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

Rohan

United Kingdom

Rohan is a British outdoor and travel clothing brand founded in 1972 by Paul and Sarah Howcroft and based in Milton Keynes. It designs lightweight, technical clothing and footwear for walking and travel, including its long running Bags trousers.

Facts
Founded1972
FoundersPaul and Sarah Howcroft
HeadquartersMilton Keynes, England
Signature productRohan Bags trousers
Websiterohan.co.uk
Segment
Premium
Categories
MenswearWomenswearOutdoorFootwear
Sales channels
Own storesE-commerce

What is Rohan?

Rohan is a British brand specialising in lightweight travel and outdoor clothing. It is headquartered in Milton Keynes, England, where its products are designed before being manufactured internationally.

History

Rohan was founded in 1972 by Paul Howcroft, a research chemist, and his wife Sarah Howcroft. The company has had several owners: Clarks acquired it in 1988 before a management buyout, the Cann Trust and Colin Fisher invested in 2007, and H. Young Holdings bought the business in 2016.

Products and positioning

Rohan's clothing is built around practical performance for walkers and travellers. Highlights include:

  • Rohan Bags, the trousers that remain in production after decades
  • Trousers in fabrics with mosquito repellent and UV protection
  • Travel friendly clothing and footwear for men and women

Distribution

The brand sells through a chain of its own shops across the United Kingdom, including outlet stores, and through its website.

Why it matters

Rohan helped shape the travel clothing category in Britain, and its vertically controlled model of own design and own stores makes it a useful reference for specialist outdoor retail.

Frequently asked questions

Who founded Rohan?

Rohan was founded in 1972 by research chemist Paul Howcroft and his wife Sarah.

Where is Rohan based?

Rohan is headquartered in Milton Keynes, England.

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