The History of Barbour

Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Barbour

Barbour's iconic waxed jackets, such as the Beaufort and Bedale, are crafted in South Shields, England, where the brand's heritage remains firmly rooted. With a global presence in over 55 countries and materials sourced worldwide, Barbour continues to produce its signature waxed cotton jackets in its historic South Shields factory, blending tradition with international reach.

Founded in 1894 by John Barbour in South Shields, England, the company began as a modest business supplying oilcloth for ships and fishing boats. In the early 20th century, Barbour expanded into clothing, initially crafting robust, waterproof garments for sailors and fishermen, establishing its reputation for durable, practical outerwear.

By the 1920s, Barbour introduced its now-iconic waxed cotton jackets, which became a cornerstone of its collection. Designed to be both breathable and waterproof, these jackets were ideal for outdoor pursuits such as hunting and fishing. Their durability and ability to withstand Britain's harsh weather quickly made them a favourite among rural communities, solidifying Barbour's legacy as a maker of enduring, functional clothing.

Throughout the 20th century, Barbour continued to innovate and evolve, expanding its offerings to include a wider range of clothing, such as sweaters, shirts, and trousers. In the 1980s and 1990s, the brand began to gain popularity beyond the UK, establishing itself as a global brand with a strong reputation for high-quality, durable, and stylish clothing.

In the 21st century, Barbour has expanded its reach even further, opening stores and stockists worldwide. The company continues to innovate and evolve, introducing new designs, colours and materials, such as quilted and technical fabrics. Barbour also offers a variety of styles for women, children and even dogs. As well as seasonal collections with different colours and limited-edition styles.

Who Owns Barbour?

Barbour is currently a privately owned company. The current Chairman and owner of Barbour is Helen Barbour, the daughter of the company's founder and the fifth generation of the Barbour family to lead the company. The business has been owned and run by the Barbour family since its inception in 1894, and has expanded over the years to become one of the most well-known and respected brands in the world of outdoor and country clothing.

The brand remains committed to its heritage and traditional craftsmanship, while continually innovating and evolving to meet the changing needs of its customers.

Who Wears Barbour?

A wide range of people wear Barbour clothing and accessories due to their combination of practicality, durability, and style. The brand's waxed cotton jackets, in particular, have a strong association with country and outdoor wear, and are popular among individuals who engage in outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing, and riding.

In addition to its traditional customer base, Barbour has also gained popularity in urban and fashion-forward settings. The brand has also been embraced by fashion-conscious customers looking for stylish clothing that is both practical and long-lasting.

Which Celebrities Wear Barbour?

Many celebrities have been spotted wearing Barbour clothing and accessories. The brand's reputation for quality and durability, as well as its association with country and outdoor wear, has made it popular among a wide range of celebrities.

Some examples of celebrities who have been spotted wearing Barbour include:

• The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton and Prince William. They have been seen wearing Barbour on many occasions, particularly on their countryside engagements.
• Actors such as Steve McQueen, known for his love of motorcycles, and Samuel L. Jackson have been spotted wearing Barbour International leather jackets.
• Musicians such as Paul Weller, Arctic Monkeys, and Kaiser Chiefs have also been spotted wearing Barbour clothing.
• Other celebrities, such as David Beckham, Kate Moss, and Alexa Chung, have also been spotted wearing Barbour clothing, showcasing the brand's versatility.
• Barbour's reputation for quality, durability, and style, as well as its iconic waxed cotton jackets, has made it a favourite among celebrities and people from all backgrounds who seek clothing that can withstand any weather conditions while also looking stylish.

Is Barbour and Barbour International the Same?

Barbour and Barbour International are not the same.

Barbour is the main brand, founded in 1894, and is known for producing high-quality, durable, and stylish clothing and accessories, including its iconic waxed cotton jackets. The brand has a rich history and heritage, associated with country and outdoor wear, and offers a wide range of collections for men, women, and children.

Barbour International is a sub-brand of Barbour, which was launched in 1936. It's geared towards the motorcycle market, but it is more directed to urban and fashion-forward styles. It's inspired by the brand's rich history in motorcycling and its association with icons such as Steve McQueen. The collection focuses on leather jackets and other biker-inspired clothing and accessories.

Should I Buy a Barbour or Barbour International?

Whether you should buy a Barbour or a Barbour International jacket depends on your personal preferences and needs. The same company produces both brands, offering high-quality clothing, but with different styles and designs that cater to varying customer types.

A Barbour jacket is renowned for its classic, timeless style and its waxed cotton construction, which provides excellent protection from the elements. Barbour jackets are ideal for country and outdoor wear, offering a wide range of styles that cater to different needs. These include the Beaufort, Bedale, Border, and other styles, each suitable for varying weather conditions and lifestyles.

