Barbour is a well-loved English luxury brand known for its waxed cotton jackets. Founded in 1894 by John Barbour, this outstanding manufacturer has received Queen Elizabeth’s prestigious “Royal Stamp of Approval.”
Barbour’s top-selling products include waxed cotton jackets and quilted jackets, both designed to be durable and weatherproof but also comfortable and stylish. Perhaps you also noticed the cool sports jacket that James Bond wore in ‘Skyfall’?
James Bond wearing a Barbour Beacon Heritage sports jacket while cruising up to the Scottish Highlands in a silver 1965 Aston Martin DB5 (Credit: Sony Pictures Releasing)
Other celebrities who have donned this high-quality Barbour jacket include James Bond, Steve McQueen, Kate Middleton, and Queen Elizabeth II. With that kind of customer base, we must see more from Barbour!
Fearne Cotton, Calista Flockhart, and Maisie Williams each style their Barbour jackets uniquely, from casual sneakers to polished heels, showcasing the brand’s versatility (Credit: WENN)
Because of the brand’s popular products and reputation, counterfeiters have targeted Barbour and replicated both original and classic designs. The brand has been doing its best to fight counterfeiting problems and protect its consumers.
Buying Barbour jackets from authorized retailers like Farfetch and Nordstrom is arguably the simplest way to ensure you get the real thing.
You can double-check if an online store is an authorized retailer at the Barbour website. Additionally, suspicious websites can be reported. Avoid being scammed and do a little bit of research before that purchase. Here are some simple tips on how to spot a fake Barbour jacket.
1. Learn Barbour’s Most Popular Jacket Styles to Spot Fakes
Many counterfeiters create fake products with styles not even on Barbour’s roster. Doing a little research beforehand should help you avoid falling for this scam.
Visit the brand’s official website and browse the current jacket styles listed. Familiarize yourself with the different styles, including the popular classics and the newer, trendier releases.
Left: Men’s Barbour Liddesdale Quilted Jacket; Right: Women’s Barbour International Wax Jacket
2. Look for Branded Buttons with Clean Engraving
The buttons of a Barbour jacket are embossed with the brand name, etched in a circular fashion on its outer edges.
Authentic Barbour jackets feature branded buttons with clean, circular engraving—an easy detail to check when verifying product legitimacy
Most counterfeiters won’t bother with this level of precision, and even those that do likely won’t pay close attention to detail. Inspect closely for misspellings, proper spacing, and font.
3. Examine the Inner Label for the Royal Warrant and Authentic Branding
On the inside part of every Barbour coat and jacket, you should find a stitched label that displays the brand name and the “Royal Warrant,” which is given to businesses or brands used and trusted by the Royal Family.
This warrant showcases three golden royal stamps printed along with the Barbour label. The text printed on the label may vary, depending on the product’s style.
Always check the inner label of a Barbour jacket for the official logo and Royal Warrants—hallmarks of authenticity and trusted British craftsmanship
Typically, it shows the brand name, style name, size, and “Made in England” (for styles made locally). Another label on the inner pocket displays the jacket’s care and maintenance tips.
4. Inspect Zippers and Hardware for Brand Details and Smooth Quality
The brand name is also embossed on the zippers and hardware of authentic Barbour jackets. In addition to this detail, check the zipper’s smoothness by pulling it up and down.
Barbour jackets feature high-quality, branded zippers that glide smoothly—an essential detail that sets genuine craftsmanship apart from counterfeits
Authentic Barbour zippers should glide effortlessly—smooth and reliable—unlike cheap imitations that feel stiff, catch easily, and compromise the jacket’s function.
5. Verify the Embroidered Barbour Name for Correct Stitching and Color Match
Most jacket styles have the brand name stitched somewhere near the pockets. The font used here should match the one on the label found on the inside of the jacket, and the color of the stitched label should exactly match the color of the jacket’s fabric.
Authentic Barbour jackets feature precisely stitched brand names near the pockets, with clean embroidery that matches the fabric color and font used on the inner label
High-quality stitching should be even, with proper spacing and no loose threads.
6. Feel the Faux Fur – Real Barbour Fur Looks and Feels Luxurious
Barbour has several coat styles that feature faux fur for detailing. High-quality faux fur should look and feel almost real. Genuine Barbour jackets with fur have a thick and fluffy appearance that is soft to the touch.
