Barbour's story starts in South Shields in 1894, supplying oilskins and protective clothing to people working in harsh North Sea conditions. Over the decades, that practical beginning developed into a range built around waxed cotton jackets, reliable construction, and details that have become instantly recognisable.
This guide pulls together the key moments in Barbour's history, explains how the product range grew, and answers the questions people search most often — from where Barbour is made to how waxed jackets are cared for and rewaxed.
Table of Contents
- 1) Barbour in one minute: the essentials
- 2) 1894–1917: oilcloth, early waterproofs and the mail-order leap
- 3) Why waxed cotton become the Barbour signature
- 4) Key jacket names: Beaufort, Bedale and what made them stick
- 5) Country, town and everything between: who wears Barbour and why
- 6) Royal warrants and Barbour's public profile
- 7) Barbour International: related, but not the same
- 8) 2004 onwards: performance-led lines and award recognition
- 9) 125 years: how Barbour marked a milestone
- 10) Where Barbour is made
- 11) Caring for a wax jacket
- 12) Explore Barbour by category
1) Barbour in one minute: the essentials
Barbour was founded in South Shields in 1894 by John Barbour. The early focus was straightforward: protective clothing made for harsh weather and hard use. That same idea still sits behind the brand's best-known pieces today — especially waxed cotton jackets that balance water resistance with everyday wearability.
Although Barbour is now known worldwide and sells in many countries, the brand's identity remains closely tied to its North East roots and its long-running focus on functional outerwear.
Barbour's full range at The Sporting Lodge includes wax jackets, clothing and accessories built around those original principles.
2) 1894–1917: oilcloth, early waterproofs and the mail-order leap
J. Barbour and Sons Ltd began by supplying oilskins and garments designed to protect sailors, fishermen and dock workers from punishing coastal conditions. By the early 1900s, the company had applied its knowledge to manufacturing waterproof clothing, building a reputation for gear that worked in real weather rather than just looking the part.
In 1908, Malcolm Barbour introduced a mail-order catalogue that widened access far beyond the local area. By 1917, a large share of orders was placed by post, helping turn a regional maker into a national name.
That maritime beginning shaped more than just the early product range. The clothing Barbour developed for North Sea conditions — wind-resistant, water-repellent, built to cope with salt air and hard daily use — set a design approach that still runs through the brand today. Barbour's connection to coastal life later informed collections drawing directly on that seafaring heritage, applying the same principles to contemporary outerwear designed for changeable weather near the sea.
3) Why waxed cotton become the Barbour signature
Waxed cotton sits at the centre of Barbour's identity because it offers a practical blend: protection from wind and rain without feeling sealed-in. Over time, wax jackets became the pieces people return to — not only for countryside wear, but also for daily use in towns and cities.
The waxed finish also ages distinctively. Creases, scuffs and softened high-wear areas become part of the jacket's character, which is one reason many owners keep theirs for years and keep them going with rewaxing and repairs.
If you want to go straight to the core category, here is our selection of waxed cotton Barbour jackets.
4) Key jacket names: Beaufort, Bedale and what made them stick
Specific names appear again and again whenever Barbour is discussed — the Beaufort and the Bedale, in particular. Their appeal comes down to repeatable design choices: sturdy waxed cotton, a corduroy collar, secure closures, and pockets designed for use rather than just style.
The design elements that made these jackets distinctive were practical rather than decorative: large bellows pockets for carrying essentials, handwarmer pockets for cold days, two-way zippers with large ring pulls for use with gloves, and corduroy collars for comfort against the neck. In the 1980s, Dame Margaret Barbour designed both the Bedale and the Beaufort, drawing on equestrian and sporting activities. Those two jackets helped make the brand a household name and remain firm favourites across country and urban wear.
These jackets also work across a wide range of settings, making them easy to transition from field use to everyday life. If you are choosing a cut or looking for seasonal alternatives, our men's Barbour jacket collection gives a broad view of shapes and weights.
