UKFT member DAKS, one of Britain’s major fashion companies, was first established in 1894 when Simeon Simpson set up a bespoke tailoring factory in Whitechapel, London, supplying to top-quality men’s clothing shops. Simeon Simpson was especially interested in the development of new and improved manufacturing techniques, and at the time of his death in 1932, handed this approach to his son, Alec Simpson. 

Alec pioneered these new techniques and in the early 1930s introduced a ready-to-wear tailoring range. In 1934, he invented and introduced the “self-supporting” waistband, for which the company held the worldwide patent for many years and which is still often referred to as “the DAKS Waistband”. It was at the same time that the brand name DAKS was created, derived from the words DAD and SLACKS.  Under the DAKS name, the company became the largest manufacturer of top-quality menswear in Britain, selling in the revolutionary Simpson Piccadilly store and throughout the world.

DAKS is proud to hold three Royal Warrants and the Platinum Jubilee Year of 2022 also marks 60 years since the brand was granted the Warrant from HM The Queen. 

In 1976, DAKS introduced its own House Check, which was to become the international symbol of DAKS, featured throughout its clothing and accessory ranges. The check has been reinvented over the years and an exclusive “Jubilee check” has been created in the reworked colours of purple and green for the Platinum Jubilee year.

Today, the traditional British style of DAKS has been totally revived to present an updated classic look for both men’s and womenswear. DAKS has combined its renowned tailoring skills with directional fashion trends, using superb fabrics that are exclusively coloured and incorporate the latest fabric compositions and weaving techniques. DAKS clothing was manufactured in the UK in a factory in Larkhall for many years until the closure in 2000, but 2022 sees a revival of UK manufacturing with the launch of a “Made in UK” range, starting with tailoring and key outerwear menswear and womenswear items. 

DAKS clothing is sold worldwide in major stores and concessions, and has a well-established and ever-expanding presence in the Far East, with stores in Hong Kong, Taiwan, and mainland China selling a mix of the DAKS UK range and Japanese licensed garments. DAKS has been sold under license in Japan for over 40 years and in Korea, it is the number one non-domestic brand.  

As one of Britain’s major fashion companies, DAKS continues to uphold the values of quality, reliability, and innovation first established by Simeon Simpson over 100 years ago.

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DAKS is a UKFT member. Interested in UKFT membership? Find out more here.