Woolmark logo
Woolmark EPS downloaded from Brands of the World
The Woolmark logo, designed by Italian graphic artist Francesco Saroglia, was launched in 1964 in Britain, the US, Japan, Germany, Holland and Belgium.
The need for a single universal image for wool quality was the driving force behind the creation of the Woolmark. In 1997, the International Wool Secretariat changed its name to The Woolmark Company to associate its corporate identity more closely with the brand.
Quoted from Michael Evamy’s Logo.
Did you know?
Did you know that the Woolmark symbol can only be used on products made of 100 percent wool? According to a study commissioned by Woolmark owner AWI, less than half of those who recognise the symbol globally know its purpose.
The Woolmark Blend symbol is for products containing a minimum of 50% new wool, and the Woolblend symbol represents products with 30-49% new wool. More info on The Woolmark Company website.
In the words of Ben, “This is one of the best logos in the world. OK?”
Thanks for the Merino wool link, Tjeerd.
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14 appreciated comments, click here to add one
Stephen Downes
Well, the buttons don’t have to be wool.
Jul 6th, 2009
Catherine
“This is one of the best logos in the world. OK?”
I totally agree with Ben. It is like it couldn’t possibly be anything else. Which to me, is a sign of a great logo.
Jul 7th, 2009
David Buchanan
I agree, one of the best. But for me there’s an emotional dimension. Seeing it again brings back memories from nipperhood, going clothes shopping with mum, itchy jumpers, the smell of wool…aye happy days.
Jul 7th, 2009
Giles
I too have an emotional attachment to this mark. Growing up in hand me downs and school clothes being as uncomfortable as possible. I love this logo! Wonderful mark.
Jul 7th, 2009
David Airey
David, Giles, although it didn’t occur to me when putting this together, I suppose there an emotional attachment in many of us. Maybe it’s subconscious, or maybe it’s pronounced enough to make you mention it, but either way, there are very few marks with such a widespread use.
Jul 9th, 2009
Anton
i wonder how this would look if it was designed today? a little bit more abstract? less twists? easier? what if another, worser logo had been used, would we all think of it as an as good one just because of the imprinting of decades?
where can i get a shirt with this logo printed on? i mean on the front, not in the inside …
Jul 9th, 2009
Sherrie
I am part of the less than half that recognize its’ purpose. Actually, truth be told, I cannot relate to even that half, b/c I don’t even recognize the logo, so I am not feeling the nostalgia love. Does that indicate SES? Age level? Both? Now the Cotton logo, yes. :)
The Woolmark logo, particularly the earlier ones, remind me somewhat of the three-arrow recycling logo that takes on the triangle shape. I think it’s more self-explanatory to simpy use “Wool.” Or at worst, “Wool Mark.” I like “wool” standing alone. “Woolmark” is too brandy, as in a business brand rather than a mark for a material that is used across brands. Brandy as in Hallmark.
Jul 10th, 2009
Troy
I’m afraid I don’t recognize the logo well enough to share the nostalgic feelings of some of you, but I really like the different logos used for the various materials.
Clever.
Jul 14th, 2009
Matty
I really like this logo and the intelligent idea of having the simplified versions for the changes in fabric. I have not looked at this logo for some time but looking at it now I really appreciate the logo as an excellent piece of design. Great post, thank you for sharing.
Aug 26th, 2009
Nicola
I have to admit that I don’t actually readily recognise these logos at all – perhaps a result of the lack of wool in my wardrobe or my lack of attention to detail when doing the washing…
I think as a family of logos which serve to communicate their association with each other these designs seem to work well. They are great. However, I think the results of the study reveal where they unfortunately fall down; although each design is distinct in a visual sense, there is a lack of distinction in the communicated meaning. The text obviously adds the dimension needed to ‘explain’ the logo, so that once a user has grasped the distinction, the image meaning becomes memorable through repeated exposure (and thus the text becomes superfluous).
The difficulty and challenge therefore seems to be creating visual marks which can function universally without words. I guess Woolmark is an example of where ‘branding’ and ‘information graphics’ are competing, with the latter losing out? Thoughts?
Sep 17th, 2009
Amanda Vlahakis
I’ve never really thought about it but now you point it out, yes I agree that it’s an excellent design.
Simple, yet bold, and not abstract (ie..the sort of logos that only designers get), it’s clear in it’s intended meaning of the graphic.
Sep 22nd, 2009
David Airey
Just a quick note to thank you all for commenting. I’ve got some tight deadlines approaching for submitting book chapters, so apologies that I can’t respond to you individually. Regardless, I hope things are good your side.
Sep 23rd, 2009
Trevor Collins
It is grate to learn what a logo we all take for granted actually means.
Nov 4th, 2009
Giorgio
I think you forgot to say the designers involved in this project were two: Francesco Saroglia and the great Franco Grignani.
Feb 12th, 2010
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