A brief history of... Barbour

Barbour is a British luxury fashion brand that was founded in 1894 by John Barbour, a Scottish businessman who was born in 1835. The company is headquartered in South Shields, England, and is known for its high-quality, durable clothing and accessories, particularly its waxed cotton jackets, which are popular among outdoor enthusiasts and have become something of a cultural icon in the UK. It's a staple of British fashion and I find myself wearing the jacket most days, over a suit or through the fields - effortless country style.

John Barbour began his career as a sailor but later turned to the wholesale clothing trade. In 1894, he established J. Barbour & Sons in South Shields, where he began producing waterproof clothing for sailors and fishermen. The company quickly gained a reputation for producing high-quality, durable clothing that could withstand harsh sea conditions.

In the early 20th century, Barbour began to branch out into other types of clothing, including tweed jackets and suits. The company also introduced its iconic waxed cotton jackets, which became popular among farmers, gamekeepers, and other rural workers who needed durable, weather-resistant outerwear.

In 1936, Barbour introduced the Bedale jacket (pictured right), which remains one of the company's most popular styles. The Bedale was designed to be worn over a suit jacket, and featured a shorter length and slimmer fit than other Barbour jackets. It quickly gained a reputation as a fashionable and practical choice for men who needed a durable, weather-resistant jacket for everyday wear.

In the 1960s and 1970s, Barbour jackets became popular among the British aristocracy and landed gentry, who wore them for shooting and other outdoor activities. The company also began to expand internationally, opening stores in Europe, Japan, and the United States.

In the 1980s and 1990s, Barbour jackets became popular among a younger, more fashionable crowd, thanks in part to the endorsement of high-profile figures such as Princess Diana and Steve McQueen. The company also began to produce a wider range of clothing and accessories, including knitwear, shirts, and bags. The Barbour beacon jacket was featured in the James Bond film, Skyfall.

Today, Barbour is still a family-owned company, with the fifth generation of the Barbour family now at the helm. The company remains committed to producing high-quality, durable clothing and accessories that are designed to withstand the elements and stand the test of time. In addition to its signature waxed cotton jackets, the company now produces a wide range of clothing and accessories for men, women, and children, including quilted jackets, knitwear, and bags. Barbour also do collaborations with brands including Moncler, and over recent years, the brand has enlisted celebrity Paddington Bear in their Christmas advertising campaigns.

Despite its long history and global reach, Barbour remains deeply rooted in its roots in South Shields, where it has been based for over 100 years. The company's commitment to producing high-quality, durable clothing that is built to last has made it a beloved and trusted brand around the world, and it shows no signs of slowing down any time soon.