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Passenger Clothing

Meaningful Escapism

Have you ever stood at your front door, checking the weather and wondering what gear to grab for your next big (or small) adventure? Passenger Clothing gets those moments. Founded by a pair of UK adventurers and their dog (classic), the brand started small but built up a loyal crowd by obsessing over details

This brand is built for everyday explorers who find joy in muddy boots, sandy backpacks, and that feeling of freedom that comes with being prepared for anything outdoors. Passenger’s gear is meant to slip seamlessly into all your plans, letting you focus on packing in more wild moments, with less stress about what you’re wearing. Let’s unpack what makes this range a standout for UK explorers and beyond.

From Van Life Dream to Industry Game-Changer

Passenger was born out of freedom, road trips, and a desire to escape the everyday. In 2012, founder Richard Sutcliffe and his wife Alexa set off across Europe in a weathered VW T4, chasing waves, trails, and wild spaces with their dog, Ralph. The brand’s idea flickered by the fireside and settled during slow mornings, parked in the woods or on a windswept beach.​

For a year and a half,  Richard and Alexa juggled sourcing suppliers, developing original fabrics, and learning digital marketing from scratch. Early gear—just beanies and tees—was packed and shipped from their loft and living room, with the duo balancing day jobs and the chaos of start-up life. By 2013, after countless road miles and campfire cuppas, Passenger launched its first small line of versatile, purpose-driven clothing.

The world took notice quickly. The brand gained a loyal following for its unique blend of function, casual style, and environmental values. Over the next decade, Passenger expanded from that first handful of essentials to a full range of trusted technical outerwear, fleeces, organic cotton staples, bags, and accessories—now reaching a global community united by the urge to roam.

Woman wearing the Sunsets Recycled Knitted Cardigan
Three friends eating marshmallows by the fire
Woman wearing the Sunsets Recycled Knitted Cardigan

Meaningful Escapism: The Heart of Passenger

Passenger’s whole approach revolves around the concept of meaningful escapism, a philosophy that encourages swapping the routine for fresh air, wild places, and genuine human connection. For Passenger, escapism isn’t just about checking out from daily life—it’s about recharging, seeking perspective, and experiencing authentic moments while exploring nature.​

Whether it’s a sunrise hike, a surf session, or simply catching up with friends at a forest campsite, meaningful escapism is all about finding joy and balance outdoors. Passenger’s gear is designed for those moments: lightweight, packable, and ready to go wherever the escape takes you. Every product, campaign, and collection channel this idea—encouraging people to switch off, step outside, and discover meaningful experiences that fuel both adventure and wellbeing.​

Passenger’s message is clear: your most memorable escapes don’t need to be epic expeditions; they’re found in small, real moments that let you reconnect with what’s important. This spirit shapes their designs and connects a global community that believes that adventure, nature, and shared stories are worth chasing.

Woman wearing the Beaumont Recycled Sherpa Hooded Fleece

Man wearing a Passenger fleece
Woman wearing passenger jumper

What’s in the Passenger Range?

The range suits just about every landscape you could find yourself in:

Waterproof Jackets and Parkas

  • 2-layer or 3-layer recycled polyester shell with PFC-free DWR (Durable Water Repellent) and Bemis® taped seams.
  • Hydrostatic head waterproof rating of 10,000mm or higher (meaning they stand up to heavy British or alpine rain), fully seam‑sealed, adjustable storm hoods, storm flaps, and deep secure pockets.
  • Select models use Thermore® Ecodown or Downlite® 650 fill-power down for warmth.
  • Breathable shell to release excess heat and moisture. All are windproof, highly packable, and rugged enough for scrambling, cycle commutes, or extended hikes.​

Softshells and Lightweight Jackets

  • 4‑way stretch recycled polyester/elastane with a soft-brushed back and a water-resistant, PFC-free DWR finish.
  • WithArticulated sleeves, adjustable cuffs and hems, fleece-lined pockets for hand warmth, and YKK zips for reliability.
  • Ideal for windy ridges, shoulder seasons, or layering—these jackets block wind, resist light rain, and flex with every move.​

Fleeces & Midlayers

  • 100% recycled polyester, Polartec® options for advanced thermal regulation, moisture-wicking, and quick drying.

  • High-pile for maximum warmth; low-profile for layering. Flatlock seams for chafe-free performance.

  • Excellent for fast hiking, layering in winter, or as a campfire essential all year round.​

T-Shirts, Hoodies, & Sweats

  • Organic and recycled cotton, with slub texture from blended fibres; robust ribbing, double-stitched hem.
  • Soft, breathable, and hard-wearing, they’re ideal for holiday road trips, cool evenings, or rest days. drirelease® options add moisture management and odour control for active use.​

Shorts, Trousers & Joggers

  • Recycled polyester, NetPlus® nylon, and organic cotton blends.

  • Quick-dry, stretchy, and cut for movement. Key pieces include abrasion-resistant, articulated knees and secure zipped pockets for trail essentials.

Bags & Backpacks

  • Cushioned laptop sleeves protect your tech during commutes and trips.

  • Organiser compartments keep essentials easy to find and secure.

  • Reinforced handles and adjustable straps built to handle real adventures.

Accessories

  • Features eco caps, beanies, socks, snoods and travel towels for everyday versatility.

  • Lightweight and easy to pack for quick escapes or longer journeys.

  • Durable stitching and weather‑ready fabrics make accessories reliable year-round.

