Barbour, formally known as J. Barbour & Sons, Limited, is a prestigious English luxury fashion brand that has established itself as an icon of British style since its inception in 1894. Founded by John Barbour in South Shields, England, the brand initially began as an importer of oil cloth and evolved to produce waxed cotton outerwear, footwear, and accessories under the Barbour and Barbour International labels. The distinctive waxed cotton jacket, now synonymous with the brand, has become a staple of British country clothing, to the extent that it’s often referred to simply as a “Barbour jacket,” regardless of the actual manufacturer.

The company’s illustrious heritage is rooted in quality, craftsmanship, and innovation. Over time, Barbour has gained royal recognition, holding royal warrants for providing ‘waterproof and protective clothing’ to the British monarchy since the 1970s. The brand has always been family-led and is currently under the stewardship of Dame Margaret Barbour, representing the fourth generation, and her daughter Helen Barbour, who will be next in line.

Barbour is best known for its waxed cotton jackets, particularly the Bedale, Beaufort, and Border styles. The timeless logo, often in bold green or black with gold lettering, remains an emblem of durability, style, and authenticity. Identifying a vintage Barbour piece can be done through distinct clues found in the logo and neck tags. For instance, the 1970s tags bear a minimalist design and use the “Barbour’s of South Shields” phrase, while 1980s tags showcase a more elaborate coat of arms with darker backgrounds. By the 1990s, tags began to prominently feature royal warrants, offering more comprehensive care instructions.

Comparing an original 1980s Bedale jacket with the 2018 Classic Bedale reveals subtle yet important differences. The 1980s version had tartan lining and storm cuffs, while the modern version incorporates contemporary fit and construction, all while retaining the beloved aesthetics and rugged quality of its predecessor.

Barbour is not just about outerwear; it has successfully expanded into other product lines such as knitwear, moleskin and corduroy clothing, and tattersall shirts. Its collections have adapted to appeal to younger generations while staying true to its traditional countryside roots. The brand’s motorcycling heritage inspired the Barbour International range, blending fashion with a nostalgic nod to their 1930s waxed cotton racing suits.

Today, Barbour jackets transcend rural utility to achieve global appeal as fashionable urban wear. The brand’s collaborations with leading urban fashion designers, as well as its regular appearances in films like Skyfall, have solidified its reputation as a versatile and enduring fashion staple.

Barbour Documentary: 120 Years Anniversary

How to tell if Barbour is vintage from the logo

Barbour’s logo is timeless and elegant, reflecting the brand’s focus on high-quality materials and prestige. The bold, geometric wordmark evokes stability and confidence. Its dark green color symbolizes growth and ambition, showing a brand that continues to develop while maintaining quality.

1894 to now Barbour logo

Over the years, the Barbour logo has remained consistent, primarily utilizing a sans-serif typeface similar to Avenir Black. Occasionally, alternative versions incorporate a classy black-and-white palette for timeless elegance.

How to tell if Barbour is vintage from the tags

The neck tags provide valuable clues for determining the era of a Barbour item. Over time, these tags have changed in design and information, which can be helpful in identifying vintage pieces.

Having issues identifying your vintage tags? Upload a picture on our vintage tag identification page, and we’ll assist you!

1970s vintage Barbour tags

• Mostly rectangular tags.
• Simple, minimalistic design using “Barbour’s of South Shields.”
• Colored backgrounds, often yellow or brown.

1980s vintage Barbour tags

• Shift towards darker backgrounds and gold lettering.
• More detailed tags, featuring the coat of arms and product lines like “Bedale.”
• Bold Barbour branding remains prominent.

1990s vintage Barbour tags

• Increased use of black backgrounds with gold or white lettering.
• Royal warrants prominently displayed.
• Tags become more comprehensive, often providing product care instructions.

2000s vintage Barbour tags

• Black tags with gold lettering continue to dominate.
• More intricate designs and care instructions.
• Product lines like “Gamefair” and “Border” are named specifically.

2010s vintage Barbour tags

• Tags often feature royal warrants and product lines clearly.
• More information on care instructions and sustainability efforts.
• Modernized appearance, yet retaining the classic Barbour style.

Barbour’s logo and neck tags have evolved over time, each era contributing unique identifiers to help vintage enthusiasts date their clothing. Understanding these differences can offer valuable insights into the rich heritage of Barbour’s collections.

The Barbour Bedale – 1980 vs. 2018

The Bedale, initially designed by Dame Margaret Barbour in the 1980s, set the foundation for subsequent styles like the Beaufort, Border, and Northumbria. Comparing a vintage Bedale from pre-1989 to the Classic Bedale from the Autumn/Winter ’18 collection showcases key differences:

1980s Bedale Jacket Features:

• Four Front Pockets: Two lower bellow pockets with snap buttons, and two higher flapped pockets lined with cotton tartan.
• Storm Cuffs: Thin, knitted cotton cuffs to keep warm air in.
• Storm Flap: Five snap buttons covering a brass two-way zipper.
• Tartan Lining: 3/4 Dress Gordon tartan lining with a nylon drip strip.
• Rear Vents: Dual snap-fastened vents for movement.

2018 Classic Bedale Features:

• Modern Fit and Construction: Maintains the original Bedale aesthetic while incorporating updated materials and features.
• Enhanced Care Instructions: More detailed care instructions cater to modern wearers.