Sandbanks Brand Guide
The OD's Sandbanks Brand Guide
Performance with Purpose
1 | Brand Overview — British Sustainable Luxury
Sandbanks is a British sustainable luxury outerwear house founded by former England footballer Jamie Redknapp circa 2019, operating in the premium space alongside Moncler and Canada Goose while making sustainability a non-negotiable prerequisite rather than marketing addition — proving high-performance luxury need not compromise the planet.
The name "Sandbanks" evokes the exclusive Dorset peninsula — British coastal beauty, maritime heritage, and commitment to protecting natural landscapes.
At A Glance
- Category: Sustainable luxury outerwear — technical performance meets refined silhouettes meets environmental responsibility
- Price Positioning: Premium tier — £200-£600 (gilets, bombers, mid-weight) to £400-£900 (insulated parkas)
- Manufacturing: Primary production in Italy, Portugal, and Romania
Positioned between technical outdoor brands (Arc'teryx, Patagonia) and luxury status labels (Moncler, Canada Goose) — the performance of the former, the prestige of the latter, minus environmental guilt.
Brand Promise: "Luxury without compromise — performance engineered, planet respected."
Typical UK street pricing, subject to seasonal variation.
2 | Heritage & Philosophy — The Athlete's Vision
Founded by former England international Jamie Redknapp, Sandbanks emerged from dual expertise: elite athletic performance demands combined with refined style credibility — translating into outerwear that functions under pressure while maintaining sophisticated aesthetics appropriate for urban and outdoor contexts.
The Founder's Dual Credentials
Performance Authority
A career representing Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, and England instills understanding of gear that must move naturally, regulate temperature during exertion, and endure constant use. Athletes don't tolerate equipment that fails.
Style Credibility
As one of Britain's most recognized football pundits and style figures, Redknapp's aesthetic sensibility informs clean lines, premium hardware, understated branding, and versatile pieces bridging sportswear and luxury menswear.
This isn't celebrity endorsement — it's founder-led authenticity. Early adoption by elite boxers, UFC fighters, and Sky Sports presenters stems from genuine connection to high-performance culture, not paid sponsorships.
Core Philosophy
- Sustainability as Prerequisite: No product launches unless it meets environmental responsibility criteria. This constraint forces innovation rather than accepting compromise.
- Performance Dictates Design: Form follows function. Every element serves purpose — thermal efficiency, weather protection, mobility, durability — then refined for visual appeal.
- Longevity Defines Luxury: True luxury isn't disposable. The 2-year warranty reflects confidence in construction designed for decade-long use rather than seasonal replacement.
3 | Craftsmanship & Core Technologies — Engineered Materials
Every Sandbanks garment represents European manufacturing precision, premium Italian hardware, and innovative recycled materials matching or exceeding virgin equivalents in performance — sustainability without compromise when engineered correctly.
Trademarks: ECONYL®, Thermore®, Polartec®, Lampo® are property of respective owners.
Core Materials & Technologies
| Material | Application | Key Performance | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| ECONYL® Regenerated Nylon | Shell fabrics | Rescued from ocean waste (fishing nets, industrial plastic); infinite recyclability | Identical strength/durability to virgin nylon; every tonne saves 7 barrels crude oil |
| Thermore® Ecodown® | Insulation | 100% recycled PET; retains warmth when wet; anti-clumping | Outperforms traditional down in UK damp conditions; cruelty-free |
| RPET Recycled Polyester | Shells, linings | Post-consumer plastic bottle recovery | Waterproof, windproof when treated; diverts waste from landfills |
| Polartec® Recycled Fleece | Linings, panels | bluesign® + OEKO-TEX certified | Industry-leading warmth-to-weight; anti-pill finish |
| Lampo® Italian Zippers | All closures | Corrosion-resistant, self-healing coils | Luxury standard; 10+ year lifespan vs. cheap zipper failure |
Why These Materials Matter
ECONYL® vs Virgin Nylon
Chemical regeneration returns ocean waste to virgin-equivalent quality. Performance identical (strength, water resistance, durability) while eliminating petroleum extraction. Infinitely recyclable without degradation.
Ecodown® vs Traditional Down
Traditional down collapses when wet, losing 80-90% insulation — catastrophic in British conditions. Ecodown® maintains loft when damp, dries faster, and provides 500-600 fill power equivalent warmth without animal products.
Lampo® vs Standard Zippers
Cheap zippers fail first. Lampo® represents Italian luxury hardware standard — smooth action, corrosion resistance, self-healing coils (minor snags repair themselves). The difference between 2-year and 10-year garment lifespan.
