Umbro sportswear

Umbro is a legendary sports brand founded in 1924 in Wilmslow, Cheshire, England, by brothers Harold and Wallace Humphreys. The name is a portmanteau of 'HUMphreys BROthers.' Historically, Umbro was a powerhouse in the football world, outfitting the vast majority of teams in the 1966 World Cup and iconic clubs like Manchester United and Manchester City.

Starting as a local English brand, it grew into a global empire before undergoing several ownership shifts. It was acquired by Nike in 2007, and later sold to the American brand management firm Iconix Brand Group in 2012. Today, Umbro no longer owns its own manufacturing plants. Instead, it operates as a design and licensing firm, with production outsourced to various independent manufacturers primarily located in countries like China, Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia.

In 2024, the brand saw a significant strategic shift in Europe when the British brand Castore acquired the exclusive sub-license for Umbro's professional team sports apparel in key markets including the UK, Germany, and the Netherlands. Despite these global corporate changes, Umbro remains headquartered in Manchester, England, maintaining its strong British football heritage and identity.