Direct numerical simulations of ten turbulent time-evolving strained wakes have been generated using a pseudo-spectral numerical method. In all the simulations, the strain was applied to the same (previously generated) initial developed self-similar wake flow field. The cases include flows in which the wake is subjected to various orientations of the applied mean strain, including both plane and axisymmetric strain configurations. In addition, for one particular strain geometry, cases with differing strain rates were considered. Although classical self-similar analysis does yield a self-similar solution for strained wakes, this solution does not describe the observed flow evolution. Instead, the wake mean velocity profiles evolve according to a different ‘equilibrium similarity solution’, with the strained wake width being determined by the straining in the inhomogeneous cross-stream direction. Wakes that are compressed in this direction eventually exhibit constant widths, whereas wakes in cases with expansive cross-stream strain ultimately spread at the same rate as the distortion caused by the applied strain. The shape of the wake mean velocity deficit profile is nearly universal. Although the effect of the strain on the mean flow is pronounced and rapid, the response of the turbulence to the strain occurs more slowly. Changes in the turbulence intensity cannot keep pace with changes in the mean wake velocity deficit, even for relatively low strain rates.