Barbour has been around for well over one hundred years (!). It started in 1894 in the Market Place in South Shields, England. Here’s the really remarkable part. Even though the products are sourced all over the world now, (They have a ton of different lines and products.) the traditional wax jackets are still being made in a factory in South Shields.

The brand is still a family business. The style says true to its British country roots, and has been awarded three warrants of excellence from the royal family. In short, a royal warrant is a seal that you can use coming right from the Queen saying, “I’ve used your product for over five years and it is excellent and of superior quality.”

Barbour jackets are a product that were created for functionality: hunting, motorcycle riding, all around general weatherproofing. They’re meant to serve a purpose. Barbour took that functionality and made it really cool.

“The King of Cool” Steve McQueen wore Barbour’s weatherproof and ergonomic International biker jacket while he was racing to pay for acting school. There’s now a whole collection dedicated to the Hollywood star’s offscreen style. See that’s what I’m talking about. Functionality+Ease= Cool Factor Way Up.

The Glatsonbury Festival was also a good place to showcase the Barbour spirit.
Outdoors+Not So Great English Weather+Major Singers = Cool Factor Up.

It doesn’t stop there though. This is a brand that really knows how to continue making classics and stick to their persona, while letting in new talent, new ideas, and adventurous products. They’re not afraid to collaborate, but always choose British designers (and contemporary ones).

This yellow women’s jacket still has the signature wax materials and moto details, but it has a modern update courtesy of designer Alice Temperley.

To sum it up – Congratulations to Barbour. Your product remains to be excellent quality (double-stitching) and you keep making it even better and hipper, without getting too far from your roots. Larrimor’s is proud to carry you.

Images via barbour.com and luxist.com