As a shopping editor with over 11 years of experience in the industry, I was surprised to admit that I had never heard of Barbour before meeting my boyfriend, Nick. I always thought he looked great in his waxed green jacket, but it wasn’t until his brother started begging for a trade-off that I decided to do some research. After scrolling through the British brand’s website, I found myself wanting everything – from menswear to womenswear and even dog-wear.
Barbour is most well-known for its legacy of appealing to adventure seekers who value both style and functionality, particularly through its waxed collection. However, the brand has expanded to include all forms of outerwear, footwear, accessories, and apparel. With its gender-neutral design elements, Barbour is the perfect holiday gift for anyone on your list.
One of the unique features of Barbour jackets is their modularity. You can easily add or remove lining or a hood depending on the level of warmth you need. They also look great layered with other lightweight options. When Nick and I had the chance to try out two new styles, we chose the Porton in olive ($540), a piece from the Barbour x Baracuta collaboration, and the Nora in dark moss ($350), a utility-inspired coat with a cropped, boxy fit and D-ring fixture at the chest that caught my eye.
My love for the cropped length of the Nora jacket is shared by Barbour’s head of womenswear, Nicola Brown. She predicts that in 2025, there will be a growing interest in their contemporary cropped styles such as the Transport and the Spey. These designs have ties to the brand’s archive, and customers are responding to both the story and the fit. Brown also emphasizes that while the future for Barbour is exciting, the brand’s heritage will always remain at the core of everything they do.
Now, let’s break down some commonly asked questions about Barbour jackets and why I think they make the perfect last-minute holiday gift this season.
About Barbour:
– The Barbour jacket archive dates back to 1910 and is still a source of inspiration for the brand today.
– Classic Barbour wax jackets are still handcrafted and repaired at the brand’s factory in Simonside, South Shields.
– Barbour has expanded its product line to include footwear, accessories, and apparel for both men and women, as well as kids and pets.
– According to Brown, the Classic Beadnell ($398), Beadnell Crop ($420), and Allerston ($500) are the top-selling jackets for women, while the Bedale ($415) is the bestseller for men.
– Barbour has a global retail presence in over 55 countries, including the UK, US, France, Italy, and Spain.
– The brand also offers a Re-Loved program where customers can recycle their old jacket at any store in exchange for an $80 voucher.
– Most jackets can be customized with a hood or liner at any time.
What I Love About Barbour Jackets:
My favorite thing about Barbour jackets is their versatility. While you may not typically think of olive and brown as classic, neutral colors for outerwear, these coats seem to go with everything in our wardrobes, even black. The traditional details, such as the tartan interior lining, contrast corduroy collar, and metal hardware, add a touch of polish to any outfit. Even the looser-fitting designs are tailored to leave an impression and appeal to brand devotees. Plus, the fact that these jackets are modular and can be easily customized with lining, a hood, or a belt is a major bonus.
Things to Consider Before Buying a Barbour Jacket:
If you’re purchasing a Barbour jacket as a luxury gift for someone, it’s important to refer to the size guide and get their specific measurements. While my boyfriend typically wears a size small, he ended up needing a medium in the Porton jacket. It’s also essential to note that Barbour jackets cannot be machine-washed and should only be sponge-cleaned. Fabric softeners should also be avoided, as they can lessen the water-repellent treatment on the jackets. Dry cleaning is not recommended, as it can cause permanent damage to the jacket. Lastly, if you want to winter-proof your coat, I recommend adding extra lining and a hood.
Barbour Jacket Designer Collaborations:
According to Brown, collaborations are an essential part