Hummel during the French Days
The selection Hummel of the French Days showcases the Danish chevron brand: handball and football teamwear, jerseys, shorts, and training tracksuits, indoor shoes and sneakers inspired by its archive models. A brand born in Hamburg in 1923, it has become a reference for handball clubs and is suitable for both the gym and the city.
The chevron brand, at a reduced price.
From Hamburg to Aarhus: the story of the bumblebee brand
The name Hummel appeared in 1923 in Hamburg when the Messmer family launched a collection of studded football boots, cycling shoes, athletic gear and handball footwear. The word means bumblebee in German, hence the insect that still adorns the logo. In the 1970s, the brand took a decisive turn under the leadership of former Danish handball player Jørgen Vodsgaard: it became Danish, ventured into sportswear and began sponsoring teams. Its headquarters is now located in Aarhus, Denmark, and it has been owned by entrepreneur Christian Stadil since 1999.
The other brands
The French Days brands are also varied:
All brands are gathered on the brands page.
The chevrons and Denmark's 1986 jersey
The chevrons, those V-shaped stripes running down the sleeves and legs, became the signature of the brand in the 1970s and can be recognised from afar on a pitch. Hummel has equipped the Danish national football team since 1979, and it was for them that it designed a jersey in 1986 that was cut in two halves, one with thin red and white stripes, the other darker, worn during the World Cup in Mexico. This bold design, often cited as one of the most beautiful in football history, remains one of the most sought-after Hummel jerseys by collectors, and the brand has reissued it several times.
Handball: indoor shoes and club teamwear
Handball is the preferred field for Hummel, which outfits both amateur clubs and professional teams. Its indoor shoes are based on a non-marking rubber sole, which grips the floor during quick movements, and feature reinforced lateral support for jumping landings. The teamwear includes jerseys, shorts, jackets, and matching tracksuits that clubs can personalise with their colours; training lines like Core can also be worn outside the gym. Football, volleyball, and running round out the brand's sports offerings.
Retro sneakers inspired by the Hummel archives
On the urban side, Hummel draws from its archives of the 1970s and 1980s. Its sneakers take cues from its classic handball shoes, like the HB Team, and from its running models, like the Marathona, featuring suede or leather uppers and chevrons on the sides. This retro trend started in the late 1990s when the brand launched a fashion line based on its historical designs. These retro styles often fit close to the foot: someone with a wide foot may benefit from trying a half size up and consulting the brand's size guide before ordering.
Frequently asked questions
What country does the brand Hummel come from?
Hummel is a Danish brand, with its headquarters in Aarhus. It was however born in Germany, in Hamburg, in 1923, before being taken over by Danes in the 1970s, hence its German name which means the bumblebee.
How do Hummel clothes fit?
Hummel clothing follows standard European sizes. The safest method is to measure your chest size and compare it to the brand's guide; between two sizes, the larger one allows for ease when playing or layering.
Are Hummel sneakers unisex?
Most of the brand's retro models are offered in a single shape for both women and men, with an extended size range. You just need to choose your foot length, keeping in mind their rather snug fit.
Does Hummel make football shoes?
Yes, in fact, the brand started out in Hamburg with studded football boots. Hummel still offers them, even though handball has become its flagship sport over the decades and the face of the brand.
How do you care for a Hummel jersey?
Wash it inside out, at thirty degrees, without fabric softener, to preserve the printing, the chevrons, and the fabric's moisture-wicking ability. The tumble dryer damages the prints; hanging it to dry is sufficient, as polyester dries within a few hours.
