Passenger Clothing: The Complete Guide to Britain’s Sustainable Outdoor Brand

Struggling to find outdoor gear that actually holds up without wrecking the planet? Most fast-fashion outdoor brands fade, leak, and end up in landfill within a year. Passenger Clothing was built by two van-life adventurers who got tired of that exact problem, and their jackets, fleeces and travel wear now sell across the UK, US and Germany. This guide breaks down everything worth knowing before you buy.

What Is Passenger Clothing?

Passenger Clothing is a British outdoor and lifestyle apparel brand based in the New Forest, England. It designs jackets, fleeces, t-shirts, and travel accessories for people who spend their weekends outdoors rather than indoors.

The company positions itself around three ideas: adventure, sustainability, and affordability. Unlike premium technical brands, Passenger Clothing prices itself for everyday explorers rather than professional mountaineers.

Today the brand ships to the UK, United States, and Germany, and it holds B Corp certification for its environmental and social practices

The Story Behind Passenger Clothing

Passenger Clothing began in 2012 when founders Richard and Alexa Sutcliffe drove across Europe in an old VW T4 van with their dog, Ralph. Long stretches on the road exposed gaps in the outdoor clothing market, and the idea for the brand took shape around campfires and beach mornings.

Richard and Alexa launched their first collection — beanies and t-shirts — in 2013, packing every order from their own living room. Growth followed quickly once customers noticed the brand’s mix of casual style and genuine durability.

By 2023, Passenger Clothing had expanded internationally into the US and Germany. That same year, investment firm Growth Partner acquired a minority stake for £15 million, and former Gymshark CEO Steve Hewitt joined as chairman to help scale the company further.

What Makes Passenger Clothing Different

Plenty of outdoor brands claim to care about the environment. Passenger Clothing backs the claim with structural commitments rather than marketing language alone.

• A tree is planted for every order placed.
• The brand’s headquarters runs on UK-generated renewable electricity.
• Over 90% of the product range uses lower-footprint materials.
• Passenger Clothing holds independently verified B Corp status.

This combination of low prices and genuine sustainability practices is rare. Most eco-conscious outdoor brands sit at a premium price point that puts them out of reach for younger or budget-conscious shoppers, which is where Passenger Clothing has carved its space.

Sustainable Materials Explained

Passenger Clothing builds its range around recycled and renewable fibres instead of virgin synthetics. Understanding the materials helps explain both the comfort and the environmental claims behind the brand.

• Recycled polyester — made from post-consumer plastic, used in jackets and shells.
• Recycled cotton — reduces water and pesticide use compared to virgin cotton.
• Organic cotton — grown without synthetic chemicals, used in t-shirts and hoodies.
• Hemp — a low-water crop blended into casual wear for durability.
• NetPlus® — regenerated nylon made from reclaimed fishing nets, used in technical pieces.

Each fabric choice serves a practical purpose beyond sustainability, from breathability in t-shirts to structural strength in outerwear.

Passenger Clothing Product Range

Passenger Clothing’s catalogue covers most of what a regular outdoor weekend actually requires. Shoppers browsing the range will typically find the following categories.

• Waterproof and windproof jackets
• Fleeces and mid-layers
• T-shirts and casual tops
• Trousers and shorts
• Changing robes for surfers and swimmers
• Travel bags and backpacks
• Beanies, accessories, and gift cards

The range targets both men and women, with a relaxed fit that favours comfort and layering over athletic tailoring.

Passenger Clothing Jackets and Waterproofing

Jackets are the backbone of the Passenger Clothing range, and the brand builds them to handle genuine British weather. Every waterproof jacket carries a PFC-free durable water repellent (DWR) coating rather than the harsher chemical treatments used by older outdoor brands.

Seams are taped to stop water creeping through stitch lines, and jackets are tested to at least 10,000mm of waterproof pressure. That rating comfortably covers heavy rain, coastal wind, and long hikes.

Breathability is built into the fabric structure too, so jackets don’t trap sweat during active use. Pockets are sized for phones and maps, and drawstrings adjust for a snugger fit in bad weather.

Passenger Clothing Fleeces and Layering

Fleeces from Passenger Clothing use brushed fabrics designed to resist pilling, which is the small fuzzy balling that ruins cheaper fleeces after a few washes. The result stays soft and warm through repeated outdoor use.

Layering is central to the brand’s design philosophy. Fleeces are cut with enough room to sit comfortably under a waterproof shell, which matters on cold mornings when conditions shift quickly.