Build Quality Standards
- High stitch count (12-14 stitches/inch on critical seams)
- Bar-tack reinforcement at stress points
- Down-proof lining construction
- Windproof sealed seams
- Clean internal finishing
2-Year Warranty: Covers material and workmanship defects. Sandbanks offers this because construction quality justifies confidence, not marketing theater.
4 | Cultural Presence — Authentic Influence
Sandbanks established credibility through strategic gifting to elite athletes and broadcast professionals rather than paid influencer marketing — boxers, UFC stars, Sky Sports presenters wearing the brand authentically validates technical performance while building cultural relevance in high-performance circles.
The Strategic Seeding Model
Recipients: Elite boxers, UFC fighters, Sky Sports presenters, high-performance athletes across disciplines.
Why it works:
- Recipients wear because it performs, not because they're paid
- Association with genuine athletes validates technical claims
- Aspirational appeal — customers want gear elite performers trust
- Cost-efficient credibility vs. massive influencer fees
Cultural message: Gear trusted by professionals whose performance depends on their equipment is credible for everyone.
Retail Footprint
Premium Distribution:
- Selfridges (London flagship presence)
- Harvey Nichols (premium department store credibility)
- OD's Designer Clothing (expert curation + sizing guidance)
- Selected independent boutiques across UK
Why placement matters: Department store buyers vet quality rigorously. Selfridges/Harvey Nichols presence validates luxury positioning and builds domain authority through high-value backlinks.
Market Positioning
Between:
- Technical outdoor (Arc'teryx, Patagonia) — performance credibility
- Luxury fashion (Moncler, Canada Goose) — prestige positioning
Customer: Professionals valuing substance over logos, performance over trends, longevity over disposability. 30-55 demographic seeking conscious luxury without greenwashing.
5 | Top Picks & Product-Specific Fit
Sandbanks fits true to UK size with classic or relaxed cuts allowing comfortable layering. Size up only for very heavy layering (thick jumpers, suit jackets) under outerwear. Gilets run slimmer — designed for close layering over base/mid layers.
For universal sizing guidance, body measurements, and layering principles, see our Master Size Guide. Below are Sandbanks product-specific fit notes.
OD's Top 3 Sandbanks Picks
1. The Icon: Branksome Parka (£550-750)
Best For: Definitive all-round luxury winter coat for UK conditions, urban commuting, weekend travel, investment outerwear.
Why OD's Rates It: This defines Sandbanks positioning. RPET shell with Thermore® Ecodown® delivers serious warmth without ethical compromise. Weather-resistant construction handles British rain/wind. Sharp modern silhouette works over suits or casual wear. Premium Lampo® hardware and discreet branding create sophisticated aesthetic.
Construction:
- RPET shell (post-consumer recycled polyester)
- Thermore® Ecodown® insulation (performs when damp)
- Lampo® Italian zippers
- Internal and external pockets
Fit Note: Classic fit with room for knitwear/hoodie underneath. True to size unless regularly layering over blazers → size up.
UK Weather: Excels 0-10°C with moderate rain/wind. Ecodown® maintains warmth in damp conditions (advantage over traditional down).
2. The Essential: Haven Gilet (£250-350)
Best For: Transitional weather, core-warming layer under shells, versatile piece for variable British conditions.
Why OD's Rates It: Provides core warmth without bulk or restricted arm movement. Ideal over hoodies, under shell jackets, or standalone in mild conditions. Ecodown® insulation delivers warmth without weight. Slim fit creates sharp silhouette layered or alone.
Construction:
- Thermore® Ecodown® (core concentration)
- Recycled polyester shell
- Lampo® front zipper with storm flap
- Side pockets with zipper closure
Fit Note: Slim fit by design. True to size for intended close layering. Size up for more relaxed fit or wearing over thick layers.
UK Weather: 5-15°C standalone; extends shell jacket range to 0°C when layered. Works 9 months/year in UK climate.
3. The Crossover: Studland Bomber (£300-450)
Best For: Smart-casual alternative to traditional jacket, evening wear with weather resistance, versatile performance/style bridge.
Why OD's Rates It: Classic bomber silhouette elevated through sustainable materials and luxury finishing. Smart enough for restaurants/events, practical enough for dog walks/weekend errands. Retains bomber DNA (ribbed cuffs/hem) with weather resistance and refined details.
Construction:
- Recycled polyester outer with DWR
- Light Ecodown® insulation
- Lampo® zipper with pull-tab
- Classic bomber proportions
Fit Note: True to size. Classic bomber fit — not oversized, not slim.
UK Weather: 5-15°C with light rain. Versatile style + moderate weather protection rather than extreme conditions.
