Farah Vintage has style!

The History of a Classic: Farah Vintage

Farah Vintage. If you don’t know the name – you will at least recognise the ‘F’ logo that symbolises its heritage, quality and a sense of style. Farah began as a brand in the 1920s over in the United States, but surged in popularity in the UK and Europe in the 70s initially through their functional slacks – casually incorporated into a variety of looks and styles by different groups. Despite a rollercoaster ride through the twentieth century, Farah never lost its sense of purpose as a brand and continues to serve each and every one of its customers to a high level. Here at Golfposer, we thought you might like to know just what happened at Farah and how its successes brought it to where it stands now.

Farah, as a business, was created by Mansour Farah – a Lebanese immigrant who studied in New York before moving to Texas to start his own company. Mansour and his wife began producing chambray shirts from a factory in El Paso – selling for just 35 cents each. Though, when the Federal Government began producing work shirts, Farah diversified into manufacturing denim workpants and eventually khaki workpants and shirts. The company saw some big returns through providing the army with military clothing in the 1940s, priding itself on the functionality of the garments it produced – something that has never disappeared from the core of the brand.

After the company’s rapid growth through the war period and beyond, Farah went public in 1967. Each and every product was designed in-house and manufactured in one of four highly automated production facilities in El Paso or San Antonio. Originator Mansour’s son, William Farah, was at the helm of the company in the 60s and aimed to keep all aspects of Farah clothing American in order to keep the quality under control. His measures included keeping all workers, suppliers and even customers American – however this did not last long.

Fashionable British youths adopted Farah trousers into their different styles and looks in the 70s and through to the 80s – from Mods & Skins to Rockabillys. The slacks were originally made from Hopsack canvas and were slim cut with some sharp tailoring. The fabric was also stain resistant and each of these sub-cultural groups saw the potential in the functionality of the Farah slacks and built their definitive looks around these pants. Youths of that time had a general desire to look as if you had come from somewhere more exciting than that ‘boring’ town or city you really came from. The Farah slacks came from Texas; they looked like jeans but weren’t.  Farah was one of the top selling trouser brands in the UK in the 1970s – becoming an integral part of the casualisation of fashion.

Farah opened a superstore on Baron Street in London in 1971 and released a Sports Line in the 1980s. This new range of men’s clothing was warmly welcomed by British youths, and Farah became the must-have brand of clothing – especially within the Indie music scene. It was almost guaranteed that everybody on the balconies of music gigs would be sporting Farah with pride.

The brand has been adopted by opinion leaders in the fashion scene in the past 10 years or so and has featured in several magazines such as FHM and NME. Since the turn of the century, many celebrities have been spotted in Farah clothing, from bands like The Strokes and The Last Shadow Puppets to the cast of the popular TV show the Inbetweeners. Other well-known faces on the music scene such as Paulo Nutini and the fashionable X-factor runner up Olly Murs proudly wear the golden ‘F’ on their polo shirts and knitwear.

The word ‘heritage’ is fast becoming clichéd in reference to clothing brands, but Farah Vintageis without doubt a heritage brand. Having been around for over 90 years, these guys know what they are doing as much as anyone else in menswear. The Vintage line at Golfposer combines this heritage with authenticity and style, without forgetting the primary focus on quality. The 2011 Autumn/Winter menswear collection delves into the history and brings retro clothing for men up to date with current fashion trends. We love the simplicity of the golf polo shirts and the feel of the trendy cable knit jumpers – both looking excellent on the course as well as out casually.

We at Golfposer believe it would be a big mistake for you not to own a retro shirt or jumper with the Farah logo on!

View our full collection of Farah Vintage Shirts, Knitwear and Trousers here - all with free delivery!

Golfposer stock the very latest in Designer Golf Clothing for men. Our Mens Trendy Golf brands include Hugo Boss Golf, Slanj Tartan, Emporio Armani EA7, Puma Golf, Original Penguin, Adidas Golf, Galvin Green, Farah Vintage, and Ralph Lauren.