Our Story

OCL: Built for the City, Inspired by the Outdoors

OCL is more than just a clothing brand. It’s a reflection of urban landscapes, the rhythm of the streets, the architecture that shapes our skylines, and the people who bring cities to life. It was born from a balance of movement and stillness, concrete and nature, style and function. Designed to fit seamlessly into the everyday, OCL is built for those who embrace the city while staying connected to the outdoors.

From Maitland Park to the City

Founder Ben Poole grew up in Camden’s Maitland Park council estate, a post-war development built in the 1950s, where working-class resilience and community spirit were part of everyday life. In the 1980s and ‘90s, Camden was a collision of cultures, music, and subcultures. Punk met hip-hop, market stalls sold bootleg tapes, and graffiti told the city’s untold stories.

The estate itself had subtle nods to nature, each block was named after a tree. Hornbeam, Sycamore, Beech, Oak, Maple, Willow, Alder, Chestnut. Even in the heart of the city, nature found its way in. The trees in the courtyards, the overgrown patches of green, and the parks that softened the brutalist skyline—all of it shaped Ben’s connection to the outdoors.

OCL: Performance, Style, and Everyday Function

OCL is an extension of that upbringing, a brand designed for movement, whether that’s navigating crowded streets or stepping into open green spaces. Every piece is built for comfort and durability, with high-quality fabrics that perform in all conditions. The clothing is lightweight yet protective, breathable yet tough, designed to adapt as effortlessly as the city itself.

It’s about versatile style, clean silhouettes, bold tones, and subtle detailing that work whether you’re on a misty morning walk, cycling through backstreets, or catching the last light of the day. OCL is made for people who move, people who appreciate well-made, functional clothing that transitions effortlessly from pavements to parks, from early mornings to late nights.

Rooted in the City, Inspired by Nature

From the stairwells of Maitland Park to the rooftops, skate spots, and hidden trails of the city, OCL is for those who find their freedom in unexpected places.

It’s for those who understand the rhythm of the city, who move with confidence through its streets, and who take pride in where they come from.

It’s for those who know the shortcuts, the hidden spots, and the stories behind every corner. 

It’s for those who embrace city life, its energy, its challenges, and its character, without losing sight of their roots. It’s for those who respect the city but crave the open air.

OCL is the outdoors in the city. It’s movement, it’s freedom, it’s roots. It’s clothing that fits your life, wherever it takes you.