Favoured by Fishermen, admired by Motorcyclists and revered by Royals, Barbour boasts a heritage few can compare with. Founded in England by a Scotsman, J. Barbour & Sons Ltd has been around for 129 years and counting. A faithful companion of the Royal Family for decades, all sections of society favour Barbour, which is relied upon for its tried and tested wax cotton in particular. As Brits, we're obsessed with the weather, so it should be no surprise to find that Barbour began with meteorological conditions at its core.
Back in 1894, John Barbour began importing oilcloth, which was used by those who needed to stay dry in the wettest conditions. In these early years, technical clothing was experimental and synthetic fabrics were a couple of generations away. While some brands favoured waxed cottons that were prone to cracking at lower temperatures, Barbour perfected a process using paraffin wax.
It'd be 100 years or more until their products would be accessible at the click of a mouse. Yet, Barbour's pioneering spirit meant their first mail-order catalogue was printed and distributed as far back as 1908, helping their products reach a wider audience. This placed them at the forefront in supplying those whose hard-working outdoor professions demanded protection, particularly the fishermen in nearby South Shields.
Barbour's reputation as a solid problem solver was further cemented when John Barbour's Grandson, Duncan, took a keen interest in motorcycling, leading the brand to pivot into this burgeoning pursuit. The 1930s, in particular, saw an increase in the popularity of motorcycling, and given how exposed a rider could be to the elements, waxed cotton Barbour jackets became a mainstay. The International was released in 1936 and was later worn regularly by Steve McQueen. The movie star was also a keen motorcyclist himself.
Naturally, the first half of the 20th century was marked by conflict that dominated manufacturing, and Barbour played a significant part in the war effort. And as the world recovered post-1945, Barbour once again was able to help keep industry well-clothed. By the 1980s, with synthetic fabrics and widespread overseas manufacturing influencing the sector in Barbour's native UK, the brand remained a step ahead once again. While working clothes for harsh conditions remained its core, Barbour's heritage placed it ahead of newcomers. It helped it redefine itself for a world more receptive to marketing and brands with a touch of sophistication. In April 1974, the Duke of Edinburgh granted Barbour their first Royal Warrant.
The modern era for Barbour began when Margaret Barbour designed the iconic Barbour Bedale jacket in 1980, followed by the introduction of the Barbour Beaufort a few years later. This marked a step into the future by drawing on the brand's past, and in these two silhouettes in particular, a blueprint for Barbour as a heritage fashion brand was laid down, albeit one with its feet firmly planted in the outdoor conditions that led to its creation almost a century earlier.
Today, Barbour remains a family-owned business, with manufacturing still taking place at its South Shields headquarters. Providing a vast range of Barbour jackets & accessories for the outdoors, Barbour's robust reputation keeps it at the centre of both the fashion and outdoor markets, proving beyond all doubt that Barbour is The Best of British.
Shop the latest from Barbour now here at The Sporting Lodge.
