John Smedley - Blog

Umbro is renowned worldwide as a football brand, but over its 88 year history the brand has been involved in many aspects of British sport, from rugby to tennis and, more newsworthy for this year, athletics.

Recently referencing their archives, the Umbro design team encountered an Umbro vintage running vest and track sweater, which transpired were worn by British athletes back in 1948. Only one original piece of each item was remaining in the Umbro archive.

Two Very British Brands, One Very British Summer

These two incredibly rare pieces of British athletic history have now been reinterpreted through a very British collaboration between Umbro and Matlock-based knitwear brand John Smedley. With over 225 years manufacturing experience, John Smedley has applied their superior knowledge of the finest knitwear to these iconic Umbro designs, creating two covetable pieces that celebrate two very British brands in one very British summer.

The 1948 Field Sweater in dark navy was originally worn as a track warm up top by athletes in 1948. This modern reinterpretation retains its retro cut, whilst simple style details such as the double linked rib collar, mid zip detail and ribbed cuff and hem ensures it is a thoroughly contemporary piece. Sleek in silhouette, the updated 1948 Field Sweater also includes concealed, internal cut and sew pockets with dark navy stitch showing through on the exterior – perfectly placed to accommodate the accoutrements of any urban athlete.  A final, subtle, detail to this unique piece is the internal number patch, concealed in the back of the sweater. Showing the number 102, it celebrates the number of goals scored at Wembley during the summer of 1948. Crafted from John Smedley’s Sea Island cotton in a 24 gauge knit, this lightweight knit is perfect for the summer season.

The 1948 Tangeru Shirt in vintage ecru is a distinctive and discerning nod to British athletics. Inspired by the vest worn by competitive athletes in 1948, the Tangeru is a three button, round collar, short sleeve tee, crafted from 30 gauge John Smedley Sea Island Cotton. The patriotic red, white and blue stripes sit boldly across the chest, whilst front and centre is a blank ecru fabric patch, positioned accurately where the team patch was in the original 1948 design. This iconic design celebrates the vintage aesthetics of athletics.

Two Very British Brands, One Very British Summer

The Tangeru Shirt

The Field Sweater

On sale now at our Brook Street Flagship Store and www.johnsmedley.com later this week.  Also available from key independent and online retailers and select John Smedley concessions. This collection is a smart and very British way to celebrate our country’s athletic heritage.