Barbour

Barbour – a British brand of heritage and style

Founded in 1894 by John Barbour in the coastal town of South Shields, England, Barbour has for over a century embodied British style and artisanal craftsmanship. Born from the need to protect against harsh weather conditions, the brand originally supplied waterproof clothing for sailors, fishermen and farmers along England’s northern coast. Over time, Barbour became celebrated for the durability of its garments, with waxed jackets evolving into a hallmark of rural attire and an icon of British countrywear. As the brand developed, its designs began to appear in the wardrobes of hunters, outdoor enthusiasts and admirers of classic elegance. The 1980s and 1990s marked a new chapter, as Barbour entered the world of fashion, introducing collections that carried its Heritage aesthetic from the English countryside into the urban landscape. Today, the brand remains true to its family traditions, blending functionality with refined style that resonates with women and men who value authenticity, quality and the enduring spirit of British countrywear.

Design and materials

Barbour’s design language forms a cornerstone of the brand’s visual identity, as distinctive as its colour palette or choice of fabrics. A signature motif is the proprietary Barbour Tartan – a registered check pattern that stands among the most recognisable emblems of British style. Alongside it, collections also feature other tartan variations and classic fair isle patterns, infusing the designs with a sense of genuine craftsmanship and a nod to the heritage of British countrywear. The colour palette, defined by muted shades of olive green, navy, black and brown, creates a cohesive harmony inspired by the English countryside, blending seamlessly with natural textiles. At the heart of the range lies waxed cotton – a fabric whose wax-infused fibres form a barrier against rain, mist and wind while retaining natural breathability. Over time, the material develops a patina and softness that accentuate the garment’s individual character. Complementing these classics are designs crafted from both natural and technical fabrics, through which Barbour continues to evolve its heritage while upholding the highest standards of quality.

Iconic Barbour jackets

Jackets form a defining element of Barbour’s identity and have shaped the brand’s recognisable style for decades. It was with these garments that the company’s story began, and they remain at the heart of its DNA. Today’s men’s Barbour jackets and women’s Barbour jackets stay true to the classic templates, preserving their practicality while evolving in response to contemporary needs. The collections encompass designs inspired by traditional countrywear as well as pieces with an urban spirit. Regular reinterpretations of signature silhouettes feature distinctive details such as corduroy collars, diamond quilting and spacious field pockets. Among the brand’s iconic lines, the following deserve particular attention:

• Beaufort – inspired by the classic hunting jacket, mid-length with practical pockets, often featuring a rear game pocket; traditionally crafted from waxed cotton and also available in insulated or modern-fabric versions.
• Bedale – a line with equestrian heritage, offering a looser cut for freedom of movement; often finished with a corduroy collar or hood; presented in waxed, quilted and lightweight seasonal editions.
• Beadnell – a feminine interpretation of the Bedale model, forming one of the key designs in the women’s collections; available in transitional and winter versions.
• Liddesdale – defined by diamond-quilt construction and a corduroy collar that often distinguishes this line; available in various lengths and silhouettes across both women’s and men’s ranges.

Beyond these models, Barbour collections regularly introduce further lines that reinterpret the brand’s classic forms while maintaining an unwavering commitment to quality and its artisanal heritage.

Women’s and men’s clothing and accessories collection by Barbour

Barbour for Her remains fully aligned with the brand’s aesthetic, offering a wide selection of garments and accessories with diverse character. The range includes coats, blazers, jumpers, blouses and women’s shirts, forming a complete selection inspired by British style. An important complement to the line comes in the form of Barbour handbags – casual designs in various shapes and sizes, from crossbody styles and shoppers to classic shoulder bags, all created with careful attention to detail and practicality.

The men’s Barbour collection encompasses a broad array of apparel, including men’s Barbour shirts, knitwear, trousers and T-shirts. The range is enriched with accessories – umbrellas that subtly reference the British climate, as well as gloves, scarves, pocket squares featuring brand motifs and hip flasks. The selection also includes a variety of headwear – from traditional hats and lighter caps to warm winter styl