As a custodian of the Barbour brand, you'll be a part of preserving this fifth-generation family-owned business for the next generation and beyond. If you're looking for a new adventure that can bring you pride, offer you a range of new opportunities to develop and progress in your career and allow you to really have an impact on the projects you are most passionate about, it could only be...Barbour.
Founded by John Barbour in 1894, Barbour began it's story in South Shields in the North East of England which continues to remain its headquarters to this day. Starting it’s journey in 5 Market Place, South Shields, Barbour began to supply oilskins and other garments to protect the growing community of sailors, fisherman and dock workers from the elements and it was these weatherproof designs that gave Barbour the reputation for exceptional quality and innovation that it is renowned for today.
In 1912, J Barbour & Sons became J Barbour & Sons Ltd with John Barbour as Chairman and Jack and Malcolm as joint Managing Directors.
In 1927 Jack Barbour resigned and Malcolm Barbour was appointed chairman and Duncan Barbour, Malcolm’s only son, joined the business. A keen motorcyclist, Duncan introduced a motorcycling range which was worn by virtually every British International team from 1936 to 1977 when Barbour pulled out of the motorcycle clothing market.
In 1939 when Duncan Barbour was called away to war, Malcolm Barbour and Duncan’s wife Nancy took over and developed the Ursula suit which became standard issue for members of the Submarine service. When Malcolm Barbour died at the age of 83, Nancy Barbour took over the role of chairman with her son John Barbour as Managing Director until he died suddenly, leaving behind his young widow Margaret and their 2-year-old daughter Helen.
On 1 April 1974, Barbour received its first Royal Warrant from HRH the Duke of Edinburgh.
In 1980, the first lightweight thornproof short riding jacket, the Bedale, was designed, quickly becoming one of Barbour's most iconic waxed jackets and in the following year, Barbour moved into a new factory in Simonside where the company remains to this day.
On 1 January 1982 Barbour received the second Royal Warrant from Her Majesty the Queen. Followed by the third Royal Warrant from HRH the Prince of Wales on 1 January 1987.
In 2001, Margaret Barbour was appointed a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in the New Year’s Honour’s List.
Barbour Celebrates in 125th anniversary and introduces Barbour Re-Loved whereby customers can return their old jackets to be repaired in exchange for a voucher for a new style and their old jackets will be repaired and re-waxed to be resold. In October, Barbour launched its new customisation service, My Barbour offering customers the chance to design their own Barbour waxed jacket.
In July, Barbour celebrated its Re-Waxing Centenary – 100 years of re-waxing jackets 1921-2021. It was in the 1921 catalogue that re-waxing and repairs was mentioned for the first time.
In April, Barbour won the Best Circularity Award at the Drapers Sustainable Fashion Awards for our Wax for Life campaign.
Now, with a retail store presence in over 55 countries worldwide, Barbour has continued to grow into a lifestyle brand offering a wardrobe of functional outerwear, clothing and footwear inspired by the great British countryside. Today, this fifth-generation family-owned business remains true to its core values which espouses the unique values of the British Countryside and continues to innovate and lead the lifestyle clothing sector.