Quick Fit Reference
| Category | Fit Style | OD's Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Parkas/Coats | Classic/Relaxed | True to size. Size up for heavy layering over suits/thick jumpers |
| Gilets | Slim | True to size for close fit. Size up for relaxed feel |
| Bombers | Classic | True to size — classic bomber proportions |
| Hoodies | Relaxed | True to size for intended relaxed fit |
| Knitwear | Relaxed | True to size, or size down for fitted silhouette |
For detailed body measurements, how to measure yourself, and universal fit principles, see our Master Size Guide.
6 | Sandbanks-Specific Care Notes
Sandbanks garments use specialized materials requiring specific care protocols. Below are material-specific instructions for Ecodown®, ECONYL®, and Lampo® hardware. For universal care rules (washing temperature, detergent types, storage), see our Master Care Guide.
Ecodown® Insulation Care (Branksome, Haven)
Critical Protocol: Tumble dry on LOW heat with 2-3 dryer balls (tennis balls work). This prevents clumping and restores loft.
Why dryer balls matter: Ecodown® can clump during washing. Dryer balls physically agitate insulation, breaking apart clusters and restoring performance. Without this step, insulation loses 30-50% effectiveness permanently.
Test if dry: Feel deep inside baffles. If any dampness remains, continue drying. Damp insulation stored = reduced performance + potential mildew.
Frequency: Wash sparingly — 1-2× per season unless visibly soiled. Spot-clean stains to avoid unnecessary full washing.
ECONYL® Shell Fabric Care (All Shell Garments)
DWR Maintenance: ECONYL® shells feature DWR (Durable Water Repellent) coating requiring periodic reactivation.
Signs DWR needs attention:
- Water no longer beads on surface (soaks into fabric)
- Shell feels "wet" and heavy in rain
- Garment takes long time to dry
Reactivation process:
- Wash garment (see Master Care Guide for protocols)
- Tumble dry low heat 20 minutes (often restores DWR)
- If still wetting out: apply spray-on DWR (Nikwax TX.Direct)
- Cure treatment by tumble drying again or hanging outside
- Test with water — should bead and roll off
Frequency: Re-proof when water stops beading, typically annually with regular use.
Lampo® Zipper Maintenance
Occasional maintenance:
- Wipe with damp cloth periodically (removes salt, dirt, grit)
- After beach/marine exposure: rinse with fresh water
- If zipper feels sticky: apply small amount of zipper lubricant or beeswax
- Check teeth alignment before forcing stuck zipper
Why this matters: Lampo® zippers outlast garments with proper care. 5 minutes maintenance annually extends zipper life 5-10 years.
2-Year Warranty Process
Covered: Material defects (fabric failure, insulation collapse), workmanship defects (seam separation, zipper failure).
Not Covered: Accidents, misuse, normal wear/tear, improper laundering, alterations.
Claim Process:
- Email customer service with photos + description + proof of purchase
- Sandbanks assesses internally
- If valid: return label provided, free repair (14-21 days typical)
- If unrepairable: replacement or store credit offered
OD's facilitates warranty claims for purchases made through us.
For universal care protocols (washing temperature, detergent selection, storage best practices), see our Master Care Guide.
7 | Sustainability — Climate Positive Ambition
Sandbanks operates under principle that no product launches unless it meets environmental responsibility criteria, achieving this through regenerated materials, partnership with Ecologi for mangrove tree planting offsetting ~30kg CO2 annually per garment, and transparent commitment to continuous innovation in sustainable manufacturing.
Three Pillars
1. Regenerated & Recycled Materials
Sandbanks avoids virgin resources wherever performance allows:
- ECONYL®: Ocean/landfill waste (fishing nets, carpet, industrial plastic) chemically regenerated to virgin-equivalent nylon
- RPET: Post-consumer plastic bottles transformed into shell fabrics and linings
- Impact: Every tonne ECONYL® saves 7 barrels crude oil vs. virgin production
2. Ethical Insulation
Strict policy: No fur, no virgin down.
- Thermore® Ecodown®: 100% recycled PET bottles; cruelty-free; outperforms traditional down in UK damp conditions
- Recycled Down: Select products use post-consumer recovered down (prevents waste, avoids new harvesting)
3. Climate Positive Action
Ecologi Partnership: One mangrove tree planted per garment sold.
Why mangroves:
- Absorb 4× more carbon than rainforests
- Annual offset: ~30kg CO2 per tree
- 25-year offset: ~750kg CO2 per tree
- Ecosystem benefits: coastal protection, marine habitat
Employee Offsetting: ~14 tonnes emissions offset per employee annually (business travel, commuting, life footprint).
