Lonsdale
Frasers Group · United Kingdom
Lonsdale is a British boxing and sportswear brand founded in London in 1960 by former boxer Bernard Hart. Owned by Frasers Group, it sells boxing equipment alongside clothing and footwear.
| Founded | 1960, London |
|---|---|
| Founder | Bernard Hart |
| First shop | 21 Beak Street, Soho |
| Owner | Frasers Group |
| Website | lonsdale.com |
What is Lonsdale?
Lonsdale is a London brand rooted in boxing. It makes boxing equipment and a broader range of sportswear and casual clothing.
History
The business was started in 1960 at 21 Beak Street in Soho by Bernard Hart, a former professional welterweight boxer. In 1959 he had been granted permission to use the Lonsdale name by James Lowther, 7th Earl of Lonsdale. The name recalls Hugh Lowther, 5th Earl of Lonsdale, who organised early gloved boxing matches in 1891.
The brand is owned by Frasers Group, formerly Sports Direct International, which also owns the British sports brands Slazenger and Karrimor.
Products and positioning
- Boxing gloves, headguards, hand wraps and punching bags
- Boxing boots and sneakers
- T-shirts, hoodies, jackets, leggings, shorts and underwear
Why it matters
Lonsdale combines an authentic performance niche with a mass sportswear offer, a combination that lets a retail group use one recognisable name across specialist equipment and everyday clothing at accessible prices.
Frequently asked questions
Who founded Lonsdale?
Lonsdale was founded in London in 1960 by Bernard Hart, a former professional welterweight boxer.
What does Lonsdale sell?
Lonsdale sells boxing equipment such as gloves, headguards and punching bags, plus sportswear, casual clothing and footwear.