Van Heusen › About Van Heusen - shirts, ties & cufflinks

The Brand History

Moses Phillps Starts A Business 1881 - 1910

In 1881, Moses Phillips and his wife Endel begin sewing shirts by hand and selling them from pushcarts to local Pottsville, PA coalminers. Sensing opportunity, Phillips and his son, Isaac, come to New York City and start a shirt business. As their business develops they show foresight by placing one of the first ever shirt ads in The Saturday Evening Post. The foundation has been laid for a modern, marketing-driven, world-class company.

John Manning Van Heusen Invents A Collar And Finds A Partner 1910-1921

In Holland, John Manning Van Heusen develops a unique process of fusing cloth on a curve, creating a soft, comfortable self-folding collar that captures the stiff fashion collar look of the era. Travelling to the United States to find a partner, he meets Seymour Phillips, Moses' son. They join forces, creating the Phillips-Van Heusen Corporation.

1919 is an outstanding year for the young company. A patent is granted for the Van Heusen collar, production of 'The World's Smartest Collar' commences and Phillips-Van Heusen is listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Two years later, the Van Heusen patented collar is introduced to the public with immediate and overwhelming success.

John's Son Crosses The Atlantic 1920 -1930

Van Heusen's son of the same name travels to England and concludes two key arrangements. In Hyde, J & J Ashton is approved as designated weaver, and in Taunton, Robert M. Moody is retained on a commission basis to manufacture collars. Production begins in 1922. In 1929, the Collarite shirt - the first collar-attached shirt - is introduced.

Innovation continues with an expanded range of colours and the introduction of the popular Country shirt collection featuring an attached collar using the original semi-stiff fabric. Van Heusen's profile, already high throughout the United Kingdom, is raised further by members of the Royal Family who favour Van Heusen collars.

A Master Shirtmaker Looks To The World 1930 - 1970

In 1935, Harding, Tilton and Hartley purchase the worldwide rights (excluding the Americas and American Island Possessions) to the Van Heusen name. The Company later purchases J & J Ashton and adopts the title The British Van Heusen Company. In 1952, their headquarters are moved to Saville Row, the famed focal point of English men's fashion. In 1974, The British Van Heusen Company is awarded a Royal Warrant as Shirtmakers to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth-II

Meanwhile, Back In America 1920 - 1970

The Patented Van Heusen Collar is advertised from coast-to-coast. Growth is fuelled by continuous marketing innovation including the first outdoor advertising of shirts. The New York Yankees and the Brooklyn Dodgers thrill their fans while playing beneath Van Heusen images. In the fifties, celebrities join the marketing effort, introducing numerous product innovations. The stars include Mickey Rooney, Danny Kaye, Charlton Heston, Fred McMurray, Tony Curtis, Mickey Mantle, Anthony Quinn and future president, Ronald Reagan

Growth Continues And Continues And ... 1980s - Present

During the 1980s, Phillips-Van Heusen (PVH) changes its focus from manufacturing to marketing. This propels the growth of the company, builds consumer awareness and loyalty.
1991, Van Heusen becomes the number one national dress shirt brand. This share of market continues to grow throughout the decade. In 2001, Phillips-Van Heusen acquires worldwide rights to the Van Heusen trademark.

2006, Van Heusen continues to be the best-selling dress shirt brand and the best selling main floor department store men's woven sport shirt brand in the U.S.A.