As we stood on the grounds of Blenheim Palace one crisp autumn morning, observing a gathering of Britain’s upper crust for a charity polo match, we couldn’t help but notice a common thread among the attendees.
Amidst the sea of tweed and tailoring, the ubiquitous presence of Barbour jackets was unmistakable.
From young heirs to seasoned industrialists, the waxed cotton outerwear served as a unifying emblem of tasteful affluence.
This scene, while picturesque, begs the question that has long intrigued both the sartorially inclined and the fiscally minded: Why is Barbour so expensive?
As we delve into this query, we’ll unravel the complex tapestry of craftsmanship, heritage, and perceived value that makes Barbour a staple in the wardrobe of the discerning gentleman.
Barbour’s Rich History and Heritage
In the realm of high fashion, heritage is currency, and Barbour’s 126-year history is a veritable gold mine.
The brand has held three Royal Warrants, a prestigious accolade that speaks volumes about its quality and reputation.
When one dons a Barbour jacket, they’re not just wearing a piece of clothing; they’re wrapping themselves in a narrative of British excellence.
This heritage comes with a price, both literally and figuratively. Maintaining the standards expected of a Royal Warrant holder requires constant vigilance and investment in quality control.
Moreover, the brand’s long-standing reputation allows it to command a premium that newer, less established brands simply cannot.
Brief History of Barbour and its Iconic Jacket
The story of Barbour begins in 1894 in the coastal town of South Shields, where John Barbour established a business supplying oilskins and other weatherproof garments to the local fishing community.
Years later this practical outerwear graced the shoulders of royalty and became a symbol of British countryside chic.
However, the transformation from utilitarian gear to fashion statement didn’t happen overnight.
It was a gradual evolution, punctuated by key moments in history.
During World War II, Barbour’s Ursula suit became a standard issue for submariners, including the future King George VI.
This royal connection would prove instrumental in elevating the brand’s status.
By the 1980s, Barbour had caught the eye of the fashion-conscious urbanite. At London Fashion Week in 1985, several designers paired Barbour jackets with haute couture pieces, solidifying the brand’s crossover appeal.
As a result, Barbour’s popularity soared among the young British aristocracy and the “Sloane Ranger” set. Princess Diana and King Charles III were frequently photographed in their Barbour jacket at informal royal events, further cementing the brand’s association with the British upper-class lifestyle.
In recent years, Barbour has deftly balanced tradition with modernity. The collaboration with Japanese designer Tokihito Yoshida in 2009 for the Beacon Heritage range marked a significant moment, introducing a more streamlined, urban aesthetic while maintaining Barbour’s core DNA.
The brand’s appeal has continued to grow internationally. In 2012, Daniel Craig wore a Barbour jacket in the James Bond film “Skyfall,” sparking a global surge in demand. This cinematic moment underscored Barbour’s evolution from rural staple to symbol of sophisticated, rugged elegance.
Barbour’s commitment to sustainability has also bolstered its reputation in recent years. In 2019, the company launched its “Re-Loved” program, where customers can return their old Barbour jackets for refurbishment and resale, appealing to environmentally conscious consumers.
Today, the brand stands not just as a clothing brand, but as a British cultural icon, equally at home in the countryside, on city streets, and in the wardrobes of those who appreciate its unique blend of functionality, style, and heritage.
Barbour’s British Craftsmanship
To truly appreciate why Barbour commands premium prices, one must understand the meticulous process behind each jacket.
If you visit the Barbour factory in South Shields, you’ll witness the level of skill and attention to detail that goes into every garment.
The creation of a Barbour jacket involves over 36 individual processes, many of which are still performed by hand.
The cutting of the waxed cotton, a material that demands expertise to handle, is done with precision that comes only with years of experience.
The stitching of the iconic diamond quilting pattern, a hallmark of styles like the Liddesdale, requires a steady hand and an eye for symmetry.
Perhaps most impressive is the waxing process itself. Barbour’s proprietary wax blend is applied in multiple layers, with each coat requiring time to set before the next is added.
This laborious process ensures that the jacket not only repels water effectively but also develops the patina that Barbour aficionados covet.
One particularly fascinating aspect of Barbour’s craftsmanship is their repair service.
In an age of disposable fashion, Barbour offers to mend and re-wax jackets, some of which have been in families for generations.
We once encountered a gentleman at Highgrove House who proudly wore a Beaufort jacket that had belonged to his grandfather, bearing the scars and patches of decades of use – a living history of British outdoor life.
Barbour’s Use of High-quality Materials
The adage “you get what you pay for” rings particularly true when it comes to Barbour’s choice of materials.
The backbone of their most iconic jackets is the heavyweight waxed cotton, sourced from British Millerain, a company that has been perfecting its craft since 1880.
This isn’t your average fabric. The dense weave and thorough waxing process create a material that’s not only waterproof but also highly resistant to tears and abrasions.
