11/08/2023

Barbour, the jacket that should never be missing in a man's wardrobe

Iconic, elegant, and the history of a nation worn on one's shoulders: Barbour is a timeless brand in men's fashion, especially when it comes to outerwear.

Founded in 1894 by John Barbour in South Shields, in the North East of England, the Barbour company is well-known for producing jackets and outdoor clothing, with a particular emphasis on weather resistance and craftsmanship quality.

The Barbour brand is so renowned that it is an official supplier of clothing to the British Royal Household. The company has received three Royal Warrants, attesting to its supply of high-quality products to the British royal family. Not only that, but in recent years, Barbour has shown an increasing commitment to sustainability and responsible production. The company works to reduce the environmental impact of its products and improve ethical practices in its supply chain.

Barbour Men's Jackets: Timeless Elegance

As previously mentioned, the symbol of Barbour is undoubtedly its jackets; Barbour offers a variety of men's jackets, each with its unique and distinct style suitable for various situations.

The most famous Barbour jackets are undoubtedly the waxed ones, a true brand icon.

They are made of water and wind-resistant waxed cotton and are available in various styles, including the famous "Barbour Bedale" and "Barbour Beaufort". These jackets are perfect for outdoor and leisure activities. For those who feel the cold more, there are also quilted jackets known for their classic style and the warmth they provide.

They are ideal for colder days, especially when it's raining, and they are available in various lengths and styles. As an old brand slogan used to say, but still relevant today, "Barbour represents the best clothing for the worst weather". Barbour jackets are made with waterproof and breathable fabrics that keep the outfit dry and comfortable. Looking for a touch of elegance? Definitely try the wool and leather jackets.

The uniqueness of Barbour: the fine fabrics, simplicity and details

What makes a Barbour unique are undoubtedly the materials it is composed of; first and foremost, the thornproof fabric, which is an insulating and waterproof material that protects against rain and cold and is particularly resistant to tears and weathering.

It is available in three different qualities: superlight, light and heavy.

To produce this material, long-staple Egyptian cotton is used, spun into various thicknesses and then impregnated with wax through a special treatment. For this reason, especially in the first weeks of use, the jacket may appear "oily": this is a completely normal phenomenon, due to the loss of some of its waxing. Then, there is the simplicity of the design, which makes it extremely practical and comfortable to wear (think, for example, of the Moorland model, made only in olive green, and the Northumbria, heavy and long, not lined with Barbour's typical Scottish fabric but with a warmer wool and polyester lining, featuring the signature design of Hunting McKinnon).

Lastly, the details; what makes Barbour a Barbour, an essential piece in every man's wardrobe, are the corduroy collar, the corrosion-resistant and easy-to-fasten zipper (even when wearing gloves), the pockets, the snap buttons with an oxidized finish, and the premium thermal quilt lining in a "detachable" version.

How to Recognize an Authentic Barbour Jacket

The safest way to ensure the authenticity of a Barbour product is to purchase it from authorized retailers such as Pier Abbigliamento, which guarantees both reliability and quality. To be certain that you are dealing with an original Barbour, it's a good practice to always check its logo: most authentic Barbour jackets will have a Barbour logo sewn/attached to one of the pockets or on the collar. It's important to ensure that the logo is carefully sewn and positioned centrally on our jacket. Zippers also play an important role as an identification mark for our Barbour; they must be of high quality and smoothly functional. Additionally, they should be branded with the Barbour logo. The quality of the stitching is another indicator of authenticity.
Authentic Barbour jackets have clean and sturdy stitching, especially around the pockets and collar; even the label is a "conditio sine qua non" of truthfulness for our Barbour garment. The brand labels are meticulous in detail and certainly do not contain spelling errors.

Barbour is known for its use of high-quality fabrics, including waxed cotton. The fabric should feel robust and durable. Waxed cotton, in particular, should have a slightly "sticky" feel to the touch and is also recognizable by its scent. Finally, the lining: Barbour is known for using quality linings, often in tartan or other distinctive designs. Imitations may have low-quality linings or linings that do not match the typical style of the British brand.

Barbour, in the men's wardrobe, not just jackets

While it's true that the British brand has made history in its outerwear department, it's equally undeniable to say that Barbour clothing items are a guarantee of quality and elegance even for everyday wear.

Made from cotton, men's t-shirts are appreciated for their simplicity and versatility, just like the sweatshirts and wool sweaters (available in both half-zip and cardigan versions).

Moreover, shirts are another symbol of Barbour's male iconography; for long sleeves, we find the "classic" ones in tartan and striped velvet. Short-sleeved shirts are also versatile and practical, ideal for wearing over jeans or trousers.

Where to Buy Your Barbour Jacket for Autumn-Winter 2023-2024

If, after reading our article, you're eager to purchase a Barbour jacket to make the most of the upcoming autumn, you're in the right place. You can indeed find the best deals related to the British brand at Pier Abbigliamento; visit our store and stay updated on discounts and promotions related to Barbour.