A LEGACY WOVEN
THROUGH TIME
Crafting excellence since 1898
The founder: Victor Declercq
It all began in 1898, when Victor Declercq established a cap workshop in Diksmuide alongside his wife Marie Olivier and seven skilled craftspeople. From day one, quality and craftsmanship were non-negotiable.
Victor was known for his sharply waxed moustache, meticulously groomed daily by a personal barber, he embodied the elegance of his era. He couldn't have imagined that over a century later, his legacy would still be going strong.
1898
The 2nd Generation: Gerard & Raphael
After Victor's passing in 1917, his widow Marie Olivier took the reins, running the business with her sons Gerard and Raphael.
Under the name City Cap, the brothers focused on sales, while Marie upheld strict standards in the atelier, personally overseeing every detail of production.
1917
THE Iconic City Sport Car
By the mid-1930s, the name had changed to City Sport and became a household name, with a presence in nearly every Belgian town. The brand embraced visibility, particularly in the world of cycling. Their pièce de résistance: the City Sport car—a promotional vehicle topped with a giant cap. It became a beloved fixture at cycling events, proudly touring the Tour de France & Tour of Flanders.
1935
The 3RD Generation: Godfried, Daniel & Walter
Following World War II, the company returned to full strength. Gerard and Raphael's sons—Godfried and Daniel—joined the leadership, alongside their cousin Walter, a natural-born salesman who traveled across Western Europe representing City Sport. With a strong export presence in France, the Netherlands, Germany, Italy, and Austria, City Sport became a true European brand.
1950
Royal Recognition & Peak Popularity
The 1960s marked the brand's golden era. With 100 employees and booming exports, City Sport was riding high. In 1963, the company was honored with a royal visit from Prince Albert of Belgium. That same decade, the company launched its own in-house style magazine, The City Sport, cementing its position as a leading voice in men's headwear.
The Golden 60's
A Changing World
By the end of the decade, cultural changes posed new challenges. Long hair became a symbol of rebellion, and the rise of the automobile made headwear less essential. As the classic cap fell out of favor, Daniel responded with resilience—launching a new line of trousers under the brand Oliver in 1973.
The late 60's
Fourth generation: Tom & Paul
Daniel's son Paul carried his vision into the 1980s, rebranding Oliver as Zilton, which gained a reputation for refined, masculine style. Meanwhile, his other son Tom stayed loyal to the cap legacy. Under Tom's direction, City Sport was revitalized—sales quadrupled, and the brand once again claimed its place at the top.
1990s
A New Chapter
Lowie and Artuur Coffez are bringing a fresh breeze to City Sport. Born just 10 km from the factory in Ardooie and raised in a family with roots in garment-making and sewing machines, they combine tradition with modern vision. Together with a close-knit team of 5 employees and 35 craftspeople, they are steering the company into a new era—rooted in heritage, driven by purpose.
Today
