Barbour's enduring connection with waxed cotton dates back to 1894, when founder John Barbour opened his first shop in South Shields, a town in the North East of England. There, he began selling durable, oilskin coats designed to withstand the harsh conditions of the North Sea.

From iconic jackets like the Bedale, Beaufort, and Border—models that cemented Barbour's reputation in the 1980s—to modern classics such as the Beadnell and Corbridge, these timeless styles remain bestsellers, trusted for their durability and style, and continue to be beloved by customers around the world.