Bryan McAllister’s personal reference notebook
September 11, 2026Short & citedBlog
Civic Viewpoint.
A quiet encyclopedia with a personal desk
Kept by Bryan McAllister — short guides, clear facts, and the Canadian angle when it matters.
Money & Work • Apparel

Umbro

Umbro is a British sportswear and football equipment brand founded in the 1920s by brothers Harold and Wallace Humphreys in Wilmslow, Cheshire.

Updated September 11, 20261 min readCited sources

Umbro is a British sportswear brand founded in 1924, best known for football and rugby apparel and its double-diamond logo. The brand is owned by Iconix Brand Group.

What it is

Umbro is a heritage sportswear company based in Greater Manchester, England, specializing in football kits, boots, and related equipment. Its name is a contraction of “Humphreys Brothers,” after founders Harold and Wallace Humphreys.

Key details

Founded in Wilmslow, Cheshire, in 1924, Umbro grew from a family workshop into a global name. Its double-diamond logo is widely recognized. The brand has been owned by Nike and later Iconix Brand Group, and sells products in over 90 countries.

Why it matters

Umbro remains a significant reference point in football and rugby kit design. For Canadian readers, its products are available through international retail and online channels, reflecting its enduring place in sportswear culture.

In short

  • Founded in 1924 by the Humphreys brothers in Cheshire, England.
  • Famous for football kits and the double-diamond logo.
  • Now owned by Iconix Brand Group after previous ownership by Nike.
  • Sold in more than 90 countries worldwide.
Canadian angle

Umbro has been sold internationally, so Canadian readers may encounter its football and sportswear products through global retail and online channels.

Quick questions

What is Umbro?
Umbro is a British sportswear and football equipment brand known for kits, boots, and its double-diamond logo.
Who owns Umbro now?
Umbro is owned by Iconix Brand Group.
What sports is Umbro associated with?
Umbro is most strongly associated with football and also has a history in rugby apparel.

Sources

  1. Umbro — https://www.umbro.com/en/our-story/
    Supports: Company origin story, Humphreys brothers, naming explanation, early growth into factory production and rugby apparel.
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Umbro
    Supports: Founded in 1924, British sports equipment manufacturer, football and rugby focus, double-diamond logo, ownership by Iconix Brand Group.
  3. Encyclopedia.com — https://www.encyclopedia.com/books/politics-and-business-magazines/umbro-plc
    Supports: Early history, original business name, founding in Wilmslow, and 1924 rename to Umbro.
  4. Umbro — https://www.umbro.com/pt/nossa-historia/
    Supports: Company history and the Humphreys brothers origin story in another language edition.