Barbour waxed jacket

The Heritage of Barbour

Barbour is a quintessentially British luxury brand founded in 1894 by John Barbour in South Shields, North East England. Famous for its iconic waxed cotton jackets, the brand was originally established to provide durable, waterproof outerwear for sailors, fishermen, and dockers. Today, it is a global lifestyle brand synonymous with the British countryside and high-quality craftsmanship.

Manufacturing and Craftsmanship

While Barbour has expanded its production globally to meet modern demand, its most famous classic waxed jackets are still manufactured by hand at the factory in Simonside, South Shields. Jackets produced outside of the UK, such as in Eastern Europe and Asia, undergo strict quality control to maintain the brand's heritage standards. Barbour also offers a unique 'Repair and Re-wax' service at its primary UK facility to extend the life of its products.

Ownership and Global Presence

Barbour remains a rare example of a long-standing family-owned business, currently in its fifth generation of family leadership. The company holds several Royal Warrants, marking it as a preferred supplier to the British Royal Family. Despite its international reach and expansion into footwear, accessories, and knitwear, the company stays rooted in its original founded location under the stewardship of the Barbour family.