Since 1898, UKFT member Yarmouth Oilskins has manufactured workwear at its factory in Great Yarmouth. The company has always utilised technical, natural fabrics and is one of the first makers to create waxed garments for ‘Waterproofedness.’

Today, Yarmouth Oilskins continues to work with oilskin fabrics sourced in the UK that are natural and sustainably made to create garments that are fit for purpose and guaranteed at sea by sailors who wear them every day.

The brand’s philosophy is, and always has been very simple; to make unisex functional clothing designed to be layered according to the weather. Each piece can be dressed up or down and will last a lifetime when cared for.

Sustainable fashion is extremely important to the company’s ethos. Buy well, buy less is how they like to look at things to ensure the wearer acknowledges the effort and resources that have gone into what they wear – wear them to rags and then use them as just that.

The collection is seasonless and can be bought at any time throughout the year, working with wholesale partners that find a selection from their range that works for them. As makers and creators, the company takes pride in carefully controlling stock, ensuring there are never excess quantities.

The unique style of coastal workwear developed over a century of trade is still as popular across the world as it was in the early 1900s. The company has taken care to ensure the garments made today remain true to the original products that have been manufactured for over 100 years.

“It is our duty to continue the legacy of Yarmouth Oilskins, after all the company and many of the garments are quite likely to outlive us.” 

As custodians of the brand, they treasure the wonderful archive and history of the company.

The future of Yarmouth Oilskins

Yarmouth Oilskins has set about re-learning lots of skills and capabilities that they were known for in the past. This is directly related to the development of their outerwear collection which will begin to utilise traditional oilskin fabrics. The company is always looking to work with fabrics from British mills and ideally using sustainably sourced natural fibres.

In 2023, the company is planning to take its outerwear collection to Pitti and other shows that attract international buyers.

Yarmouth Oilskins’s overall approach to sustainability is based on investment clothing designed and made to stand the test of time. With the intention for its garments to be worn to death – they are classic in their appeal and use natural fibres, therefore their life cycle should wind up with no waste and the energy used in their creation minimised by their decades of service.

The company is also focusing on creating a lower impact manufacturing process that uses renewable energy / minimal output and recycles waste (particularly fabric) by exploring the use of wool/linen and other fibres that are natural and native, therefore minimising the need for unnecessary travel.

VISIT THE YARMOUTH OILSKINS WEBSITE

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