Vans is a worldwide considered label of sports clothing and equipment with an international presence. Their products include a diverse array of footwear, accessories, and garments, targeted toward a young audience. Their goods are charged with creativity, brightness, and individuality, which has been attracting numerous people since its launch in 1966 in Anaheim, California.
Meaning and History
The name “Vans” carries a sense of adventure and free-spiritedness. It signifies a journey into uncharted territories, a nod to the brand’s ethos of exploration and self-expression. Just as vans serve as vehicles for discovery, Vans, as a label, empowers individuals to embark on their unique paths, embracing a lifestyle that embraces creativity and authenticity.
The history of Vans is one rooted in passion and innovation. It all began in 1966 in Anaheim, California when the Van Doren brothers and their partners founded the company. Initially focused on crafting durable footwear for skateboarders, Vans quickly gained popularity within the thriving skateboarding community. Their unique approach to design, coupled with a commitment to quality and functionality, set them apart from the competition.
As time went on, Vans expanded its product line to include a diverse array of apparel and accessories, capturing the attention of a broader audience. The brand’s ability to fuse style, comfort, and functionality struck a chord with individuals seeking self-expression and a sense of belonging. From professional athletes to artists and musicians, Vans became a symbol of counterculture and a canvas for personal creativity.
Today, Vans has a presence in numerous countries. Its rich history is a testament to its enduring popularity and ability to adapt to ever-changing trends and cultural shifts. With each new collection, Vans continues to push boundaries, inviting individuals to embrace their true selves and embark on a journey of self-discovery.
And now, as we delve deeper into the brand’s story, let’s explore the essence of its identity—the captivating logotypes that symbolize the spirit of Vans.
What are Vans?
Vans is an American sports fashion brand, established in 1966 by two brothers Paul and James Van Doren, and their partner Gordon Lee. Starting with skateboarding footwear, the brand has quickly expanded its product line to include clothes and accessories for both women and men. Today, it operates nearly 2000 locations worldwide.
1966 – 2016
The brand’s earliest wordmark depicted the name caption in thick capital characters. The first ‘V’ had its right bar elongated with a long horizontal line covering the rest of the word; it was also slightly bigger than other symbols. Each letter had rounded tips and edges. Finally, the last ‘S’ was not as big as ‘V’, but still slightly bigger than ‘A’ and ‘N’.
2016 – today
The 2016 redesign features the company’s iconic wordmark in a new style. First, the inscription’s typeface has become straighter plus the last ‘S’ changed its tail and got smaller to match other characters. Second, the brand’s tagline ‘Off the Wall’ in all capitals emerged below the nameplate.
Color
The official chromatic scheme of the letters includes black and brighter red, whereas the nameplate is red, and the slogan is black. Previously, the label used a full-black name caption.
Font
Since 2016, the brand has been using a capitalized sans-serif typeface with bold and straight lines.
