British Heritage
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Barbour - The Waxed Cotton Jacket, since 1894
An Emblem of British Heritage.
Barbour, officially known as J. Barbour & Sons Ltd, is not just a brand; it's a legacy that beautifully amalgamates British craftsmanship, practicality, and style. Founded in 1894 by John Barbour in South Shields, England, the brand has been central to the development and popularisation of waxed cotton outerwear. The iconic Barbour waxed cotton jacket is now synonymous with British country clothing and is recognised worldwide for its timeless style and enduring quality.
Born in Galloway, Scotland, John Barbour's initial venture was not in the manufacture of clothing but in the importation of oil cloth. However, the foundations for what would later become the iconic Barbour jacket were laid during these early years. This innovation, woven from Barbour's fabric, would emerge as a defining symbol of British rural fashion. So entrenched has the association become that any waxed cotton jacket, regardless of its manufacturer, is often simply referred to as a "Barbour jacket."
The brand's reputation was further bolstered when it received royal warrants to supply "waterproof and protective clothing" from the Duke of Edinburgh in 1974, Queen Elizabeth II in 1982, and Charles, Prince of Wales in 1987. These warrants, reserved for companies supplying goods to the Royal Family, reaffirmed Barbour's standing within the realms of British heritage and quality craftsmanship.
John's grandson, Duncan Barbour, was instrumental in the company's further evolution. An avid motorcyclist, Duncan guided the company into the manufacture of waxed cotton motorcycling suits and jackets, paving the way for the development of the "Barbour International" ranges, which take inspiration from Barbour's original 1936 waxed cotton motorcycling suit and the 1951 "Original Green" motorcycling jacket.
While the company's headquarters have remained in South Shields since its inception, J. Barbour and Sons Ltd has expanded its production beyond the United Kingdom and beyond its quintessential waxed cotton jackets. Today, Barbour is renowned for an array of products, including sweaters, moleskin clothing, corduroy clothing, and tattersall shirts.
A testament to the brand's ability to innovate and adapt, Barbour has introduced its own type of waterproof liners, Cordura external fabric, and polar fleece sweaters, and has delved into the "waterproof-breathable" market. Many of Barbour's garments feature outdoor-oriented elements like snug-fitting collars, "storm cuffs", waterproof pockets with drainage holes, and wide "game" pockets.
To ensure the brand's relevance and appeal to younger customers, Barbour has successfully modernised its collections, often drawing from its rich motorcycle heritage. This has resulted in fashionable, contemporary ranges that still retain Barbour's classic charm.
Despite its rural origins, the Barbour jacket emerged as a fashionable urban item in the 2010s, with the brand collaborating with several notable urban fashion brands including WoodWood, AlexaChung, and White Mountaineering.
Barbour's dedication to craftsmanship and quality extends beyond the manufacture of new products. Recognising the sentimental value and the sustainability benefits of long-lasting garments, Barbour offers a repair service to patch and reinforce jackets, underscoring the brand's commitment to durability. The brand annually repairs and rewaxes over 25,000 jackets at its Simonside facility and other locations.
Barbour's influence is not confined to fashion alone; it permeates popular culture. The brand's jackets and coats have featured in numerous films, including 2012's Skyfall, where James Bond, played by Daniel Craig, dons a modified Barbour jacket. Barbour has also released a clothing line inspired by actor and avid motorcycle racer Steve McQueen, who was known for wearing Barbour during his races.
In 2016, Scottish actor Sam Heughan was appointed as Barbour's First Global Brand Ambassador, further cementing the brand's connection to popular culture and its international appeal.
Barbour isn't merely a brand; it's a tradition that has endured for over a century. Its commitment to quality, its adaptability, and its timeless appeal ensure its place within British heritage and its influence on global fashion. Through the waxed cotton jacket and beyond, Barbour exemplifies the essence of British style and the versatility of British design.
Barbour's Beginnings and the Creation of a British Classic
Born in Galloway, Scotland, John Barbour's initial venture was not in the manufacture of clothing but in the importation of oil cloth. However, the foundations for what would later become the iconic Barbour jacket were laid during these early years. This innovation, woven from Barbour's fabric, would emerge as a defining symbol of British rural fashion. So entrenched has the association become that any waxed cotton jacket, regardless of its manufacturer, is often simply referred to as a "Barbour jacket."
The brand's reputation was further bolstered when it received royal warrants to supply "waterproof and protective clothing" from the Duke of Edinburgh in 1974, Queen Elizabeth II in 1982, and Charles, Prince of Wales in 1987. These warrants, reserved for companies supplying goods to the Royal Family, reaffirmed Barbour's standing within the realms of British heritage and quality craftsmanship.
John's grandson, Duncan Barbour, was instrumental in the company's further evolution. An avid motorcyclist, Duncan guided the company into the manufacture of waxed cotton motorcycling suits and jackets, paving the way for the development of the "Barbour International" ranges, which take inspiration from Barbour's original 1936 waxed cotton motorcycling suit and the 1951 "Original Green" motorcycling jacket.
Innovations and Expansions: Beyond the Waxed Cotton Jacket
While the company's headquarters have remained in South Shields since its inception, J. Barbour and Sons Ltd has expanded its production beyond the United Kingdom and beyond its quintessential waxed cotton jackets. Today, Barbour is renowned for an array of products, including sweaters, moleskin clothing, corduroy clothing, and tattersall shirts.
A testament to the brand's ability to innovate and adapt, Barbour has introduced its own type of waterproof liners, Cordura external fabric, and polar fleece sweaters, and has delved into the "waterproof-breathable" market. Many of Barbour's garments feature outdoor-oriented elements like snug-fitting collars, "storm cuffs", waterproof pockets with drainage holes, and wide "game" pockets.
To ensure the brand's relevance and appeal to younger customers, Barbour has successfully modernised its collections, often drawing from its rich motorcycle heritage. This has resulted in fashionable, contemporary ranges that still retain Barbour's classic charm.
Despite its rural origins, the Barbour jacket emerged as a fashionable urban item in the 2010s, with the brand collaborating with several notable urban fashion brands including WoodWood, AlexaChung, and White Mountaineering.
The Unwavering Dedication to Quality
Barbour's dedication to craftsmanship and quality extends beyond the manufacture of new products. Recognising the sentimental value and the sustainability benefits of long-lasting garments, Barbour offers a repair service to patch and reinforce jackets, underscoring the brand's commitment to durability. The brand annually repairs and rewaxes over 25,000 jackets at its Simonside facility and other locations.
Cultural Impact and Popularity
Barbour's influence is not confined to fashion alone; it permeates popular culture. The brand's jackets and coats have featured in numerous films, including 2012's Skyfall, where James Bond, played by Daniel Craig, dons a modified Barbour jacket. Barbour has also released a clothing line inspired by actor and avid motorcycle racer Steve McQueen, who was known for wearing Barbour during his races.
In 2016, Scottish actor Sam Heughan was appointed as Barbour's First Global Brand Ambassador, further cementing the brand's connection to popular culture and its international appeal.
Barbour isn't merely a brand; it's a tradition that has endured for over a century. Its commitment to quality, its adaptability, and its timeless appeal ensure its place within British heritage and its influence on global fashion. Through the waxed cotton jacket and beyond, Barbour exemplifies the essence of British style and the versatility of British design.
- J. Barbour and Sonsen.wikipedia.org
