Rohan, a British designer and supplier of outdoor clothing, has carved out a unique niche in the world of outdoor gear, becoming synonymous with durability, innovation, and functional style. Founded in 1972 by Paul and Sarah Howcroft, Rohan started as a small operation in Skipton, Yorkshire, fueled by a modest £70 and the couple’s passion for creating practical outdoor wear. The brand quickly gained recognition for its pioneering approach to fabric technology, with its first product—a pair of quick-drying mountaineering salopettes—setting the tone for Rohan’s commitment to performance and quality. This early success laid the foundation for a brand that would go on to achieve global acclaim.

The 1970s and 1980s were formative decades for Rohan, marked by a series of high-profile endorsements and innovations. Perhaps most notably, in 1978, an Austrian climber, Peter Habeler, wore one of Rohan’s jackets during the first ascent of Mount Everest without bottled oxygen, a feat that highlighted the brand’s commitment to producing gear capable of withstanding the harshest conditions. During this period, Rohan also introduced its lightweight travel range, including the iconic Rohan Bags, which are still in production today. However, the brand faced significant challenges in the late 1980s, including financial difficulties following the Black Wednesday economic crisis, leading to the Howcrofts losing control of the company.

Despite these setbacks, Rohan endured and evolved, undergoing several ownership changes and strategic realignments over the years. In 2007, the Cann Trust and Colin Fisher took over the company, steering it through a period of financial recovery and product refinement. Rohan’s resilience was further tested during the global recession, but the brand emerged stronger, continuing to innovate while maintaining its core principles of quality and functionality. Today, Rohan remains a respected name in the outdoor clothing industry, with a legacy that reflects its founders’ original vision: creating clothing that is not only stylish but built to perform under the most demanding conditions.

How to tell if Rohan is vintage from the logo

Rohan is a renowned outdoor clothing brand known for its durable and functional gear. The brand’s logo has undergone changes over the years, making it a useful indicator for determining the vintage of Rohan products. Below is a guide to identifying if your Rohan item is vintage based on the logo from the 1980s to now.

1980s to now Rohan logo

• The Rohan logo from the 1980s to the present day is characterized by its bold, black font.
• The font used in the logo is modern and clean, with smooth curves and a rounded feel, which contrasts with the blockier fonts often seen in earlier decades.
• The text is always in black, and the logo typically appears without any emblem, focusing solely on the brand name.
• This consistent use of a minimalist design reflects Rohan’s focus on functionality and simplicity in both their branding and product offerings.
• The Rohan logo has remained largely unchanged from the 1980s to now, making it more challenging to date specific items, but subtle differences in the material quality and placement on garments can help indicate the exact era.

1980s to now Rohan logo

How to tell if Rohan is vintage from the tags

Rohan has undergone several evolutions in its branding and tag design over the decades, reflecting changes in style and technology. From the utilitarian and performance-driven designs of the earlier years to more modern and sleek appearances, the tags offer a window into the brand’s history. Below is a guide to identifying vintage Rohan clothing based on the tags from different eras.

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1990s vintage Rohan tags

• Tags prominently feature the “Rohan” name with bold, sans-serif lettering.
• Background colors typically include dark tones, often black, to highlight the brand name.
• The tag design often incorporates the “Quality” and “Performance” descriptors, emphasizing the brand’s focus on durable and high-performing outdoor gear.
• Some tags feature a distinctive globe motif in the background, signifying the brand’s global outlook and commitment to quality.

1990s Rohan tags

2000s vintage Rohan tags

• Rohan tags from the 2000s continue the use of bold sans-serif fonts, but with a more modern and streamlined look.
• Tags during this era might feature a mix of colors, including black and red, along with different fabric textures.
• The globe motif remains present, often in varying colors, which complements the emphasis on performance.
• Material composition and care instructions often appear on separate, smaller tags alongside the main brand tag.

2000s Rohan tags

2010s vintage Rohan tags

• Tags from this era showcase a more minimalistic design, with sleek fonts and simplified layouts.
• The globe motif is less prominent, sometimes absent altogether, as the brand moved towards a more modern aesthetic.
• Tags often feature a more refined color palette, with blue and grey tones becoming more common.
• Additional information, such as sizing and material details, is typically included on separate tags, continuing the trend from previous decades.

2010s Rohan tags