idea of the replica football shirt.

Over the next 20 years Admiral grew into a world renowned brand having adorned the chests of many of the greatest living sportsmen. Johan Cruyff, Maradona, George Best, Kevin Keegan to name but a few.  

2020

ADMIRAL SPORTING GOODS

In 2020 we launched our first Admiral Sporting goods range with a focus on premium sportswear. With quality and comfort at the forefront we launched our first collection for Autumn Winter 2020.

The story so far is a good one, but it’s about to get even better.