1946
After the end of WW2 and the expulsion of German citizens from Abertamy, Bohemia (now part of Czech Republic), Bruno Held and his son Edgar senior founded the company at their new home in Burgberg (Allgäu). As professional glove makers, they began with the production of fashion gloves, as well as work-protection-gloves and driving gloves.

(Photo showing company founder Bruno Held with the former technical director Erhard Held)
1970
With the rising popularity of motorcycling especially in racing and leisure touring in the 70s, Held focuses on production and distribution of protective gloves, particularly designed for the special needs for motorcycling.
1979
Now focusing solely on the production of items for motorcyclists, Held teams up with 11-time European Motocross Champion Erwin Schmider to develop the first dedicated MX glove. At this point of time the company is already a trailblazer in the riding equipment industry.
1983
1983 is the big break through for Held: Together with Germany’s most successful racer of all time, Tony Mang, (5 time’s world Champion 250cc and 350cc) Held develops a totally new style of racing glove.
1991
After the revolutionary development of the world’s first magnetic tankbag in 1985, the next milestone follows in 1991. With the development of Helds first nylon jacket, they step into the world of protective motorcycle garments; this is brought to the next level in the following year with the development of the first full kangaroo leather suit.
1996
In 1996 the company celebrates its 50th anniversary. Held supplies over 3000 specialized dealers in Europe and the USA.
1999
With a constantly growing product range, the extension of Helds customer base and the increased number of employees the need for space increases. In 1999 the head office and logistics departments move to new facilities with over 7000m² in Burgberg-Erzflöße.
2005
The legendary Held Phantom gloves are awarded test winner in the category racing gloves and set a new standard for the time. In the following year Held is awarded BEST BRAND, in the glove category by Europe’s leading motorcycle magazine MOTORRAD. Since 2006 Held received the award 20 times in a row.
2009
In 2009 Held enters into a licence cooperation with Gore to develop products with GORE-TEX membranes for the clothing sector.in the clothing sector. The quattrotempi collection is presented for the first time in 2010 and is characterised by highest quality materials, the best workmanship, innovative detailed solutions and maximum functionality.
2011
Since the opening of the Held flagship store in Sonthofen, motorbike enthusiasts have been able to find the largest selection of motorbike clothing and accessories in the Allgäu region on two floors with over 1100 m². In addition to the complete range of the Held biker fashion collection, helmets, technology and clothing from top brands are also being offered.
2016
Held celebrates its 70th anniversary and presents an anniversary collection, combining urban-retro-styles with up to date safety features and latest fabrics. For all customers and fans of the brand, Held starts a raffle with a restored and customized BMW R75 as first prize. Besides all the festivity, Held presents numerous innovative highlights in various categories.
2017
Due to the steady growth and the associated increased space requirement in our logistics at the location Erzflöße in Burgberg, Held decides to purchase the new Held Logistics Centre in Kempten in 2017.
2019
Held presents the eVest Clip-in, the first product from the cooperation with the French airbag manufacturer In&motion.
2020
In 2020, the first motorcycle boots with GORE-TEX membrane are presented. This makes Held one of the few Gore brand partners to hold the license for all clothing areas: textile clothing, gloves and boots.
2021
Held celebrates its 75th birthday in 2021. For 75 years now, the Held brand has stood for innovative motorcycle clothing with maximum safety and maximum comfort.
2023
Held opens the Held Centre Stuttgart in Filderstadt in cooperation with the Limbächer company. The 380m² shop on the 1st floor of the Ducati building offers a large selection of the Held collection, the Ducati apparel collection and helmets and boots from the top brands on the scene.
2024
Held presents a new development in the airbag sector: the eVest PRO. In co-operation with In&motion, an airbag system with the new performance airbag has been developed, which has been specially adapted to the needs of racing cyclists and protects not only the chest, back and neck, but also the ribs and shoulders.