Underneath It All: Clever Fabrics for Every Escape

What makes a jacket shrug off the rain, a fleece stay soft season after season, or a backpack handle being chucked in the boot again and again? For Passenger, it’s all about material science and thoughtful sourcing.

Passenger’s core jackets, fleeces, shorts, and bags use recycled polyester, spun from post-consumer waste plastic bottles. The process starts by shredding the bottles, melting the plastic, and spinning new polyester yarns, reducing energy use and landfill impact. This fibre is naturally quick-drying, lightweight, and abrasion-resistant, making it ideal for active outerwear and layering.​

T-shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts, and some trousers use certified organic cotton, grown without harmful pesticides. Organic cultivation means less water use and a gentler approach to agriculture, which is vital for preserving the landscapes Passenger fans love to explore.​

Blended into their cotton range is recycled cotton, salvaged from offcuts and old garments. It’s shredded, mixed with fresh organic cotton, and re-spun into rugged yet soft new yarns. This gives their basics a textured, slubbed look while helping reduce textile waste. The trick is blending enough virgin fibres to retain strength and shape while keeping as much recycled content as possible.​

A standout innovation, NetPlus® is a fabric made from recycled fishing nets (collected during marine clean-ups) and is featured in shorts, jackets, and caps. It’s tough, weather-resistant, and part of the solution to plastic pollution in our oceans.​

For some lines, hemp blends provide natural breathability, anti-microbial qualities, and long-lasting strength. Drirelease® blends are engineered for moisture management and odour control in demanding conditions.​

Select jackets use Thermore® Ecodown insulation, made entirely from recycled plastic bottles, or Downlite® certified down for lightweight, responsibly sourced warmth in deep winter. These fills are thoroughly tested for long-lasting loft, heat retention, and wash durability.​

Colourways use eco-friendly dyes with reduced water and energy usage, while all waterproofing finishes are PFC‑free to eliminate persistent chemicals from the environment.​


Four friends by the fire

Woman wearing the Sunsets Recycled Knitted Cardigan
Three friends eating marshmallows by the fire

Sustainability Initiatives & Community Actions

Every Passenger product supports a broader mission:

  • Tree Planted With Every Order: Reforestation is built into every purchase, supporting diverse forest projects worldwide.​
  • Zero Plastic Packaging: Recycled or compostable materials only for packaging and shipping.
  • Circularity Initiatives: The Re:Roam take-back and repair program breathes new life into returned and damaged gear, keeping products in the outdoors and out of landfill.​
  • Transparent and Responsible Supply: Regular audits, long-term supplier relationships, and supply chain mapping.
  • Certifications: GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard), OEKO-TEX, Bluesign®—offering full material traceability and low-impact processing.

Key Milestones

  • 2012: Brand founded by Richard and Alexa Sutcliffe—vision born on a road trip in their T4 van with their dog Ralph.
  • 2013: First small product run of beanies and tees ships out of their home in the UK.​
  • 2014-2016: Builds traction, expands supply chain, reinvests profits into technical innovation, and sustainability efforts.​
  • 2017-2019: Adds full technical outerwear, active-wear, and practical accessories. Launches the tree-planting programme.
  • 2020+: Adopts NetPlus®, Thermore®, PFC-free DWRs, and certified supply chain. Rolls out Re:Roam circularity and grows a passionate, global community.
  • 2022-on: Passenger apparel seen globally across surf towns, mountain paths, and major UK outdoor retailers—including leading at Cotswold Outdoor.
Four friends by the fire

The sweet spot for Passenger Clothing is anyone who mixes city living with long weekends outdoors, who needs kit that keeps pace—without costing the earth. You’ll find jackets that stay dry when the clouds burst, fleeces that fend off campfire chills, and relaxed staples you’ll reach for every day. We have a great selection, so you can build a wardrobe that delivers from the Lake District to the pub, season to season.​

Ready to upgrade your kit with gear that really steps up? Take a look at the latest Passenger collections at Cotswold Outdoor and join the movement for a wilder, greener future.

FAQs


Passenger Clothing uses organic cotton, recycled cotton, recycled polyester, and NetPlus® (made from recycled fishing nets) in jackets, fleeces, shorts, and accessories.

Passenger is known for relaxed and slightly oversized fits, designed for comfort and easy layering. Always check the product-specific size guide before buying.

Jackets are constructed with PFC-free DWR coatings, taped seams, and 10,000mm+ waterproof ratings. Fleeces provide warmth without bulk using recycled fabrics.

Their gear is designed to be packable, lightweight, and easy to layer, perfect for van life, backpacking, or spontaneous escapes.

The Re:Roam programme lets you send back used Passenger items for repair, recycling, or store credit, supporting a circular economy.

NetPlus® is a fully traceable material made from post-consumer recycled fishing nets, delivering strength and water resistance for backpacks, jackets, and caps, while actively reducing ocean plastic pollution.

drirelease® fabrics are soft, moisture-wicking, and fast-drying, making them ideal for multi-day hikes and high-exertion trail use, helping regulate sweat and keeping you comfortable.

Jackets may utilise Thermore® Ecodown® insulation, made from 100% post-consumer plastic bottles, or Downlite® responsibly sourced down, each offering high thermal retention and durability.

Yes, selected garments use Polygiene StayFresh™, an industry-leading antibacterial technology that inhibits the growth of odour-causing bacteria during extended outdoor wear.

Passenger bags feature water-resistant recycled fabrics, cushioned laptop sleeves, organisers, reinforced straps and handles, and weatherproof construction for rugged use.



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