Certifications & Transparency
Verified Standards:
- bluesign® System Partner: Substance safety, resource efficiency, safer production
- OEKO-TEX Standard 100: Harmful substance testing, skin-contact safety
- GRS/GOTS: Recycled content verification, organic cotton certification
What Sandbanks Doesn't Claim:
- NOT "100% sustainable" (no manufacturing is zero-impact)
- NOT "carbon neutral" yet (working toward climate positive via offsets + reduction)
- NOT "perfect" (transparent about ongoing improvement)
This honesty matters. Acknowledging limitations while demonstrating measurable progress through verified programs vs. vague "eco-friendly" marketing.
Longevity as Sustainability
Comparison:
Fast-fashion: £80 jacket → fails 18 months → replace 5× over 10 years = £400 + 5 items landfill + 5× manufacturing impact
Sandbanks: £600 Branksome → use 10 years → repair once = £600 + zero landfill + 1× manufacturing impact
Result: Sandbanks jacket saves £200+ over decade, eliminates 4 waste items, reduces 80% manufacturing environmental impact.
Most sustainable garment = one kept 10 years, not one marketed "eco" but replaced annually.
8 | FAQs — Sandbanks-Specific Intelligence
For universal sizing, care, and warranty FAQs, see our Master FAQ Guide. Below are brand-specific questions about Sandbanks.
Is Jamie Redknapp genuinely involved or just a name on the brand?
Jamie Redknapp is founder and owner, not celebrity endorsement. His athletic career background directly informs performance priorities (materials that move naturally, regulate temperature, endure use), while his style credibility shapes aesthetic decisions (clean lines, premium hardware, understated branding). Early brand adoption by elite athletes stems from genuine connection to high-performance culture — strategic gifting to boxers, UFC fighters, Sky Sports presenters validates authentic alignment rather than paid influencer marketing. This isn't licensing his name; it's founder-led vision where Redknapp's dual expertise (performance + style) defines brand identity.
How does Ecodown® compare to traditional down for UK weather conditions?
Ecodown® provides equivalent warmth to 500-600 fill power traditional down but with critical UK advantage: maintains insulation when damp. Traditional down collapses when wet, losing 80-90% warmth — catastrophic in British conditions where damp is inevitable (rain, condensation, sweat). Ecodown®'s synthetic structure retains loft when damp and dries significantly faster. For UK climate (frequent rain, high humidity), Ecodown® functionally outperforms traditional down despite slightly lower warmth-to-weight when completely dry. Additionally: 100% cruelty-free, made from recycled PET bottles, machine washable with easier care than down requiring specialist washing.
Why does Sandbanks cost similar to Moncler when using recycled materials?
Recycled materials aren't cheaper — they're often more expensive than virgin equivalents. ECONYL® regeneration process (chemical breakdown, purification, repolymerization) costs more than extracting virgin nylon from petroleum. Thermore® Ecodown® engineering (recycled PET transformation into loft-retaining insulation) requires sophisticated manufacturing. Premium pricing reflects: (1) Advanced material technology costs, (2) European manufacturing (Italy, Portugal, Romania) vs. Asian mass production, (3) Premium hardware (Lampo® Italian zippers, metal components), (4) 2-year warranty confidence in longevity, (5) Carbon offset programs (Ecologi tree planting per garment). Sandbanks costs less than Moncler (£550-750 vs £800-1,500 parkas) while offering superior sustainability credentials and UK-specific weather performance through materials designed for damp conditions.
Is the sustainability real or greenwashing?
Sandbanks sustainability is structurally integrated with third-party verification. Verified credentials: ECONYL® (documented ocean waste recovery with material traceability), Thermore® Ecodown® (certified 100% recycled PET composition), bluesign® approved suppliers (restricted substance management), OEKO-TEX certified components (harmful substance testing), Ecologi partnership (auditable tree planting with carbon sequestration data), no fur/no virgin down policy (supply chain audits). Honest limitations acknowledged: Manufacturing has environmental impact (being offset via carbon projects, not eliminated), not yet fully carbon neutral (working toward climate positive), some virgin materials used where recycled alternatives don't meet performance standards. Differentiation from greenwashing: Publishes specific supplier names and certification bodies (not vague "eco-friendly" claims), uses third-party verification (bluesign®, OEKO-TEX, GRS), offers 2-year warranty reflecting longevity confidence (most sustainable = kept decade), acknowledges imperfection rather than claiming "100% sustainable."
How does Sandbanks compare to Moncler and Canada Goose?