Passenger Clothing Sizing and Fit

Sizing questions come up often for first-time Passenger Clothing buyers, since the brand favours a relaxed, slightly oversized silhouette rather than a slim athletic cut.

• Tops and fleeces generally run true to size with extra room for layering.
• Jackets fit best when sized to allow a fleece or jumper underneath.
• Trousers and shorts follow standard UK sizing.
• Reviewers frequently note the fit suits people who prefer comfort over a fitted look.

Anyone between sizes is generally better sizing down for a fitted look or staying true to size for maximum layering flexibility.

How Passenger Clothing Compares to Other Brands

Passenger Clothing sits in what the industry calls the “bridge” segment — above fast fashion, below premium technical mountaineering brands. That places it in direct comparison with brands like Finisterre, Patagonia, and Rains.

• Vs Finisterre: Finisterre targets serious cold-water surfers with technical performance gear at a higher price point. Passenger Clothing appeals to a younger, broader lifestyle audience.
• Vs Patagonia: Patagonia leans heavily into technical mountaineering credibility. Passenger Clothing focuses on everyday adventure and accessibility.
• Vs fast-fashion outdoor brands: Passenger Clothing’s recycled materials and B Corp status give it a sustainability edge that most budget competitors cannot match.

The brand’s real advantage is bridging two customer expectations that rarely meet: genuine environmental credentials and prices that don’t require a specialist budget.

Where to Buy Passenger Clothing

Passenger Clothing sells directly through its own website, which carries the full current range and seasonal drops. The brand also stocks selected pieces through established outdoor retailers.

• Passenger Clothing’s official online store
• Cotswold Outdoor
• Snow+Rock
• Selected independent surf and outdoor shops across the UK

Buying direct usually offers the widest size range and first access to new colourways, while retail stockists are useful for trying fit in person before ordering.

Passenger Clothing Pricing and Value

Passenger Clothing prices sit in the mid-range outdoor bracket. Jackets typically cost less than premium technical brands while still using recycled or organic materials throughout construction.

• T-shirts and beanies: budget-friendly entry points
• Fleeces and mid-layers: mid-range pricing
• Waterproof jackets: the highest price tier, still below premium competitors

Given the fabric technology, waterproof testing, and sustainability credentials involved, most reviewers consider the pricing fair rather than inflated.

Caring for Your Passenger Clothing

Proper care extends the life of any garment, and Passenger Clothing pieces respond well to simple maintenance.

• Wash jackets on a gentle cycle with technical wash liquid, not standard detergent.
• Avoid fabric softener, which clogs waterproof membranes.
• Re-apply DWR treatment periodically to restore water beading.
• Air dry fleeces rather than tumble drying on high heat.

Following these steps keeps waterproofing effective and fabrics soft for years of regular outdoor use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Passenger Clothing a good brand? 

Yes. Passenger Clothing holds B Corp certification, uses recycled materials in over 90% of its range, and offers waterproof jackets tested to 10,000mm, making it a credible mid-range outdoor option.

Where is Passenger Clothing made? 

Passenger Clothing is designed and headquartered in the New Forest, UK, with manufacturing handled through its supplier network using recycled and organic materials.

Is Passenger Clothing waterproof?

 Passenger Clothing jackets use PFC-free DWR coatings and taped seams, tested to at least 10,000mm, which covers heavy rain and coastal wind conditions.

How does Passenger Clothing sizing run? 

Passenger Clothing runs a relaxed, slightly oversized fit designed for comfortable layering, so most shoppers order their usual size unless they prefer a fitted look.

Who founded Passenger Clothing?

 Richard and Alexa Sutcliffe founded Passenger Clothing in 2012 after a European road trip exposed gaps in the outdoor clothing market.

Is Passenger Clothing sustainable?

 Passenger Clothing uses recycled polyester, recycled cotton, organic cotton, hemp, and NetPlus® regenerated nylon, plants a tree per order, and runs on renewable electricity.

Final Thoughts: Is Passenger Clothing Worth It?

Passenger Clothing earns its growing UK following by solving a genuine gap: recycled, ethically produced outdoor gear priced for regular people rather than specialists. The jackets handle real British weather, the fleeces layer well, and the sustainability claims are backed by verifiable certifications rather than vague marketing.

Ready to gear up for your next adventure? Browse the current Passenger Clothing collection, compare a jacket against your usual layering setup, and pick the piece that matches how you actually spend your weekends outdoors.