From Submarines to High Street

The History of the Barbour Waxed Jacket

The beginning

Founded in 1894 by John Barbour in South Shields, England, the brand originally made waterproof oilskins for North Sea fishermen. Barbour revolutionized weatherproof cotton using a clean flax oil coating—creating a fabric so dependable that it was adapted into the famous WWII Ursula submarine suit. This legendary durability is exactly why we proudly sell these premium icons today at Cole’s Menswear.

Transitioning to Countrywear: The Birth of Modern Icons

In the 1980s, Dame Margaret Barbour transformed the brand from utilitarian military and workwear into a British country lifestyle icon. She designed the shorter Bedale for horse riding and the hip-length Beaufort for shooting—both featuring the signature corduroy collar and tartan lining. Earning three Royal Warrants, these versatile jackets became essential wardrobe staples, and you can explore the entire premium collection today at Cole’s Menswear.

Modern Heritage

Today, the family-owned company still manufactures its classic jackets by hand in South Shields, England. Reflecting their commitment to sustainability and quality, Barbour's dedicated customer service team continues to re-wax and repair well-loved garments, ensuring they can be passed down through generations. This dedication to lifelong craftsmanship is why we are proud to offer the authentic Barbour collection to our customers at Cole’s Menswear.

As an authorised stockist, we bring you the finest selection of authentic Barbour jackets engineered to withstand the elements in style. Discover our collection of signature Barbour waxed jackets, including the shorter, equestrian-inspired Barbour Bedale and the classic mid-length Barbour Beaufort shooting jacket. Looking for lighter alternatives? Beyond traditional wax, we also showcase contemporary favorites like the sleek Barbour Lowerdale quilted gilet—perfect for trans-seasonal layering—and the warm, fleece-lined Barbour Noree quilted jacket. Explore our handpicked range of mens Barbour outerwear at Cole’s Menswear to find your perfect fit today.

As the temperature drops, a Barbour jacket becomes the ultimate top layer for your cold-weather wardrobe. To help you master the art of seasonal dressing, our new Autumn/Winter collection features premium knitwear, rugged flannel shirts, and versatile mid-layers from a curated selection of top heritage brands. Check out our New Season Collection!