When you think of iconic sportswear brands, Everlast stands out as one of the most legendary names in the industry. While the brand may not hold the global dominance it once did, its history and contributions to the world of boxing and sportswear remain unparalleled. From revolutionizing boxing apparel to creating one of the most recognizable logos in sports, Everlast has left an indelible mark on the world of athletics and logo design.
A Humble Beginning with Big Dreams
Founded in 1910 by Jacob Golomb, a 17-year-old swimmer from the Bronx, Everlast initially focused on creating durable swimsuits. Dissatisfied with the quality of swimsuits available at the time, Golomb set out to create designs that would “ever last.” Little did he know that this humble ambition would set the stage for a brand that would become synonymous with toughness, endurance, and resilience—qualities that would later define both the athletes who wore the gear and the brand itself.
Though Golomb’s initial success was modest, Everlast truly found its footing in the boxing world in 1917. A young Jack Dempsey approached Golomb with a request for durable training headgear and gloves. Everlast’s products impressed Dempsey, and soon the brand became the go-to name for boxing equipment. As Dempsey rose to fame, so did Everlast, solidifying its place as the dominant force in the boxing world.
Innovation Meets Tradition: The Evolution of Everlast Apparel
While Everlast is best known for its high-quality boxing gear, the brand also pioneered a revolutionary innovation in the world of sports apparel. Traditionally, boxers wore trunks with leather belts to keep them in place during matches. However, Everlast introduced the use of elastic waistbands in its boxing trunks, a game-changing innovation that was quickly adopted not just by the boxing world but by underwear manufacturers around the globe. The stretchy waistbands in modern-day pants and underwear owe their origins to Everlast’s creative foresight.
A Legacy in Boxing
From the 1920s through the 1980s, Everlast outfitted many of boxing’s greatest legends, including Roberto Durán, Joe Frazier, Marvin Hagler, Larry Holmes, Sugar Ray Leonard, and, of course, Muhammad Ali. During this era, it became almost impossible to think of boxing without Everlast. The brand’s equipment, adorned with the now-famous Everlast logo, became the gold standard for quality and performance.
The Iconic Everlast Logo
The Everlast logo is more than just a brand emblem; it’s a symbol of endurance, strength, and tradition. Designed in 1910 by Jacob Golomb himself, the original logo featured a concave design that perfectly complemented the brand’s ethos. However, with the rise of television in the 1950s, Golomb’s son decided to thicken the logo to make it more visible to viewers at home. This thickened design became closer to the logo we know and love today.
In 2008, the last significant rebrand of the Everlast logo took place under the direction of Jamie Victor. While the core design remained intact, the modern update brought a fresh, contemporary look to a logo that has stood the test of time.
A Trailblazer in Branding
One of the most interesting pieces of Everlast history is that it was among the first brands to proudly display its logo on the outside of its apparel. At a time when most companies kept their branding subtle, Everlast boldly embraced its logo, using it as a way to turn every consumer into a walking advertisement. This trailblazing move is now standard practice across almost every major clothing brand, making Everlast a true pioneer in branding and logo design.
The Legacy of the Everlast Logo Designers
Throughout its history, the Everlast logo has seen several designers contribute to its evolution:
- 1910: Jacob Golomb, the brand’s founder, created the original design.
- 1950s: An unknown designer thickened the logo for television audiences.
- 1978: A redesign by an unnamed designer kept the logo’s core elements while modernizing its appearance.
- 2008: Jamie Victor oversaw the most recent update, giving the Everlast logo its sleek, contemporary look.
Everlast: A Brand That Will Ever Last
From its humble beginnings in swimsuit design to becoming the undisputed king of boxing gear, Everlast has consistently proven its ability to innovate and endure. Its logo, much like the brand itself, stands as a symbol of strength, endurance, and the drive to be the best.
As one of the most recognizable emblems in sportswear, the Everlast logo continues to inspire athletes and designers alike, reminding us that great design, like great athletes, will always find a way to “ever last.”
