Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Premium School Uniforms & Menswear in Durham
Established over 80 years ago by my grandfather and later developed by my father, Parkins has remained a cornerstone of Durham's retail landscape. As Managing Director, I take pride in maintaining our legacy of meticulous personal service while adapting to contemporary fashion trends. Our expertise spans three core areas: menswear, school uniforms, and accessories, with a commitment to offering high-quality garments at competitive prices.Customers from across the North East and beyond trust us for our tailored approach and extensive product range. Our store's reputation as a Durham landmark reflects our dedication to combining tradition with modernity, ensuring every customer receives garments that meet both practical needs and aesthetic expectations.
Services
School Uniforms
Menswear
Accessories
Schoolwear
Hats/Caps
Jackets
Jeanswear
Knitwear
Nightwear
Shirts
Details
- Year established: 1943
Highlights and features
- We offer over 80 years of expertise in Durham's menswear and school uniform market
- Our garments combine high quality with competitive pricing
- We provide meticulous personal service tailored to individual needs
- Our extensive product range caters to diverse age groups and tastes
- We maintain traditional values while staying ahead of fashion trends
What people say
Expert tailoring
Durable fabrics
Family tradition
Wide selection
Professional service
Services
School Uniforms
We provide comprehensive school uniform solutions with machine-washable blazers, tailored trousers, skirts, and accessories. Our garments meet strict school requirements while prioritising comfort and durability. Durham Johnston and St. Leonard's School uniforms are available in various sizes for boys and girls.
Menswear
Our menswear collection includes premium blazers, dress shirts, trousers, and formal wear. Brands like Brook Taverner and Farah feature alongside Harris Tweed jackets and denim collections. We cater to both everyday needs and special occasions with expert fitting advice.
Accessories
We offer essential clothing accessories including gloves, caps, ties, and leather goods. Dents leather gloves, Failsworth hats, and Folkespeare formal accessories complement our core collections with premium quality and traditional craftsmanship.
Knitwear
Our knitwear range features Glenmuir/Hawick lambswool pullovers and Franco Ponti Merino wool jumpers. Available in classic V-neck, crew neck, and turtle neck styles, these garments combine warmth with sophisticated design for both school and casual wear.
Nightwear
We provide comfortable nightwear solutions including patterned pyjama sets and plain sleepwear. Our Somax brand offers elasticated waist options in cotton-rich fabrics for both adults and children, available in various sizes.
People
Steve Parkin
Managing Director
Third-generation leader with over 30 years in retail, Steve maintains Parkins' tradition of excellence while modernising its approach. He oversees all operations from Durham's flagship store.
Questions
What school uniform brands do you stock?
We stock official Durham Johnston and St. Leonard's School uniforms, including machine-washable blazers, tailored trousers, skirts, and accessories.
Do you offer international delivery?
Yes, we provide international shipping on all products while maintaining the same quality service as our local Durham customers.
What menswear brands are available?
Our menswear collection includes Brook Taverner, Farah, Wrangler, and Harris Tweed garments alongside premium leather gloves and formal accessories.
Are school uniforms available in different sizes?
Yes, we offer school uniforms in sizes 28-46 for blouses and tailored trousers, with adjustable waist options for children's wear.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept major credit/debit cards and bank transfers. Payment options are displayed during checkout for both online and in-store purchases.
Do you have parking facilities?
While we don't have private parking, Durham's Parkhead Street Car Park is 300 meters from our North Road store with 3-hour free parking available.
Reviews (5)
Michellejane Bruce
Oct 18, 2021
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Sharron was very helpful kind and consideret went out of her way to help me find a decent pair of jeans that fitted me to a tea nothing is problem or out of her way she is very friendly towards customers very polite
Jeremy Brooks
Jul 12, 2021
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Wonderful service from Steve, provided lots of options for shirts and arranged for them to be delivered as well.
George Overfield
Apr 15, 2021
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Just purchased a Harris Tweed jacket, looks great, delivered within 3 days, excellent service, first class.
Shani Bambrough
Apr 09, 2021
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What outstanding service we received from Steve! We ordered uniform mid-morning and our order was at our door by early afternoon. We had misjudged sizes and Steve brought extras to try and gave expert advice. I look forward to shopping here again and would highly recommend it. Steve's customer service is superb.
L. Rippin
Mar 23, 2021
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I ordered a blazer for my son during lockdown and Mr Parkin brought it round the next day, free of charge. I asked if we could go up a size and Mr Parkin was extremely helpful, organising an exchange the next day. Absolutely first class service, thank you very much.
