Tartan Barbour Ode To Ayrshire

The Barbour tartan is one of the most iconic hallmarks of the English brand, evoking both Scottish tradition and Barbour's family history. The Barbour tartan is recognized for its timeless elegance and its close link to the brand's identity.

Origins and Significance

  • Tartan was originally a wool fabric with criss-cross patterns, typical of the Scottish Highlands, with each major Scottish clan having its own tartan.

  • Barbour originally used the "Dress Gordon" tartan, before creating its own "Classic" pattern in 1998 in collaboration with expert Kinloch Anderson, based on the tartan of Ayrshire county, where the Barbour family originated.

The Different Barbour Tartans

  • Classic Tartan: Barbour's first exclusive patterns, in natural colors: green, navy blue, brown, with thin yellow, white, and red stripes. It is often used to line "olive" jackets.

  • Dress Tartan: Launched in 2002, with a beige background, inspired by 18th-century women's fashion, used with navy blue jackets or the Barbour International range.

  • Ancient Tartan: Recalling the brand's first tartan (Dress Gordon), available in several greens, off-white background, notably in "Sage" (green) jackets.

  • Muted, Cardinal and Modern Tartans: Each with a specific palette adapted to certain jacket models and colors, accentuating the brand's visual identity.

Uses and Values

  • Barbour tartans serve a decorative function (linings, accessories, polo shirts, shirts, scarves) but also serve to display the brand's heritage and authenticity.

  • Wearing a Barbour tartan means displaying a connection to a tradition of quality, durability, and timeless style, found in accessories (lambswool scarves, polo shirts, shirts, patchworks).

Conclusion

Barbour tartans are much more than simple patterns: they express the brand's history, Scottish origin, and elegant functionality, while offering many variations adapted to its different collections.