The Barbour Story
Few British brands carry the cultural weight of Barbour. Founded in 1894 in South Shields by John Barbour, the company spent its early decades outfitting fishermen and sailors with oilskin clothing built for the North Sea's brutal conditions. Over a century later, the waxed cotton jacket it pioneered is one of the most recognisable garments in British fashion — worn in equal measure by gamekeepers and fashion editors.
Barbour holds three Royal Warrants and remains family-owned, manufacturing many of its core products in the original South Shields factory. That continuity of craft is rare at any price point.
The Iconic Waxed Jacket Range
The Bedale
The Bedale is Barbour's most classic short-length waxed jacket. Introduced in the 1980s, it features a corduroy collar, bellows pockets, and a zip and stud fastening. Originally designed for equestrian use, it's now worn across country and city settings. The cut is traditional — roomy enough to layer over knitwear without feeling tight.
The Beaufort
The Beaufort is the longer sibling of the Bedale — extending to mid-thigh length and offering more coverage for country pursuits. It features larger game pockets and a more traditional sporting cut. Ideal for those spending time in genuinely rural environments.
The Liddesdale
Barbour's quilted jacket line offers an alternative to the waxed cotton tradition. The Liddesdale is lightweight, packable, and works as a casual everyday layer. It bridges Barbour's country heritage with a more contemporary, urban appeal.
Caring for Your Barbour Jacket
Waxed cotton requires specific care — and neglecting it will dramatically shorten the jacket's life. Key maintenance points:
- Never machine wash a waxed Barbour jacket — hot water strips the wax
- Clean with a damp cloth and cold water only
- Re-wax annually (or when the jacket starts absorbing water rather than repelling it) using Barbour's own Thornproof Dressing
- Re-waxing is best done in warm conditions — the wax needs to penetrate the fabric
- Barbour offers a professional re-waxing and repair service from the South Shields factory
With proper care, a Barbour jacket can genuinely last decades. The brand's repair service means even heavily worn jackets can be restored.
Beyond the Wax: Barbour's Broader Range
Barbour has expanded considerably beyond waxed outerwear. Their broader collections include:
- Barbour International — a more contemporary, motorcycle-inspired sub-brand aimed at a younger, urban audience
- Knitwear — Shetland-style and lambswool sweaters that pair naturally with the classic jacket
- Shirting & Polos — casual country-inspired pieces for everyday wear
- Footwear — wellington boots and country shoes under the Barbour brand
Price Guide
| Product | Approx. UK Price |
|---|---|
| Bedale Waxed Jacket | £229–£249 |
| Beaufort Waxed Jacket | £249–£269 |
| Liddesdale Quilted Jacket | £99–£119 |
| Classic Knitwear | £79–£120 |
Is Barbour Worth the Price?
At full retail, Barbour waxed jackets are a considered purchase. But the calculus is different to fast fashion — a well-maintained Barbour jacket bought at £240 today can realistically still be in use in 20 years. The repair and re-wax service reinforces this longevity. For context, the brand still repairs jackets that are decades old.
For buyers who don't need the full waxed jacket experience, the Liddesdale and knitwear range offer genuine Barbour quality at more accessible prices.
Who Is Barbour For?
- Anyone who spends meaningful time in the British countryside
- Those seeking a genuinely long-lasting investment piece
- People who appreciate British manufacturing heritage
- Buyers looking for a style that transitions from rural to urban effortlessly
Final Verdict
Barbour is one of the few genuinely timeless British clothing brands. The waxed jacket is not a trend — it has been part of British life for generations and shows no sign of changing. If you buy with care, maintain it properly, and treat it as the investment it is, a Barbour jacket is among the wisest clothing purchases you can make in the UK.