The North Face is a prominent name in the outdoor recreation industry, which has become synonymous with high-quality gear, footwear, and apparel. The company focuses on designing a plethora of outdoor products, such as backpacks, sleeping bags, and footwear, among others. With a history dating back to its founding in 1966 by Douglas and Susie Tompkins, the brand’s logo has undergone two changes. These reflect both design trends and the spirit of adventure. In this article, we delve into the evolution and history of the North Face logo over the years.
The Genesis of The North Face Logo (1966 – 2010)
The inaugural logo of The North Face featured the brand name in monochrome on three levels. And on the right of the brand name was an abstract emblem comprising three thick arched lines in black. These represented the Half Dome Mountain, located in Yosemite Park, which is quite popular among tourists.
(2010 – Today)
In 2010, the logo was redesigned without changing the core elements of The North Face logo. The logo shows a red and white colour palette, where scarlet red forms the backdrop in the form of a square, while the brand name and the emblem appear in white. The red and white colour palette of the latest logo exudes progress, power, and dynamism. The brand name is written in a traditional sans-serif font, which is similar to fonts such as Sequel Sans CG Disp Semi and Neue Helvetica Georgian Bold 75.
The Elements of The North Face Logo
Symbol
The quarter-circle in the logo is a stylized representation of Half Dome, which rises over 8,700 feet above sea level. This feature emphasises the brand’s outdoor heritage and also serves as an easily recognizable symbol in the outdoor apparel market.
Font
The logo employs a bold, all-capital serif typeface that is clear and legible. It ensures immediate recognition of the brand. Although it lacks unique features, its simplicity contributes to its effectiveness.
Colour
The company uses white and scarlet colours as a corporate palette. Light red is well associated with dynamics, energy, activity, physical endurance, and courage. Previously, the logo was coloured black combined with white and had light letters on a dark background.
Finally
The North Face logo is more than a visual representation; it’s a symbol of exploration, resilience, and a commitment to the great outdoors. From its humble beginnings in 1966 to its current status as a global leader in outdoor gear, the logo has evolved while staying true to its roots. The North Face logo is a testament to the brand’s commitment to maintaining a consistent and powerful visual identity.
Someone just gave me a pair of North Face boots (I don’t know how old they are) and it doesn’t have the logo on it. It has the brand name in a yellow almost like handwriting style with a backdrop of a mountain also in yellow almost like embroidery . This is on a brown fabric label sewn on top of the top part of the tongue on the boots – they are brown also. On the top left hand corner it also displays the info est. 1966. On the bottom right hand corner it exhibits the words athlete tested expedition proven. Could these be fake North Face shoes or is it possible they’re the were put on the market when the company was young and before the logo they have now was invented? (I would send you a picture but there is nowhere to attach one.) The quality seems legit though.
Hello Helene,
Pls reach out to the company directly. We are not affiliated with North Face.