As a shopping editor with over 11 years of experience in the industry, I have to admit that I was a bit embarrassed when I first heard about Barbour. It wasn’t until I met my boyfriend, Nick, that I discovered this British brand. I always admired how he looked in his signature waxed green jacket. But it wasn’t until his brother started begging for a trade-off that I started doing some research and found myself endlessly scrolling through Barbour’s website. From menswear to womenswear, and even dog-wear, I wanted everything!
Barbour is most well-known for its legacy of appealing to adventure seekers who enjoy the great outdoors and want to look polished at the same time. Their iconic waxed jackets have become a staple for many, but the brand has expanded to all forms of outerwear, footwear, accessories, and apparel. What’s even better is that their designs are gender-neutral, making them the perfect holiday gift for anyone on your list.
One of the things that I love about Barbour jackets is how modular they are. You can add or remove lining or a hood depending on the level of warmth you need. Plus, they look great as a layering piece even if you opt for a lightweight option. When Nick and I had the chance to try out two new styles, we settled on the Porton in olive ($540) from the Barbour x Baracuta collaboration, and the Nora in dark moss ($350), a utility-inspired coat with a cropped, boxy fit and a D-ring fixture at the chest that caught my eye.
I wasn’t surprised when Nicola Brown, the head of womenswear at J Barbour & Sons Ltd., shared some predictions for 2025. “We anticipate more interest in our cropped contemporary styles like the Transport and the Spey,” she said. “Both have ties to our archive based on the design, and customers are responding to both the story and the fit.” Brown also added, “The future for Barbour is exciting, but at the heart of it all is the brand’s heritage, which will always remain at the core of everything we do.”
Now, let’s break down some frequently asked questions about these ever-popular Barbour jackets and why I think they make the perfect last-minute holiday gift this season. Trust me; your loved ones won’t be disappointed – they may even ask why you didn’t buy one for yourself!
About Barbour:
– The Barbour jacket archive dates back to 1910, and the brand still takes inspiration from its original designs.
– Classic Barbour wax jackets are still handcrafted and repaired at the brand’s factory in Simonside, South Shields.
– Barbour has expanded beyond just jackets and now offers footwear, accessories, and apparel for men, women, and even pets – all of which have been well-received in the US market.
– According to Brown, the bestselling jackets for women include the Classic Beadnell ($398), Beadnell Crop ($420), and Allerston ($500), while the Bedale ($415) is the top choice for men.
– Barbour has a retail presence in over 55 countries worldwide, including the UK, US, France, Italy, and Spain.
– The brand also has a Re-Loved program that allows customers to recycle their old jacket at any store in exchange for an $80 voucher.
– Most jackets can have a hood or liner added at any time.
What I Like About Barbour Jackets:
My favorite thing about Barbour jackets is their versatility. When you think of classic, neutral outerwear, you may not imagine shades of olive and brown. But these jackets go with everything in our wardrobes, including black. The traditional details that make up a Barbour jacket, such as the tartan interior lining, contrast corduroy collar, and metal hardware, add a touch of polish to any outfit. And even the looser-fitting designs are still tailored to leave an impression on brand devotees. Plus, the fact that these jackets are modular and customizable is a bonus.
What to Consider Before Buying a Barbour Jacket:
If you’re purchasing a Barbour jacket as a luxury gift, be sure to reference the size guide and get the recipient’s specific measurements if possible. While my boyfriend usually wears an adult size small, he needed a medium in the Porton jacket, which he carefully selected after measuring himself and referencing the size chart.
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