Built on a rich tradition of family and tradition, Barbour is among the most highly regarded lifestyle brands in the world. Founded in 1894 in South Shields, England, by John Barbour, the company specializes in exceptional clothes, shoes, and accessories.

Waxed Cotton

Perhaps its greatest association is with waxed cotton, the durable material known for its ability to resist water. Since his company’s inception, Barbour recognized the need for high-performance clothing that would provide fishermen, sailors, and shipyard workers with the comfort they demanded while on the job. The original collection, the Beacon Brand, was constructed of Oilskin, a substantial fabric deemed weatherproof thanks to coats of wax and oil.

While effective, the material was considerably heavier than most seafarers could comfortably withstand. Barbour realized that cotton could take the place and perform the role just as efficiently, and so his company began creating weatherproof pieces made with the fabric in the middle of the 19th century.

It remained this way at least through the 1930s, when fabric producers realized that there was room for improvement. The original materials were prone to developing a yellowish tinge with time, and would often take on an uncomfortably stiff texture when exposed to colder conditions. The newest iteration of the fabric was permeated with paraffin, which contributed to a softer material that was just as effective at resisting moisture.

Designed specifically for outerwear, the cotton received the VIP treatment through the entire production process. It was first woven by Webster in Scotland, then transported to Lancashire for color dyeing, treated in London with cupro-ammonia to soften the textured fabric, returned for waxing in Lancashire, then returned to Scotland for eventual sale.

Waxed cotton quickly became prevalent beyond the sea. People in various industries, including farming, game-keeping, sport, and cycling realized that the distinctive material could serve them well in their own respective worlds. It was a key reason why Barbour designed the International Suit specifically for riders who required something that minimized resistance while keeping them warm and dry. It was so popular that Steve McQueen and his teammates wore it during the International Six Days Trial in 1964. Through 1977, almost all English International teams wore Barbour suits exclusively.

The fabric’s popularity remained steadfast through the decades, enough so that Barbour improved upon its texture and finesse to meet the growing and changing needs of consumers. In 2005, for example, the company eliminated the cupro-ammonia treatment from the production process. Today, the company’s waxed jacket lineup is extensive, with styles ranging from casual to sporty to tailored.

Celebrity Appeal

To some degree, Barbour has the late Princess Diana to thank for its widespread appeal in the contemporary world. She was among an elite group of “Sloane Rangers,” or upper-class women from the United Kingdom who conveyed simultaneous posh sophistication and nonchalant style at once. Their uniform of choice was often a waxed jacket and tweed. The effect was polished, yet unaffected — and it caught on quickly, as both young and old adopted Barbour jackets as their own uniform of choice.

To some degree, Barbour has the late Princess Diana to thank for its widespread appeal in the contemporary world.

Years later, songstress Lily Allen hit the stage at notoriously wet and muddy Glastonbury with a Barbour jacket thrown over her dress. Before long, the likes of Alexa Chung, Billie Piper, Ellie Goulding, and Alex Turner of the Arctic Monkeys made the jacket part of their public repertoire, introducing young audiences to the style and showcasing the many ways in which the once merely functional jacket could be worn. Suddenly it was far more than a utilitarian piece — it was a means to make a bold fashion statement.

It marked a turn for the brand largely associated with the stiff upper lip. Heritage and tradition notwithstanding, there was a sense that Barbour was suddenly not only storied, but downright hip and cool. The brand doesn’t take this new reputation lightly. While forever tied to its inspirational roots and rich background, they recognize that there’s no way to avoid the power of celebrity. It’s contributed to Barbour’s growth in a way, as the brand has emerged a key player in other areas, including accessories like slippers, belts, and bags, along with footwear.

Attention to Detail

It’s not only its waxed jacket collection that sets Barbour apart. The company is a reflection of its roots, deeply entrenched in its impressive 19th century history in coastal England. The forward-thinking approach to design at the time remains just as much a part of its ethos today as ever before. The designers are committed to using only the highest quality materials, with specific attention to workmanship and use of finely milled textiles.

From the immaculate placement of pockets to the carefully allocated buttons to the treated fabrics, each piece is meticulously designed.

This appreciation for style and an unwillingness to settle for anything less is evident in each and every piece they produce. From the immaculate placement of pockets to the carefully allocated buttons to the treated fabrics, each piece is meticulously designed. It’s precisely why Barbour remains the gold standard for rugged, unwavering, and relentless outerwear known for its ability to withstand the elements.

Knowing where to begin where such luxury and timeless style is concerned may be difficult. To be sure, Barbour pieces are well worth the investment. From traditional waxed cotton jackets that capture a sense of true English sensibility coupled with an undeniable hint of style to shirts, jumpers, and trousers appropriate for everyday wear, Barbour has every base covered. One could easily build an entire wardrobe consisting solely of the brand’s very best pieces, yet it’s just as easy to snag a single piece of outerwear if you want to experience what makes the Barbour name so reliable. Here are a few areas to focus your attention.

To purchase Barbour pieces for your wardrobe, you’ll need to navigate to their website and browse the hundreds of stockists that carry the line. The products are sold throughout Europe, Asia, North America, and South America, and are available online at a variety of retailers.