Lonsdale apparel and equipment

Lonsdale is an iconic British brand deeply rooted in the history of professional boxing. It was founded in 1960 by former professional boxer Bernard Hart, who received permission from the 7th Earl of Lonsdale to use the name—honoring the 5th Earl, Hugh Lowther, who introduced the use of boxing gloves in the late 19th century. Originally a boxing equipment specialist located in Soho, London, the brand quickly became a staple for legends like Muhammad Ali and Mike Tyson before evolving into a mainstream sports fashion label.

While the brand maintains its British heritage, its manufacturing is now global. Production primarily occurs across a network of international hubs, including China, Turkey, India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. This widespread manufacturing base allows the brand to distribute a diverse range of products from professional fight gear to casual streetwear worldwide.

Since 2004, Lonsdale has been under the ownership of Frasers Group (formerly known as Sports Direct International), a major British retail conglomerate. As of 2026, it remains a key asset in their portfolio, often sold through their extensive global retail network alongside other heritage sports brands. Certain product categories, such as footwear, are frequently produced under specific licensing agreements with external partners like the Jacobson Group.