Jackets by J Barbour and Sons are popular around the world – they are iconic symbols of British country life and enjoy a reputation as high-quality jackets which are still made by hand in Simonside, South Shields, where John Barbour first set up his shop over a century ago.
Barbour started selling jackets along with draperies of all descriptions in the late 1800s – the South Shields shop, known locally as ‘Barbours’ grew popular with locals as well as passers by. From the beginning, Barbour carved himself a niche in providing Beacon-branded oilskin coats to sailors, fishermen and shipyard workers in the local area. The company’s reputation spread quickly, and Barbour made two of his sons partners in the firm – his son Malcolm worked to expand the operation to provide Beacon oilskins to landowners, farmers and shepherds. By 1908, Barbour produced its first catalogue, focussing on the needs of seamen, farmers and fishermen. Over the next ten years, Barbour’s mail order operation made up nearly three-quarters of all Barbour orders and included international customers from Chile, South Africa and even Hong Kong.
J Barbour & Sons has since taken great strides to ensure the needs of its customers are met providing oilskin jackets to the military during war time, as well as to all manner of civilian workers. Also, in 1919, Barbour’s Buying Agency started work along side the catalogue business in obtaining anything that Barbour was unable to provide directly, from mousetraps to biscuits, if someone needed it, J Barbour and Sons would hunt it down and ship it out. This dedication to meeting the needs of consumers remains with the Barbour brand today – a commitment to excellence that is honoured by three royal warrants.
Today’s Barbour jacket collection is quintessentially British – offering a host of jackets for men, ladies and even children in addition to a wider selection of apparel and other essential items for rural living.
Barbour jackets for men include the popular wax jacket. The Barbour Border jacket is the typical, longer-length waxed jacket; the Barbour Bedale jacket is a shorter-length coat, suitable for equestrian use; the contemporary Barbour Bushman jacket is popular with active men; and, the tough Barbour Moorland jacket is essential gear for rugged outdoorsy types. Barbour’s jackets for men also include a collection of showerproof/waterproof jackets for various seasons, these include: the Barbour Lightweight Berwick jacket; the Barbour Alpina Chevoit jacket, which offers unrestricted movement for smooth gun mounting; the Barbour Canvas Bushman, a new take on the comfortable classic; and the Barbour Rambler jacket for men with an active lifestyle. A number of the more popular Barbour men’s jackets are also available in tweed, wool and leather.
In addition to the tremendous range for men, Barbour offer a good collection of coats and jackets for ladies. Popular Barbour jackets for women include: the Barbour Newhampton jacket, a versatile mac in mediumweight Sylkoil fabric; the Barbour women’s Newbury coat, a medium-length wax coat for sizes 8 to 18; and the long-length Barbour Newmarket coat for ladies. Additionally, Barbour offer many of their classic jackets, such as the Beaufort, the Border and the Bedale in women’s sizes.
For kids, Barbour offer a selection of down-sized classic jackets. There is the classic, waterproof Barbour Beaufort jacket for children; the new children’s Barbour International motorcycle jacket in waxed cotton; the children’s Fulbourn Barbour jacket, available in flexible microfibre for active kids; and, the classic Barbour Liddesdale jacket, in nylon quilt, resized to fit your little ones.
Barbour jackets for men, women and children are available from a wide selection of retailers around the UK. There are a growing number of Barbour boutiques in popular department stores as well as dedicated Barbour shops in select high streets. Barbour jackets can also be purchased from a number of online and mail order retailers. For a retailer near you, visit the Barbour website.
© Jackets.org.uk 2008