Sandbanks (£200-900): British founder-led, sustainability-first, Ecodown® cruelty-free insulation, European manufacture, 2-year warranty, superior UK damp-weather performance. Best for: Conscious luxury consumers, UK-specific conditions, founder authenticity + environmental responsibility priority.
Moncler (£500-2,500): Italian heritage, status luxury, traditional down, extensive runway/fashion collaborations, global prestige positioning. Best for: Fashion-forward customers, brand prestige priority, luxury premium acceptance.
Canada Goose (£600-1,800): Canadian heritage, extreme-cold expedition credentials, traditional down + coyote fur (controversial), heavyweight construction. Best for: Extreme cold (-20°C+), brand recognition, maximum warmth priority over sustainability.
Value proposition: Sandbanks offers 70-80% of Moncler's luxury appeal at 50-60% cost with superior sustainability. For UK conditions (0-10°C, damp, variable), Sandbanks Ecodown® outperforms Canada Goose traditional down in wet weather while avoiding ethical concerns.
What makes ECONYL® different from regular recycled polyester?
ECONYL® is regenerated nylon (not polyester) from ocean/landfill waste through chemical regeneration returning material to virgin-equivalent quality. Recycled polyester uses mechanical recycling (shredding, melting) which can degrade properties slightly with each cycle. Key differences: (1) Source: ECONYL® rescues fishing nets and ocean plastic vs. RPET using plastic bottles, (2) Process: Chemical regeneration vs. mechanical recycling, (3) Quality: ECONYL® identical to virgin nylon in strength/durability vs. recycled polyester ~95-98% virgin equivalent, (4) Recyclability: ECONYL® infinitely recyclable without degradation vs. polyester degrades after 5-7 cycles. Both reduce virgin resource extraction and divert waste, but ECONYL® represents premium recycled material category — higher cost, higher performance, infinite lifecycle. Sandbanks uses ECONYL® for shells requiring maximum durability and RPET for linings/trim where cost efficiency matters.
Which Sandbanks piece should I buy first?
For UK all-season versatility: Haven Gilet (£250-350) — works 9 months/year, layers under shells winter, standalone autumn/spring, packable, excellent cost-per-wear.
For investment winter coat: Branksome Parka (£550-750) — definitive piece, full weather protection, sophisticated aesthetic, urban and outdoor suitable, decade-long use justifies premium.
For smart-casual crossover: Studland Bomber (£300-450) — bridges performance and style, wider situation range than technical parkas, modern classic silhouette.
Decision factors: Maximum situations → Branksome. Building layering system → Haven first, parka later. Style flexibility priority → Studland. All offer 2-year warranty and sustainable materials; choice is use case, not quality difference.
9 | Why OD's × Sandbanks — Shared Values
OD's Designer Clothing stocks Sandbanks because we're both founder-led, both independent, and both believe luxury means longevity and responsibility rather than disposability — combining technical expertise with genuine understanding of sustainable luxury in British life, backed by staff who distinguish marketing claims from environmental commitment.
What OD's Provides
- Independent British Retailer: Family business with 30+ years in luxury and technical apparel. We understand sustainable luxury: products engineered for decade-long use, not seasonal replacement. This isn't greenwashed fast-fashion — it's investment-grade outerwear with environmental credentials withstanding scrutiny.
- Real-World Expertise: Our team wears Sandbanks in British weather, navigates urban-to-countryside transitions, faces same wardrobe decisions as customers. Practical guidance based on actual use.
- Sustainability Translation: We explain environmental credentials in plain English: "ECONYL® = fishing nets + ocean waste transformed into fabric strong as virgin nylon" • "Ecodown® = recycled plastic bottles turned into insulation working when wet — better UK weather than traditional down" • "Ecologi partnership plants mangrove tree per garment, offsetting ~30kg CO2 annually"
- Aftercare Support: DWR reactivation guidance, warranty facilitation, care product recommendations. Local contact makes warranty process less intimidating — customers trust us to advise whether repair makes sense or issue doesn't qualify.
- Guaranteed Authenticity: Sourced through authorized distribution, full manufacturer warranty, qualified for all aftercare. No grey-market imports, questionable sourcing, or warranty gaps.
- Sizing Confidence: In-store try-ons, measurement consultations, comparison to existing outerwear. Right sizing first time reduces returns (cheaper for customers, better for environment).
The Philosophy Match
Both OD's and Sandbanks value longevity over trends, substance over logos, repair over replacement, founder-led independence, serving real people doing real things.
When you choose Sandbanks from OD's, you're choosing competence at every level — from jacket's sustainable engineering to retailer supporting ownership with genuine expertise rather than transactional sales.