Barbour
J. Barbour and Sons Ltd (family owned) · United Kingdom
Barbour is a British heritage outerwear brand founded in South Shields in 1894 by John Barbour and still owned by the Barbour family, now in its fifth generation. Famous for its waxed cotton jackets, it holds a Royal Warrant from King Charles III and is sold in more than 55 countries.
| Founded | 1894, South Shields |
|---|---|
| Founder | John Barbour |
| Owner | Barbour family (fifth generation) |
| Headquarters | Simonside, South Shields |
| Royal Warrant | HM The King (since 2024) |
| Signature product | Waxed cotton jacket |
| Website | barbour.com |
What is Barbour?
Barbour is a British clothing company best known for its waxed cotton jackets, a staple of country wear that has become a fashion classic. It is run by J. Barbour and Sons Ltd, which is still headquartered and manufactures its waxed jackets in South Shields in North East England.
History
Scottish-born John Barbour founded the business in 1894 in the Market Place of South Shields, supplying oilskins and protective garments to sailors and fishermen. A mail-order catalogue followed in 1908. The company produced the Barbour International motorcycle suit in 1936 and supplied submariners during the Second World War. Dame Margaret Barbour joined the board after her husband's death in 1968 and became chair in 1973; she designed the Bedale (1980) and Beaufort (1983) jackets. In 1981 the company moved to its current Simonside site.
Barbour received Royal Warrants from the Duke of Edinburgh (1974), Queen Elizabeth II (1982) and the then Prince of Wales (1987), and in May 2024 was granted a Royal Warrant by King Charles III.
Products and positioning
Barbour sits in the premium segment with a heritage, countryside identity that also appeals to urban customers. Its range includes:
- Waxed jackets such as the Beaufort and Bedale
- Quilted jackets including the Liddesdale
- Knitwear, shirts and casual clothing
- Footwear and accessories
- Barbour International, a motorcycling-inspired line
Business model and distribution
Barbour sells through wholesale to specialist and department stores worldwide, its own stores and its website, and is available in more than 55 countries. Repairs are part of the model: its Re-loved scheme, launched in 2019, takes back and refurbishes jackets, and the company celebrated 100 years of re-waxing in 2021.
Why it matters
Barbour shows how a family-owned heritage manufacturer can stay relevant through product longevity, collaborations and repair services. Its focus on durable products that are re-waxed and handed down makes it a frequently cited example of circular practices in outerwear.
Frequently asked questions
Who owns Barbour?
Barbour is owned by the Barbour family through J. Barbour and Sons Ltd, and the company describes itself as being in its fifth generation of family ownership. It has never been sold to an outside group.
Where are Barbour jackets made?
Barbour's traditional waxed jackets are still made at its factory in South Shields, England, where the company is headquartered. Some non-waxed products are made outside the UK.