Yarmouth Oilskins

Over 100 years of creating the finest unisex British made workwear

When Yarmouth Oilskins first began making garments workwear was, simply that, workwear. But over 100 years on and the unisex utilitarian style can be seen as anything but workwear. Now the style is synonymous with hardwearing functional clothes that is at ease in the workshop as it is picking up the kids.

In 1898 Johnson and Sons, as it was Yarmouth Oilskins was previously known, became a limited company. Within three days four of the partners joined forces with other local businessmen to form Yarmouth Stores Ltd. The object of the new Ltd company were “To carry on business as retail outfitters, clothiers, hosiers, shoes, oils, waterproof clothing of every description, drapery, knitwear, goods of all kinds”. Being on the Norfolk coast the fishing industry was its main custom.

All the waterproof and protective clothing ranges were relabelled “Yarmouth Stores” and the company went on to export oilskins, knitwear and clothing to markets throughout the world. The company opened stores in ports right across the UK and before the Second World War employed more than 1200 people, the majority of them machinists making overalls, uniforms, smocks and other workwear in their factories in Great Yarmouth.

In the heyday of the herring fishing industry, Yarmouth Stores would stay open until 11 o’clock at night when the Scottish girls arrived to kit themselves out ready for their arduous task of sorting, gutting and packing the herring that had been the days catch. Oilskin skirts, aprons and boots were essential for the messy work. Between the 1930’s and the 1950’s Yarmouth Stores struggled as many companies did, the war had taken its toll. The fishing industry declined dramatically throughout the World Wars. Whilst the company focussed on manufacturing for the war effort. But during that period many of the stores across Britain closed, never to be re-opened.

In the 1960’s gas was discovered off the Norfolk coast and a new industry grew rapidly. Yarmouth Stores was quick to respond supply the vessels and crews in Great Yarmouth with chandlery, equipment, chemicals and clothing.

In modern times Yarmouth Oilskins has responded to a rapidly changing market yet remains true to its heritage. They currently employ 20 skilled machinists in the factory whose skills encompass all aspects of garment production. Working closely with Great Yarmouth College. Whose students draw inspiration from our iconic pieces used to create contemporary design ideas. Whilst learning the traditional skills of the garment manufacturing industry and continues to ensure Yarmouth Oilskins products are “sold throughout the world”.

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Yarmouth Oilskins

Buy Yarmouth Oilskins from Sir Gordon Bennett. We are the purveyor of British made goods and gifts with free delivery on orders over £20

Showing all 34 results

  • Yarmouth Oilskins

    Black Cord Maritime Overshirt

    £235
  • Yarmouth Oilskins

    Black Engineer Jacket

    £160
  • Yarmouth Oilskins

    Black Hooded Smock

    £300
  • Yarmouth Oilskins

    Black Norfolk Sea Cape

    £310
  • Yarmouth Oilskins

    Chalk Stripe Engineer Jacket

    £170
  • Man wearing Yarmouth oilskin navy shorts
    Yarmouth Oilskins

    Deck shorts – Inidigo

    £130
  • Yarmouth Oilskins

    Deck shorts – Olive

    £130
  • Man wearing Yarmouth oilskins tobacco deck shorts
    Yarmouth Oilskins

    Deck shorts – Tobacco

    £130
  • Yarmouth Oilskins

    Forest Green Hooded Smock

    £300
  • Yarmouth Oilskins

    Forest Green Norfolk Sea Cape

    £310
  • Yarmouth Oilskins

    Mustard Hooded Smock

    £300
  • Yarmouth Oilskins

    Natural Maritime Overshirt

    £205
  • Yarmouth Oilskins

    Navy Hooded Smock

    £300
  • Yarmouth Oilskins

    Navy Moleskin Maritime Overshirt

    £265
  • Yarmouth Oilskins

    Navy Norfolk Sea Cape

    £310
  • Yarmouth Oilskins

    Royal Blue Engineer Jacket

    £160
  • Yarmouth Oilskins

    Ticking Stripe Maritime Overshirt

    £220
  • Classic Navy smock, Yarmouth Oilskins cotton fishermans smock
    Yarmouth Oilskins

    Navy Classic Smock

    £110
  • Natural classic smock, yarmouth oilskins artist smock made in Britain
    Yarmouth Oilskins

    Natural Classic Smock

    £110
  • yarmouth oilskins Ticking Stripe smock, stripy artist smock, striped fisherman's smock made in england
    Yarmouth Oilskins

    Ticking Stripe Classic Smock

    £120
  • 1200x1200 Navy drivers jacket front
    Yarmouth Oilskins

    Navy Drivers Jacket

    £160
  • 1200x1200 Khaki driver jacket front e1602347711718
    Yarmouth Oilskins

    Khaki Drivers Jacket

    £160
  • Yarmouth Oilskins Navy engineers jacket, cotton twill engineer jacket in navy made in britain
    Yarmouth Oilskins

    Navy Engineer Jacket

    £160
  • Yarmouth Oilskins Natural engineers jacket cotton twill engineers coat in white cottonfront
    Yarmouth Oilskins

    Natural Engineer Jacket

    £160
  • Yarmouth oilskins Khaki engineer jacket, workshop jacket made in england
    Yarmouth Oilskins

    Khaki Engineer Jacket

    £160
  • Yarmouth oilskins Navy mechanics jacket cotton twill, navy chore jacket, french workers jacket
    Yarmouth Oilskins

    Mechanics Jacket

    £195
  • Yarmouth Oilskins

    White Cotton ‘Admiralty’ Grandad Collar Shirt

    £165
  • Yarmouth Oilskins

    Light Blue Cotton ‘Admiralty’ Grandad Collar Shirt

    £165
  • Yarmouth Oilskins

    Navy Cotton Work Trousers

    £170
  • Yarmouth Oilskins

    Khaki Cotton Work Trousers

    £170
  • Yarmouth Oilskins

    Chalk Pinstripe Cotton Work Trousers

    £180
  • Yarmouth Oilskins

    Black Cotton Work Trousers

    £170
  • Yarmouth Oilskins

    Khaki Cotton Drill Shorts

    £115
  • Yarmouth Oilskins

    Navy Cotton Drill Shorts

    £115