Brand Barbour

Barbour is an English clothing brand known for its practical and stylish outerwear, particularly waxed cotton jackets. The company was founded by John Barbour in 1894 and has since become an iconic brand that symbolises English style clothing.

As well as traditional waxed jackets, Barbour also produces leather goods, footwear and accessories for men, women, children and dogs. This provides the opportunity to choose virtually any wardrobe item, be it a jumper, shirt, trousers, shoes or bag, while retaining the spirit and aesthetic of the Barbour brand.

It is important to note that Barbour maintains high quality standards in the manufacture of its products. Most Barbour jackets are still made by hand at the factory in South Shields, England.

Barbour in popular culture

The Barbour waxed jacket made an appearance in the 2012 James Bond film Skyfall, where the character James Bond, played by Daniel Craig, wore a bespoke Barbour jacket. Barbour also has a famous clothing line inspired by actor and passionate motorcyclist Steve McQueen, who was known to wear a Barbour jacket during his races.

The Barbour jacket has become the unofficial uniform of the Glastonbury music festival due to the unpredictable weather. Alexa Chung has been spotted wearing the Barbour Bedale jacket on several occasions. Arctic Monkeys frontman Alex Turner wore a Bedale jacket on stage at the festival in 2007.

Barbour brand history

The Barbour brand was founded in 1894 by John Barbour in South Shields, North East England. Initially, the company specialised in importing oil for the treatment of fabrics. John Barbour then began producing waterproof clothing for the local population, including fishermen, sailors and dockers.

During both world wars, the Barbour company caught the attention of the British military and was awarded contracts to supply clothing to the armed forces. Barbour outerwear became famous for its waterproof and windproof properties, which were essential for soldiers working in harsh weather conditions.

It was in the 1980s that Barbour first gained recognition in the fashion world. The brand became popular with the aristocracy and began to be associated with traditional English outdoor clothing. This caught the attention of the Royal Family and in 1974 Barbour was awarded the first of three Royal Warrants in recognition of the quality of its products.

Since then, the company has continued to grow and expand its collections. Today, Barbour remains a family business, run by the fifth generation of the Barbour family. Barbour products are sold in over 40 countries around the world.

The company maintains its respect for tradition and history, paying great attention to detail and the quality of its products. Barbour still makes its famous wax jackets by hand at its factory in South Shields.

Clothing Technology

Waxed cotton

Waxed cotton is a fabric in which the threads are impregnated with paraffin during the weaving process. The finished product of such cotton is treated with wax, giving it a unique texture that is pleasant to the touch. Waxed cotton is resistant to moisture penetration in rainy weather and can protect against the wind, but it cannot be washed in a washing machine. If it is washed, the top layer of wax (which can be renewed using heated wax, a sponge and a hairdryer) can be washed off. Along with the top protective layer, the wax layer that impregnates the threads and fabric is lost and cannot be restored.

Initiatives in which the Barbour brand participates

Better Cotton

Barbour has joined the Better Cotton Initiative - a not-for-profit, multilateral governance group that promotes better cotton growing standards and practices in 21 countries.

Waterproof Fabric

Over 70% of Barbour's waterproof fabrics are made in bluesign® approved factories. The bluesign® system ensures that the fabric is produced in an environmentally friendly way, without the use of harmful substances.

Secondary Materials

Barbour is increasingly using materials from recycled waste in its range, including outerwear. This includes wadding made from recycled waste, both pre- and post-consumer.

Clothing

Waxed Jacket Barbour Bedale

Introduced in 1980, the Bedale jacket is the result of Barbour's passion for equestrianism. The Barbour Bedale is a lightweight, short jacket that offers adaptability and functionality. The Bedale Jacket was designed with the needs of the equestrian in mind. The jacket has a short length, a relaxed fit, rear vents and a nylon inner 'drip strip' to protect against moisture penetration.

The Barbour Bedale Jacket is made from medium weight waxed cotton and is fully compatible with additional thermal liners and button-on hoods, making the Bedale a four-season garment. The jacket retains all the classic Barbour features, including a brass two-way zip with ring pull, 4 pockets and the traditional velvet collar with hood attachment. The practical and simple style of the Barbour Bedale waxed jacket has become a classic that appeals to all generations.

Barbour International Jacket

Created in 1936, the iconic Barbour International jacket became a favourite of motorcyclists in the 50s, 60s and 70s. In keeping with its heritage, the original Barbour International is made from heavyweight Sylkoil waxed cotton for a stylish matt finish and durability. A robust front zip is covered with Velcro for wind protection and the collar is lined with velvet for warmth. The lightweight cotton lining is in Barbour's signature tartan and has buttons for a warm lining for added versatility.

Traditional Barbour International jacket features include a buckle at the neck, adjustable button cuffs, a fixed waist belt and four buttoned patch pockets, one of which is an angled map pocket for easy access while riding.

Barbour Chelsea Jacket

The Barbour Chelsea quilted jacket is made from soft-touch polyester with diamond quilted padding for lightness and warmth. A zip fastening makes it easy to get on and off. Two front pockets provide storage and an additional zipped pocket keeps valuables safe.

Barbour Wax Dog Coat

The Barbour Wax Dog Coat is based on the classic Barbour waxed jacket. The Barbour Dog Coat is also waxed and waterproof. The pet wear is classic English style, complemented by a velvet collar and the unmistakable Barbour logo.

The Barbour brand has an Instagram account featuring dogs in Barbour clothing - @barbourdogs

Barbour x C.P. Company

The Barbour x C.P. Company collaboration delves deeper into the theme of innovation and tradition. C.P. Company, founded in 1971 by designer Massimo Osti, is renowned for its functional outerwear, as well as a unique approach to utilizing innovative fabrics, processing technologies, and design.

The joint Barbour x C.P. Company collection showcases a combination of classic elements, relying on the expertise of both brands. It features a distinctive mix of organic waxed cotton, characteristic of Barbour, and Ardanlanish tweed, created using the design principles of C.P. Company. The result is a line of durable, standout clothing presented in an earthy color palette, designed with the principle of longevity in mind.