Barbour Way of Life

A house of exceptional longevity, Barbour is an iconic brand with a decidedly English and country style and way of life. It was founded by John Barbour in 1894, who opened his first shop, "John Barbour & Sons," at 5 Market Place in South Shields, Northeast England. In 1908, Barbour released its first mail-order catalog. Even then, 75% of its orders came from abroad, from countries such as Chile, South Africa, and Hong Kong. It was already a global market. The company expanded. John Barbour's two sons, Jack and Duncan, took over from their father. When World War II broke out, Duncan was called to fight. His wife, Nancy, managed the company in his absence. Barbour played an active role during the war, notably equipping submariners with the Ursula suit. In 1957, after being a retailer, Barbour became a manufacturer and distributor. The brand set up its factories on the outskirts of South Shields. On April 1, 1974, Barbour received the "Royal Warrants of Appointment" from the Duke of Edinburgh. This was one of the most prestigious recognitions. This was followed by that of the Queen in 1982 and the Prince of Wales in 1987. Today, it is the only brand to hold all three distinctions simultaneously. In 1980, the Bedale jacket was released, along with its feminine equivalent, the Beadnell, which would become an iconic model of the brand, like the Beaufort in 1987, models that you will, of course, find on our website. These jackets are still made in South Shields. A small anecdote: the tartan fabric of the lining is that of the Barbour family.

Today, Barbour is still run by Margaret Barbour. Her daughter, Helen, representing the fifth generation, serves as vice-president. The brand is present in more than 40 countries. Through its history, its know-how, and its aesthetic, Barbour embodies all the qualities that we appreciate at Tweedchasse. On our site, you will find the legendary waxed Bedale and Beaufort jackets, shirts, caps, shoes, vests, and quilted jackets... Thanks to TweedChasse, you can have the entire Barbour wardrobe at home with just one click!