History of Lyn Oakes

Our family business ethos underpins every stitch of a Lyn Oakes uniform.

We are proud of our British heritage & humble beginnings, take a read of our story here.

1905
The Oakes family opened a department store in Oldbury, Birmingham.

1943
Aged seven, John Franklyn Oakes, known as Lyn, helped customers in the shop and his retail career began.

1960's
Lyn Oakes married Gill. Gill's father was a Funeral Director, who was struggling to find an outfit for work. Lyn saw an opportunity to help him find a tailor made formal suit.

1980's

Lyn Oakes Limited was founded, supplying tailored uniforms to the Funeral industry.

The business began to supply independent Funeral Directors locally with work-wear, seeing the gap in the market to connect the Funeral trade with bespoke tailoring.

Lyn curated a capsule collection, with patterns and designs crafted by Gill. These garments became their core uniform range, many of which are still worn and sold today.

Simon, son of Lyn and Gill joined the family business, expanding national and international sales.

1990's to 2010's

The company expanded, reaching their supply of uniforms to nation wide corporate companies, as well as independent Funeral Directors.

Lyn Oakes developed the first fully sustainable funeral wear uniform made from eco fabrics and trims.

Upon demand, the company began to supply uniforms to a handful of rural and seaside hotels.

Colourful jackets became a Lyn Oakes hit, favored by many Welsh male voice choirs.

The company bought rival company Brook York.

Recent News

Lyn Oakes have seen an increase in demand for their bespoke uniforms, with Funeral Directors wanting to define themselves with stand-out uniforms.

Propelled by exhibiting at The Independent Hotel Show, Lyn Oakes have gained contracts to supply uniforms to 5* hotels in London. These include boutique hotels, and iconic hotel groups.

Arabella, Gill and Lyn’s granddaughter and Simon’s niece, has started working at her family business.

Worcester Warriors rugby team selected Lyn Oakes uniforms to wear after matches and events for the winter season 2019-2020.

Lyn Oakes supplied some costumes for Disney's 'Cruella', Jilly Cooper's 'Rivals' , as well as 'Coronation Street' & 'Eastenders'.

Lyn Oakes merged with Brook York, to operate as one.