Here’s Why Barbour Is Still The Boss Of British Style
130 years of defining quintessential British style has come easy for born and bred Barbour. No bright colors, bold logos, or in-your-face aesthetics have been needed to propel the brand to the untouchable, timeless status it’s revered for today — and this shows no signs of stopping.
Born out of the wet and windy coastal town of South Shields, England, Barbour meant business from the get-go. The no-frills, no-fuss mentality of founder John Barbour meant that the brand was there to serve a purpose; be it for fishing, countryside chic, motorsports, or general workwear, Barbour’s waxed cotton jackets gained iconicity thanks to their durable design, ability to last, and British heritage cool.
Barbour is a brand made for everyone and worn by everyone. Yes, we’ve seen the Royal Family sport it to social gatherings and outdoor events, but the famous waxed jacket has seeped into contemporary culture and other facets of society far more than you think. Collaborations with Palace, Ganni, C.P. Company, and BAPE have shown how Barbour knows exactly how to evolve with the fashion zeitgeist while staying true to its British heritage and rustic roots. The brand's core is always present, regardless of where or who wears it.
Barbour's Wax For Life initiative couldn't be more fitting with today’s generation hyper-fixated on longevity and credibility in their style choices. With the opportunity to re-wax and repair your old jacket, Wax For Life nods to this element of circularity but in a practical and tangible way, building on Barbour’s identity as a trusty and long-lasting brand.
With a heritage steeped in generations of integrity in functional British style, Barbour has sprinkled modern updates into its recent collections but, at its core, stayed true to where it came from and what it’s here for.
Wax For Life and heritage are two elements of the brand that we see most talked about today, so we decided to sit down with Ed Anthony Stanford and Dani Kim to find out just how Barbour resonates with the people of today. Stanford is the king of heritage wear, a collector of fine vintage pieces, and the founder of Darte London, a brand embedded in craftsmanship and historic, detailed garments. On the other hand, Kim is a photographer with an eye for the outdoors. Known for capturing musical talent, Kim has leaned into sport-fashion photography to combine her love of nature and artistic practice. Let’s hear from the duo about why Barbour connects with both their creative outlets.
ED ANTHONY STANFORD on Heritage
Three words that describe your style.
Vintage, relaxed, timeless
What does a heritage brand signify for you?
Quality. It is a well-considered brand passionate about its history and heritage and produces timeless garments built from quality materials that will last a lifetime.
What kickstarted your collector's mentality and love for vintage pieces?
It started at a young age. My grandparents really engrained my interest in ‘40s and ‘50s fashion. I was just fascinated by the history, and everyone looked so damn cool. I would buy vintage trinkets like whistles, badges, and pins at flea markets. Over time, with a few paychecks under my belt, I started investing in vintage garments, predominantly military flight jackets and denim workwear. My vintage collection has grown into a dedicated design archive, I love the thrill of the search for vintage clothing and trying to get my hands on rare and unique garments.
What do you think of the vintage clothing scene in Britain?
It’s thriving now more than ever, not only for larger heritage brands but also for smaller independent labels. People want something different, well-considered, well made and well-designed that will last. Accessibility through buying and selling apps has also opened up the vintage market like never before.
What epitomizes British style?
It’s iconic. We have so many interesting innovative British designers constantly pushing the boundaries of experimentation with garment tech, design, and aesthetics. British style is extremely versatile, confident, and yet effortless in its delivery.
How do you think Barbour has maintained its heritage status? What has made it become the icon it is today?
It’s about no compromise and upholding the integrity and core values of the family-run business. Barbour has always had a rich, consistent history and is synonymous with country lifestyle, making it a household name.
What do you think Barbour is doing that makes it resonate with the people of today? How has it kept its iconicity while transforming?
The brand has always maintained its core roots, so it’s well respected by many demographics today. I see a positive future for Barbour. Collaborations with like-minded brands producing capsule collections or special limited signature pieces while maintaining the brand's heritage and core values would be well received.
DANI KIM on Wax For Life
Describe your style in a sentence.
Fun and whatever I can see sticking out of the wardrobe!
How did you get into photography, particularly in the outdoors?
I used to shoot sports when I was young, and during lockdown, I remember really wanting to focus on outdoor photography to get me to be out there as much as possible.
What or who inspires you?
My mom!
What do you look for in a piece of outerwear clothing?
Protection from the wind and rain, no doubt.
Why do you like Barbour? What about the brand do you connect with?
I really love their collars and colors, they're so timeless.
Why do you think a concept like Wax For Life is important in the fashion world right now?
It promotes circularity by extending the lifespan of jackets and reduces waste by avoiding discarding jackets that are no longer fit for purpose. Plus, it keeps the craftsmanship of relaxing jackets alive — it’s a fun process.
How does a piece from Barbour affect your creative practice when shooting outdoors?
It really just makes me feel right at home in the UK.
How would you style a Barbour fit?
Either for the everyday or when you’re working — what is essential to the look? Barbour has the perfect multi-purpose jacket. It’s tough, wear-resistant, professional, warm, and just great for every situation, and it suits every age as well!
To discover more about Barbour's Wax For Life initiative and instructions on how to wax your own jacket head here., and to find out more about heritage head here.