5) Country, town and everything between: who wears Barbour and why
Barbour is worn by people who want outerwear that stands up to everyday wear and tear. The original audience was practical and work-led, but the appeal broadened as the jackets became associated with countryside life and were then adopted more widely.
That spread explains why Barbour turns up in very different places: on working farms, on dog walks, at events, and in everyday city wear. The common thread is straightforward — the clothes are built to be used.
The range also expanded far beyond outerwear. Barbour now produces complete seasonal collections, including shirts, knitwear and trousers. Our Barbour clothing for men page is a good starting point if you want to see how the brand works beyond jackets.
Around one in six adults in the UK regularly takes part in some form of outdoor activity, whether a gentle dog walk or something more demanding in rougher conditions. That breadth of use is part of what keeps Barbour relevant — the same jacket works for a morning on the hills and an afternoon in town.
Dogs have always been at the heart of the Barbour brand. The range of Barbour dog accessories — including coats for all shapes and sizes, collars, leads, and beds — has grown in popularity among dog owners who want the same durability and practical design for their pets. Barbour even runs a dedicated Instagram channel, @barbourdogs, reflecting how central dogs are to the brand's identity and its customers' daily routines.
6) Royal warrants and Barbour's public profile
Barbour's public reputation is tied to its long association with British country life and high-profile wearers, including members of the Royal Family. The brand has held royal warrants over time, reinforcing Barbour's status as a trusted supplier of protective clothing and outerwear.
It is also why questions about "who wears Barbour" come up so often. Celebrities and musicians have worn the brand in public, but the point for most buyers is simpler: the jackets do a job, then look better as they are used.
7) Barbour International: related, but not the same
Barbour and Barbour International are part of the same parent company, but they are not the same label. Barbour is the main line, best known for waxed cotton outerwear and a broad seasonal range. Barbour International began in 1936 and is closely associated with motorcycling style and a more urban-led look.
If you are choosing between them, start with use: waxed cotton country jackets and heritage cuts point you towards Barbour; sharper, biker-inspired designs point you towards Barbour International.
8) 2004 onwards: performance-led lines and award recognition
In the 2000s, Barbour continued to broaden its offer, including clothing developed for shooting and field sports. Work with Lord James Percy is regularly cited in connection with the Northumberland range, and the brand's performance-led pieces have received industry recognition over the years (including awards for specific garments).
At the same time, Barbour kept developing the more expansive seasonal collection: jackets and coats, yes, but also the supporting layers and everyday pieces that turn a heritage outerwear brand into a full clothing range.
To see that broader mix on the women's side, start with Barbour womenswear, including coats, knits and seasonal layers.
9) 125 years: how Barbour marked a milestone
Reaching 125 years gave Barbour a reason to look back at the pieces people return to, while also showing how the range moves with the times. That balance is a theme throughout the brand's history: keep the practical base, then update cuts, fabrics and details as needs change.
For many people, the most persuasive part of the "125 years" idea is not a single product release — it's the fact that wax jackets can be maintained and worn for years, which is rare in outerwear.
10) Where Barbour is made
Barbour's best-known waxed jackets are closely associated with South Shields, where the brand's roots and long-standing production presence are based. Today, as with many established clothing makers, some product lines are produced in different locations, while the waxed jacket story remains closely tied to the North East.
Barbour is also still family-led, with leadership continuing through the Barbour family.
11) Caring for a wax jacket
Waxed cotton needs specific care — cold water cleaning only, no detergents, and periodic re-waxing to maintain the finish. Our cleaning guide and re-waxing guide cover the full process step by step.
12) Explore Barbour by category
If you want to explore the range by use and fit, these pages are helpful starting points:
- Barbour jackets for women in waxed and quilted options
- Women's Barbour quilted jackets for lighter insulation
- Barbour accessories, including bags, scarves and everyday extras
- Men's Barbour jackets across core and seasonal styles
Barbour's appeal has always been rooted in function: clothing made to handle real weather, built with recognisable details, and designed to last. That is why the brand can move between field use and day-to-day life without losing its identity.
