29 October 2026International edition
Vol. I · No.
29 October 2026
AI IN FASHION
DAILY
The daily briefing on AI in the fashion business
Where fashion meets artificial intelligence.
Sportswear and outdoor

Animal

United Kingdom

Animal is a British outdoor lifestyle brand founded in 1987, which began with a single rugged watch strap. Today it designs clothing, footwear and accessories for men, women and children with an active, coastal outlook.

Facts
Founded1987
First productA rugged watch strap
TaglineActive. Outdoor. Travel.
Sales modelOwn stores and websites
Websiteanimal.co.uk
Segment
Mid-market
Categories
MenswearWomenswearChildrenswearOutdoorSwimwear
Sales channels
Own storesE-commerce

What is Animal?

Animal is a UK lifestyle brand for people with an active outdoor life. It was founded in 1987 and started with just one product: a rugged watch strap designed for outdoor use. Its tagline is "Active. Outdoor. Travel."

Products and positioning

From that single accessory the brand has grown into a full lifestyle range for men, women and children, designed to work on the coast and in the city alike. Its offer includes:

  • Swimwear, boardshorts and wetsuits
  • Fleece, jackets, snow wear and base layers
  • Footwear
  • Bags, luggage and accessories

Distribution

Animal designs its own products and sells them directly through its own stores and websites, including outlet locations such as McArthurGlen's Cheshire Oaks designer outlet.

Why it matters

Animal's evolution from a niche accessory to a broad family lifestyle range shows how such brands have widened their appeal beyond core watersports customers. Its tagline sums up a range that now runs from wetsuits and boardshorts to snow wear and luggage.

Frequently asked questions

When was Animal founded?

Animal was founded in 1987, starting with a rugged watch strap designed for outdoor life.

What does Animal sell?

Animal sells men's, women's and kids' clothing, footwear, swimwear, wetsuits, outerwear, bags and accessories.

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