Trespass
ActiveOverview
Trespass is a UK-based sportswear brand specializing in outdoor clothing, footwear, and equipment, including waterproof jackets, skiwear, walking boots, fleeces, camping gear, and festival accessories.1234 It operates over 170 stores primarily in the UK, with expansion into Ireland, mainland Europe, and other regions, and distributes products wholesale, retail, and online to over 60 countries.234 The brand focuses on affordable, high-performance outdoor gear developed with in-house technologies like Tres-Tex and Tres-Shield.3
History
Jacobs & Turner Ltd. was established in 1938 in Glasgow, Scotland, initially providing uniforms to organizations like the local police with 12 machinists in a 1200 sqft warehouse.123 It shifted to manufacturing anoraks and waterproof jackets, then created the Trespass brand in 1984 to offer affordable high-performance outdoor clothing, starting with skiwear.1234 In the 1990s, the company entered retail with stores in the UK, expanding to over 300 shops across Great Britain, Ireland, Europe, and Canada by 2018, while growing wholesale exports.24 In 2025, Trespass was appointed Official Uniform Partner for Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games workforce and volunteers.4
Product Lines
| Product Line | Positioning | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Waterproof Jackets | affordable weather protection | $50 - $200 |
| Skiwear | performance winter gear | $100 - $300 |
| Walking Boots | durable footwear for hiking | $60 - $150 |
| Fleeces | warm mid-layer insulation | $30 - $100 |
| Camping Equipment | essential outdoor shelters and gear | $50 - $250 |
| Footwear | versatile outdoor shoes | $40 - $120 |
| Festival Accessories | weatherproof event gear | $20 - $80 |
Manufacturing
Products were initially manufactured in-house in Glasgow facilities, expanding from 1200 sqft to over 10,000 sqft by the 1980s.23 Current manufacturing details are not specified, but the company retains in-house designers and develops proprietary technologies like Tres-Tex and Tres-Shield.3
Notable Products
- Tres-Tex Jackets - Waterproof jackets using proprietary Tres-Tex fabric for weather resistance.
- Tres-Shield Gear - Protective outdoor clothing with Tres-Shield technology.
- Waterproof Anoraks - Early signature waterproof outerwear that shaped the brand's focus.
- Walking Boots - Durable boots designed for hiking and outdoor activities.
- Skiwear Collection - Affordable performance apparel for skiing and winter sports.
- 3-Layer Tres-Tex Fabric Items - Advanced waterproof breathable gear using Tres-Tex 3-layer material.
Reputation
Trespass is recognized among outdoor enthusiasts for delivering functional, affordable gear suitable for activities like hiking, skiing, and camping, with a strong retail presence in the UK.124 Professionals note its in-house innovations like Tres-Tex as accessible performance features, though it may lack the premium materials or extreme durability of higher-end brands.3 Criticisms are limited in available data, but its mass-market positioning suggests it prioritizes value over elite technical specs.