Royal Wardrobe Staple: The Story of Barbour Jackets
So many thoughts on the beloved British brand (and a shopping guide, too).
On my trip to London last month, I had one souvenir in mind: a Barbour jacket. I ended up buying two — a classic waxed style and a trendier quilted one — and I have no regrets! I consider it an achievement in self restraint to have waited this long.
I would bet most fashion-minded royal followers have a solid sense of Barbour’s relevance, outfitting the Windsors in their country pursuits. “Traditionally the brand is synonymous with the British upper classes, a horsey, hunting staple on a par with Land Rovers and Hunter wellington boots,” wrote Lindsay Baker in the BBC last year. “It shares a similar cachet to Burberry or Harris Tweed — a signifier of class, history, heritage and quality.”
Owning my own, however, made me want to dive a bit deeper. When and how did Barbour get its start? What is the story behind the waxed material? Which royals have worn the brand and for how long? Below, so many thoughts on Barbour, answering the above and more. This research, including learning more about the role of a young widow named Margaret Barbour, has more than affirmed my purchases.
In the mood to buy a Barbour? Keep scrolling for a breakdown of the styles. There are so many, I will admit I got overwhelmed in the store. What’s the difference between the Beadnell and the Acorn? Or the Starling and the Annandale? Thoughts on four waxed coats and three quilted versions below.
As for where to shop, Barbour.com ships to the US. You can also check out the extensive assortment at Nordstrom (including Kate’s oft-seen Defense jacket) as well as Nordstrom Rack. Zappos and Shopbop have a wide selection, too, while J.Crew carries a few styles. Make sure to check secondhand sites. Poshmark has loads, as does The RealReal and ThredUp. (If you are headed to the UK, that’s your best bet. I saved around $100 on each coat by buying there.)
Want the look for less? Try searching for “field coat” or “barn jacket.” Everlane has a canvas style that comes in three colors, while J.Crew Factory offers a more fitted women’s jacket. (For the gents, Matt has and loves the brand’s twill jacket.)
💭 Do you have a Barbour jacket? I would love to hear how long you have had it, how you have styled it, or what you like about it. Are you eyeing a style and need help choosing? Let’s discuss in the comments.
The SMT community on Substack is open to paid subscribers and is a wonderful corner of the internet. Highly recommend checking it out!
Curious about upgrading your subscription? Recent paid newsletters include:
This newsletter will likely get cut off in your inbox. Click here to read it in full.
So Many Thoughts on Barbour Jackets
Please note: I use affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase I may get a small commission at no cost to you. Thank you for supporting So Many Thoughts!
What is the Barbour origin story?
The brand dates back to 1894 and a Scotsman named John Barbour. Living on the northeastern coast of England, in Newcastle’s South Shields, Barbour wanted to improve upon the oilskin outerwear favored there. From the earliest designs, the brand promised function (more so than fashion) to the hunting and fishing sets. The waxed material naturally resisted the thorns in the English countryside, while some styles, like the Beaufort, came with pockets big enough to store game, according to Esquire. (Others, rumor have it, can fit a bottle of bubbly.)
Keep reading with a 7-day free trial
Subscribe to So Many Thoughts to keep reading this post and get 7 days of free access to the full post archives.