Yaffy celebrates 100 years of clothing innovation for the blue light sector

Looking back over 100 years of Yaffy’s history, it has been a journey from humble beginnings of manufacturing leather coats to now being a leading supplier of high-performance outerwear and technical clothing to the blue light industry, both in the UK and internationally.

In 1924, Solomon Yaffy founded a company, in partnership with Mr. Ross, to manufacture leather coats. Initially, the pair rented a small room in Glasgow with two second-hand, foot-pedalled machines, one pair of scissors, and a suitable knife for cutting leather. Together with a cutter named Bell, they operated the machines and sold and delivered the garments in a rented wheelbarrow.

In 1928, S. Yaffy Limited was formed, and the company continued to grow. Over the next decade, Yaffy transitioned from leather to double texture coats, children’s navy gabardine school coats, and gentlemen’s wool and cotton gabardine raincoats. With war imminent, clothing manufacturers were given army contracts.

From 1948 to 2000, the company continued to expand, reaching new markets, developing relationships with chain stores, and significantly increasing production. New colleagues and shareholders brought expertise and skills, enhancing the business.

In 2000, Yaffy won the National Police Uniform contract, transforming the business. In 2004, Yaffy began an acquisition journey, and in 2019, Mi Hub Limited was formed. Mi Hub is now the UK’s largest supplier of corporate clothing and workwear solutions to businesses and individuals, trading internationally through its Dimensions, Alexandra, Yaffy, and Affinity brands.

Mi Hub provides unique worldwide capabilities and bespoke clothing solutions through managed service programmes, ready-to-wear products, and technical, high-performance outerwear. Being part of Mi Hub strengthens Yaffy’s product offering, bringing with it the group’s scale, a central team of experts, a dedicated ESG team, logistics professionals, a global manufacturing network, well-established supplier relationships, esteemed certifications, memberships and bespoke value-added services.

Yaffy’s evolution over the first 100 years has cemented it as a trusted name, providing top-of-the-line technical uniform solutions. This includes protective equipment, station wear, and uniform garments for the blue light community, including police, ambulance and paramedics, fire and rescue, prison and public order, and technical industries such as utilities, transport and security.

The Yaffy team has amassed an astonishing 265 years of combined experience and skills, highlighting our extensive and unparalleled expertise.

Like Yaffy, society has adapted over the last century but continues to face challenges ahead, particularly concerning caring for the planet. Adapting to care for the planet is no longer a strategy; it’s a critical consideration for long-term growth as people prioritise conscious consumption and corporate social responsibility more than ever.

Technology is continually advancing within the clothing industry, with sustainable solutions like chemical recycling, recyclable fabrics, and regenerative cotton, along with innovations like 3D design, 3D printing and virtual reality. These advancements are rewriting the design rules and working towards a better future with reformed inclusivity and accessibility.

By working closely with colleagues, customers, and communities, as they have done for the last 100 years, Yaffy is determined to continue to be a highly trusted and respected brand in the blue light industry. It aims to be a go-to provider of highly technical products and specialist equipment for years to come.

Yaffy is exhibiting at The Emergency Services Show, 18-19 September, at the NEC in Birmingham – celebrating its heritage, showcasing innovation, and displaying the complete head-to-toe uniform solutions for blue light and technical industries. Yaffy welcomes you to visit its stand E204, get hands-on with products, and chat with the team.

Pop by throughout the event, or book a 15-minute slot to ensure one-on-one time, enough to grab a cuppa and have a chat.