Barbour International, on the other hand, is more focused on the motorcycle market, and its styles are geared towards urban and fashion-forward consumers. The collection is focused on leather jackets and other biker-inspired clothing and accessories. It's characterised by a more edgy and fashion-forward look, with a focus on biker-inspired designs and details.

In summary, if you're looking for a classic, timeless, and high-quality jacket that's designed for country and outdoor wear, a Barbour jacket is probably the best choice for you. However, if you're seeking something more fashion-forward, urban, and with a biker-inspired style, a Barbour International jacket may be a better fit for you.

Where is Barbour Made?

Barbour jackets and clothing are made in the United Kingdom. The company was founded in 1894 in South Shields, England, and it still has its head office and production facility in the exact location. The company's main factory is located in Simonside, South Shields, where the company's core collection of waxed cotton jackets is produced.

Barbour commits to quality and traditional craftsmanship, and it's one of the few remaining companies that still manufacture clothing in the United Kingdom. They source their materials from British suppliers whenever possible and ensure they meet the highest standards. The brand also has several retail locations and stockists worldwide, making its products accessible to customers in numerous countries.

In addition to its central production facility in South Shields, Barbour also has some of its clothing lines produced in other countries. For example, some knitwear is made in Scotland, Portugal or Romania.

The company ensures that all products bearing the Barbour name meet their high standards of quality, durability, and style, regardless of where they are produced.

Is Barbour a Luxury Brand?

Barbour is regarded as a luxury brand due to its high-quality craftsmanship, meticulous attention to detail, and the use of premium materials. The brand is renowned for producing durable and long-lasting clothing that is designed to withstand harsh weather conditions. Barbour's products are made to last and are often passed down through generations.

Barbour's pricing point is on the higher end of the spectrum, which also positions them as a luxury brand. The brand prides itself on the quality of its products and the craftsmanship behind them, which justifies the higher prices. They are made with premium materials and advanced technologies, which makes them last longer and look better. Barbour also produces limited-edition collections, which elevate the exclusivity of the brand.

Additionally, the brand's reputation, heritage, and its family-owned status also contribute to its status as a luxury brand. Barbour is also recognised for holding a Royal Warrant from the British royal family, which enhances the brand's prestige and luxury status.

Is Barbour a 'Good' Brand?

Barbour is regarded as a reputable brand by many customers and industry experts in the fashion and outdoor sectors. The brand has a reputation for producing high-quality, durable, and stylish clothing and accessories, including its iconic waxed cotton jackets.

Barbour's commitment to quality and traditional craftsmanship is one of the reasons it is considered a reputable brand. They use a range of traditional and modern techniques to produce their jackets, ensuring that each piece meets the company's high standards for quality and durability. Barbour's waxed cotton jackets are particularly well-regarded for their durability and weather-resistance. The company's commitment to quality and durability is evident in the products it produces.

Barbour's reputation for style is also well-established. The brand offers a diverse range of styles and designs that cater to various customer types, and it's not uncommon to see people wearing Barbour clothing in both rural and urban settings. Barbour's clothing is not only practical but also stylish, which is why it appeals to a wide range of people.

In summary, Barbour is regarded as a reputable brand by many customers and industry experts in the fashion and outdoor sectors. The brand's commitment to quality and traditional craftsmanship, its reputation and heritage, and its stylish and versatile designs all contribute to its status as not just a good brand, but a great one. 

Is Barbour an Ethical Brand?

Barbour has made efforts to improve its ethical practices, but, like any company, some aspects of the brand may not align with the values or expectations of specific consumers.

The company has committed to sustainability and ethical sourcing, implementing policies to ensure that its products are produced responsibly and with respect for the environment and the rights of workers. The company has a code of conduct for suppliers, which outlines the company's expectations for environmental and labour practices. It also has a CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) report that indicates the companyis commitment to fair trade, working conditions, and social responsibility.

Barbour also has a code of conduct for animal welfare, ensuring that no fur or feather products are used in their clothing, and they are committed to using only synthetic materials or those from sustainable sources.

Additionally, they have implemented recycling programs, utilise renewable energy in the company's operations, and have a program to reduce their carbon footprint.

A Legacy of Quality and Craftsmanship

The history of Barbour is a story of a family-owned business that has stood the test of time. From its humble beginnings as a small business selling oilcloth in the 19th century, Barbour has evolved into a global brand renowned for its high-quality, durable, and stylish outerwear. The company's commitment to quality and craftsmanship has remained a constant throughout its history, which has helped ensure that Barbour has remained a popular choice among outdoor enthusiasts for over a century.

Despite the challenges it has faced over the years, Barbour has remained true to its roots and continues to produce clothing that is both functional and fashionable. With a strong heritage and a reputation for excellence, it is clear that the legacy of Barbour will continue for many years to come.

Take a look at our vast range of Barbour coats, jackets, accessories and more.