Fred Perry withdraws polo shirt adopted by far-right Proud Boys in US

Fred Perry has pulled sales of its famous black polo shirt with twin yellow tipping and Laurel Wreath in North America and Canada, after becoming associated with far-right group the Proud Boys as part of their uniform.

In a statement, the brand has called it “incredibly frustrating” that the group has “subverted our Laurel Wreath” to their own ends.

The statement reads: “Fred Perry does not support and is in no way affiliated with the Proud Boys. The Fred Perry shirt is a piece of British subcultural uniform, adopted by various groups of people who recognise their own values in what it stands for. We are proud of its lineage and what the Laurel Wreath has represented for over 65 years: inclusivity, diversity and independence.

“The black/yellow twin tipped shirt has been an important part of that uniform since its introduction in the late 1970’s, and has been adopted generation after generation by various subcultures, without prejudice. 

“Despite its lineage, we have seen that the black/yellow twin tipped shirt is taking on a new and very different meaning in North America as a result of its association with the Proud Boys. That association is something we must do our best to end.”

The Fred Perry polo shirt has long been associated with skinheads, who originally denounced fascism in the 1960’s, before some skinheads swung to the far right in the 1970’s.

Fred Perry has spoken out against far-right views on several occasions after its wreath logo polo shirts were used by groups the brand wants no association with.