History of Trojan Clothing
A Cultural Movement Born from Struggle
During the 1960s, Britain experienced a significant influx of immigrants from Jamaica and the wider Caribbean. Drawn by the promise of opportunity, many settled in cities like London, Birmingham and Manchester. But for the Windrush generation, the reality was far from easy. Many found themselves in cramped, substandard housing in areas like Brixton and Hackney, facing economic hardship and social exclusion.
Despite these challenges, something special was beginning to take shape. A cultural crossover emerged between Caribbean immigrants and the white working-class youth. What united them was their shared love of music, particularly the Ska, Rock Steady and early Reggae sounds coming out of Jamaica. This new blend of cultures gave rise to the British Rudeboy movement, a sharp, rebellious subculture that stood in contrast to the flower-powered hippie movement dominating the time.
The Birth of Trojan Records
On July 28th, 1967, British-based Jamaican music company Island Records launched a new label to showcase the work of legendary producer Arthur 'Duke' Reid, one of the most influential figures in the Ska and Rock Steady scene. The label was named Trojan, after the title Reid had earned during his early days running a powerful sound system truck in Kingston, a vehicle known for its booming, ground-shaking audio.
Although the label had strong backing and a clear mission, it unexpectedly failed to take off. Within just a few months, Trojan folded. It could have been the end of the road, but a twist of fate in the summer of 1968 changed everything.
The Rebirth of a Trojan Legacy
That year, Island Records joined forces with its distributor, B&C Records, to form a new Jamaican music company. In need of a bold, recognisable name, they resurrected the Trojan Records brand, this time with a new vision and stronger foundations.
The reformed Trojan label wasted no time. It launched an ambitious schedule of single releases across multiple sub-labels, highlighting the work of both UK-based producers like Robert 'Dandy' Thompson and Jamaican legends including Lee 'Scratch' Perry, Edward 'Bunny' Lee, and Duke Reid himself.
Trojan quickly became the driving force behind Jamaican music in Britain, introducing a whole new audience to the sounds of Desmond Dekker, Jimmy Cliff, Tony Tribe, and eventually, a rising star named Bob Marley. By the late '70s, Trojan’s influence had expanded into the Two-Tone movement, with bands like The Specials and Madness carrying its spirit forward into British youth culture.
From Music to Style: The Rise of Trojan Clothing
Trojan’s impact wasn’t limited to music. It also helped define a look, a sharp, clean style that became a visual signature of the Rudeboy and skinhead scenes. Button-down shirts, slim trousers, braces, loafers and polo shirts with bold patterns and colours became the uniform of a generation.
Today, that style lives on through Trojan Clothing UK, a range that celebrates the label’s heritage through fashion. The latest collection features pique polos, houndstooth and check patterns and timeless Trojan shirts that pay homage to the early days of Jamaican music in Britain.
Whether you're after a standout Trojan jumper or jacket, a classic Trojan t-shirt in a UK fit, or something fresh from the latest drop, the range captures the spirit of an era, proud, bold and rooted in history.
50 Years of Trojan: A Lasting Influence
In 2018, Trojan Records celebrated its 50th anniversary with a landmark documentary that reflected on the label’s legacy. It paid tribute not only to the artists and producers who built Trojan but also to the wider cultural movement it helped shape, one that brought together people, music, and style in a way that still resonates today.
Shop Trojan Clothing at RD1
At RD1 Clothing, we’re proud to stock a wide range of official Trojan Clothing that captures the legacy of this legendary label. Discover styles that honour the roots of Rudeboy culture while staying fresh and relevant.
Trojan Clothing is more than just fashion. It’s part of British musical and cultural history, a way to wear your identity, your roots, and your respect for the movement that helped shape both sound and style.