This genuine Barbour jacket features a luxurious faux fur trim with soft, multi-tonal fibers—a key indicator of the brand’s signature quality and attention to detail
The color is not one-dimensional but a mix of light and dark threads. Counterfeit items and knockoffs often have faux fur that’s rough to the touch and does not have that natural, multicolor look.
7. Assess Material Quality and Wax Coating for Durability
Barbour is one of the leading makers of waxed cotton jackets. The brand’s products boast high-quality material and excellent craftsmanship. To ensure the durability of waxed jackets, makers like Barbour do double waterproofing.
The outsides have a waterproof coating, and the threads receive the same treatment. This technique ensures guaranteed protection and long-lasting comfort.
Barbour jacket for women
Counterfeiters often use cheap materials during construction or skip waxing the fabric. The results are weak jackets that are not entirely waterproof and feel too heavy when worn.
What Makes a Jacket a Classic Barbour? Bedale, Beaufort & Border Explained
Barbour is famous for its classic wax jackets, which are still manufactured by hand in its South Shields, Tyne & Wear factory.
“Oilcloth” and “waxed cotton” are now used interchangeably to describe the same material—a nod to England’s 19th-century maritime industry. The Bedale, Beaufort, and Border are the three most popular jacket styles.
The Bedale is a short equestrian jacket, the Beaufort is a mid-length shooting jacket, and the Border style is the longest. Its hem will usually fall just above the knee. Kate Middleton has been seen in the “Ashley” waxed cotton canvas jacket.
Where Are Barbour Jackets Made? Understanding UK vs Overseas Production
While all waxed Barbour jackets are made in England, biker and quilted jackets are made by third parties in the UK and overseas, mainly in Turkey, Portugal, and Bulgaria.
Prince Charles, the Prince of Wales, greets Dame Margaret Barbour during a tour of J. Barbour & Sons Ltd. in Tyne and Wear on November 9, 2021, highlighting the brand’s royal heritage and continued excellence in British manufacturing (Credit: PA Images / INSTARimages / Cover Images)
Know more about the product you are buying before you spend your money. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at how some of the most popular styles of Barbour jackets are made.
How to Re-Wax a Barbour Jacket: Step-by-Step Maintenance Guide
Barbour has provided a simple guide showing how often you need to wax and for how long your jacket needs to dry.
Barbour jackets come with detailed waxing care instructions printed on the inner tartan lining—essential for maintaining the jacket’s waterproof protection and longevity
Step 1: Clean Your Jacket with Cold Water Only
Gently clean the jacket’s exterior using cold water and a sponge—never use hot water, soap, or a washing machine, as these will strip the wax coating permanently and make the jacket impossible to re-wax.
Step 2: Melt the Wax for Easy Application
Take a tin of Barbour Wax Thornproof dressing (available at Amazon). Remove the lid and set the tin in a water container hot enough to soften the wax. It should take approximately 20 minutes to melt the wax into a liquid consistency.
Barbour Wax Thornproof Dressing is the official reproofing product designed to restore your jacket’s weatherproof and thorn-resistant finish using the original formula
Step 3: Apply the Wax to Seams and Dry Spots
Using an old cloth or sponge, thoroughly work the melted wax into the jacket—focusing on seams, creases, and any dry or worn areas. Wipe away any excess to avoid buildup.
To maintain a smooth application, keep the wax tin in hot water throughout the process. If the wax starts to harden, simply refresh the hot water. Avoid applying wax to the corduroy collar, the jacket’s interior, or the inside of the pockets.
David Gandy exudes rugged sophistication in light-wash jeans, a partially unbuttoned chambray shirt, polished brown oxford shoes, and a Barbour jacket draped over his shoulders at the Barbour International Runway Show during LFWM June 2018 at The ICA Theatre in London (Credit: WENN)
Step 4: Use a Hair Dryer for a Smooth Finish
Blow over with a hair dryer to even the spread of wax and ensure an extra smooth finish.
Step 5: Re-Wax Yearly and Let It Dry Overnight
Once you’ve re-waxed the jacket, hang it up and let it dry overnight in a warm place away from other garments. Be aware that the jacket may lose excess wax for a short while, so do not get your newly waxed jacket near leather or upholstery.
If you still have questions, check out this essential step-by-step video guide to re-wax your Barbour jacket at home.