We’ve seen Barbour jackets emerge unscathed from encounters with thorny hedgerows that would have shredded lesser garments.
Beyond the outer shell, Barbour doesn’t cut corners on the details. Brass zippers that patina beautifully with age, corduroy collars that soften around the neck over time, and tartan linings that pay homage to the brand’s British heritage – each element is chosen not just for its aesthetic appeal but for its longevity.
The quality of these materials contributes significantly to the jacket’s lifespan. It’s not uncommon for a Barbour to last 20, 30, or even 40 years with proper care.
When you amortise the cost over decades of use, suddenly the price tag seems less daunting.
Barbour’s Timeless Design
In an industry notorious for its fleeting trends, Barbour’s design philosophy stands apart. The silhouette of a Beaufort or a Bedale jacket has remained largely unchanged for decades. This consistency is not a lack of innovation but a confident assertion of timeless style.
During Paris Fashion Week in 2019, we observed with amusement as several avant-garde designers sent models down the runway in oversized, deconstructed versions of what were essentially Barbour jackets. The original, meanwhile, continues to be worn without irony or affectation by everyone from country squires to urban creatives.
This timelessness is a crucial factor in Barbour’s pricing strategy. When one invests in a Barbour jacket, they’re not buying into a seasonal trend but acquiring a piece that will remain stylistically relevant for years, if not decades.
In the long run, this makes Barbour a more economical choice than cycling through cheaper, fashion-forward alternatives every few seasons.
Versatility of Barbour’s Design
The true genius of Barbour lies in its chameleon-like ability to adapt to various settings. The same Barbour Ashby jacket can be worn over tweeds for a pheasant shoot in the Cotswolds and paired with a bespoke suit for a board meeting in the City of London.
This versatility is by design. The classic olive green of many Barbour jackets is neutral enough to complement a wide range of outfits, while the cut allows for layering over anything from a fine-gauge sweater to a tailored blazer.
Celebrity Endorsement and the Star-Studded Appeal of Barbour
One cannot discuss the prestige and pricing of Barbour without acknowledging the significant impact of celebrity endorsement, particularly among influential men. The brand’s appeal to male stars has been a driving force behind its elevated status and, consequently, its premium price point.
The British royal family has long been associated with Barbour, providing the ultimate endorsement. King Charles III has been a loyal Barbour wearer for decades, frequently spotted in his well-worn waxed jacket during countryside pursuits.
Prince William and Prince Harry have also been photographed numerous times sporting Barbour jackets, cementing the brand’s royal connection for a new generation.
Beyond royalty, Barbour has found favour among Hollywood’s leading men. As mentioned before, Daniel Craig’s appearance in a Barbour jacket in the 2012 James Bond film “Skyfall”. The rugged yet refined image of the brand aligns perfectly with Craig’s portrayal of 007, adding a layer of sophisticated masculinity to Barbour’s appeal.
Another example is Steve Coogan, the beloved British comedian and actor, who is an avid fan of Barbour jackets.
Across the pond, American actor Sam Heughan, known for his role in Outlander, has been a brand ambassador for Barbour, bringing a rugged Scottish charm to the brand’s image.
This appeal is not limited to Hollywood. David Beckham, a global style icon, was photographed wearing a Barbour jacket at a countryside event in 2020, reaffirming the brand’s status as a must-have for the fashion-conscious gentleman.
In the music world, Arctic Monkeys frontman Alex Turner has been spotted numerous times in his Barbour, lending the brand an air of indie coolness.
Other notable male celebrities who have been seen sporting Barbour include actor Ewan McGregor, known for his love of motorcycles and adventure, perfectly aligning with Barbour’s rugged image.
This star-studded seal of approval becomes part of the Barbour narrative, woven into the fabric of the brand as surely as the wax is worked into the cotton of their iconic jackets.
For the discerning gentlemen, the higher price point becomes not just a cost, but an entry fee into this world of celebrity-approved, timeless style.
The Verdict: Is Barbour Worth the Price?
After careful consideration of all factors – craftsmanship, materials, heritage, design, versatility, and long-term value – the question of whether Barbour is worth its premium price becomes less straightforward.
For the discerning gentleman seeking to project an image of understated success and timeless style, the answer is likely yes.
However, it’s crucial to approach this question with a critical eye. Barbour’s high price includes a premium for brand prestige, and one could argue that similar functionality could be found in less expensive alternatives.
Yet, these alternatives often lack the rich history, the royal pedigree, and the social cachet that comes with the Barbour name.
Ultimately, the worth of a Barbour jacket extends beyond its physical attributes. It’s an investment in a piece of British heritage, a commitment to quality that spans generations, and for many, a statement of personal values and aspirations.
In a world of fast fashion and fleeting trends, there’s something reassuringly substantial about a Barbour jacket – and for many, that alone is worth the price of admission.