Barbour

wardrobe including outerwear, shirts, trousers, knitwear, dresses, accessories, footwear, and even clothing for dogs, all inspired by the British countryside. The brand also includes Barbour International, a stand-alone line inspired by its motorcycle heritage dating back to 1936. Barbour is sold in over 55 countries worldwide and holds three Royal Warrants, reflecting its prestige and longstanding quality.

Philosophy

Barbour embodies the unique values of the British countryside, combining functionality, durability, and style. The brand emphasizes quality craftsmanship, heritage, and family ownership, maintaining traditional manufacturing methods such as hand-making and hand-repairing wax jackets. Barbour aims to create clothing that is both practical for outdoor pursuits and stylish for everyday wear, reflecting grit, wit, and glamour.

Sustainability

Manufacturing: Barbour continues to manufacture some of its classic wax jackets by hand in its factory in Simonside, South Shields, emphasizing craftsmanship and durability. Repair and reuse: The company offers customer services to re-wax, repair, and 'Re-Love' wax jackets and mend quilts by hand, extending the life of its products and promoting sustainability through longevity. Values: Barbour's approach to sustainability focuses on quality, durability, and repairability, reducing waste by encouraging customers to maintain and reuse their garments rather than replace them.

Founders

John Barbour, Background: Scottish-born entrepreneur from Galloway who founded J Barbour & Sons in 1894 in South Shields, England, initially supplying oilskins and weatherproof clothing to maritime workers.. Malcolm Barbour, Background: Second generation, son of John Barbour, who produced the first mail order catalogue in 1908, expanding Barbour's reach internationally to countries including Chile, South Africa, and Hong Kong.. Duncan Barbour, Background: Third generation family member and keen motorcyclist who introduced the Barbour International motorcycling suit in 1936, linking the brand to motorcycle heritage and international motorcycling competitions.. Margaret Barbour, Background: Widow of John Barbour who joined the Board in 1968 and became Chairman in 1973. She designed key products such as the Bedale and Beaufort jackets and led the company to receive multiple Royal Warrants. Awarded CBE and later Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire for services to industry.. Helen Barbour, Background: Daughter of Margaret Barbour, serving as Vice Chairman and continuing the family leadership into the fifth generation.

Background

Founded in 1894 in South Shields, Barbour began by supplying oilskins to maritime workers exposed to harsh North Sea weather. The company expanded its product range and global reach through mail order catalogues starting in 1908. The introduction of the Barbour International motorcycling suit in 1936 linked the brand to motorcycling culture. Over the decades, Barbour developed iconic jackets like the Bedale and Beaufort, designed for country pursuits but embraced in urban fashion. The company remains family-owned and headquartered in the North East of England, with manufacturing still based in Simonside, South Shields.

History

Key milestones include:

• 1894: John Barbour founded J Barbour & Sons in South Shields.
• 1908: Malcolm Barbour launched the first mail order catalogue.
• 1936: Duncan Barbour introduced the Barbour International motorcycling suit.
• 1940: Development of the Ursula suit for submarine service during WWII.
• 1968: Margaret Barbour joined the Board and later became Chairman.
• 1974, 1982, 1987: Barbour received three Royal Warrants from British Royal Family members.
• 1980s: Introduction of the Bedale and Beaufort jackets designed by Margaret Barbour.
• 1981: Factory moved to Simonside, South Shields.
• 2013: Barbour International became a stand-alone brand.
• Present: Barbour is sold in over 55 countries and remains a family-run business manufacturing iconic wax jackets by hand.