OUBAS Origins

OUBAS was created in 2012 by Kate Stalker. The brand was established in Ulverston, a town in Cumbria, England.

The name ‘OUBAS’ comes from ‘Oubas Hill’, an area of where Kate’s grandfather founded the first motor car garage in the town of Ulverston. Kate spent her entire childhood growing up in the area and developed a deep appreciation and respect for the area and its heritage.

Serendipitously, the most similar word to OUBAS is in Afrikaans, ‘Oubaas’, meaning 'wise elder’.

Our purpose is simple. We want to empower people in their everyday lives, to enable the wearer to connect to their truest self, through pieces that have been considered in every aspect, that are of benefit to the wearer, the maker, and the environment.

The Concept

The brand philosophy is based on the idea that knitwear is not just an item to wear, it is a way to connect to one’s truest self, and holds the memories we create every day.

The concept is to bring comfort and treasures to everyday life, connecting to nature through thoughtful clothing – made using 100% natural fibres. OUBAS pieces empower the wearer to be their best self, to live an enriching, fulfilling and rewarding life, filled with joy and appreciation of the world around us.

Each OUBAS piece is made to order. This process, pioneered by OUBAS, eliminates wasteful production and shifts the British manufacturing industry into streamlined processes, using what is needed, driving aspirational demand and exclusivity, and strengthening the luxurious, treasured nature of British knitwear.

More than knitwear.

Cumbrian Craftsmanship

Inspired by our Cumbrian origins, OUBAS garments are self-expressive pieces to love, treasure and live in, throughout all the seasons and all of life’s adventures.

Our Vision:

OUBAS wants to put a firm mark on, and be actively involved in the British textile manufacturing industry, encouraging the next generation to harness the potential of the industry and highlight the artisanal heritage of the craft.

We are committed to:

  • Being a pioneer for New Generation manufacturing. We will support the traditional textile industry, craftsmanship and skills, sustaining each for future generations.
  • Preserving artisanal heritage within British knitwear. We will educate and inspire people of all ages, particularly the younger generations, on the importance of British knitwear and manufacturing.
  • Practicing and educating on slow movement, slow fashion and natural fibres, creating exceptional pieces to showcase the potential and establish OUBAS as a pioneer of British knitwear.
  • Reinforcing the luxurious and aspirational reputation of natural British knitwear.

əʊˌbɑːs : pronounced 'oo-bas'

The name ‘OUBAS’ comes from ‘Oubas Hill’,an area of Ulverston where we began back in 2012. The name is our heritage, and gives us a grounded sense of place, in a fast modern world so often unrooted.

Cumbria holds a particular kind of stillness; one shaped by weather, water and time.Growing up and now returning and living here here,the landscape became something I learned from. 

That connection to place is foundational to OUBAS as it’s not separate from our work, but it informs it.

We believe clothing can offer a kind of sanctuary.Something to return to.Something that holds its place in your life, not just in a season.