The History of Barbour: From South Shields Oilskins to Iconic Wax Jackets

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.

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.

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.

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.

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: cleaning, rewaxing and repairs

Waxed cotton is not challenging to look after, but it does need the right approach:

• Clean with cold water and a sponge or cloth. Avoid detergents, hot water, and machine washing.
• Let the jacket dry naturally away from direct heat.
• Rewax periodically to maintain water resistance and even out the finish.
• Minor repairs and rewaxing can extend a jacket's life for years.

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.