It’s a hard path from a South Shields market stall to a global reputation for quality. But British outdoor clothing brand Barbour is – much like its iconic outerwear – made of exceptionally strong stuff.
While the heritage label has been making waves in the industry since outfitting fishermen in the 1890s, Barbour’s output has recently expanded to include premium knitwear, shirting and accessories, too. This season, it introduces the Great Coat collection, an autumn/winter capsule of fit-for-purpose pieces inspired by arguably one of the best innovations in outerwear: the military greatcoat.
Here’s our edit of what’s worth investing in:
Latrigg Wax Jacket
When it comes to menswear, we’ve got a lot to thank the military for. From your trusty pair of drab chinos to trench coats, there’s a battalion’s worth of modern wardrobe staples that have their roots on the battlefield.
And Barbour’s got the intel. Its Latrigg wax jacket takes all of the great things about a field jacket – its ample coverage, elements-resistant construction and subtle military detailing – and fuses them with the brand’s trademark details: a box-quilted inner lining and tonal Barbour embroidery at the pocket.
The result? A waxed cotton jacket to wage war on winter in. Latrigg Wax Jacket.
Northolt Waxed Jacket
Barbour isn’t just well-known for waxed jackets, its name is basically synonymous with the style. From fishing to motorcycling to shooting on a country estate, there are few outdoor pursuits this brand’s tough-as-nails oilcloth creations can’t withstand.
The Northolt – a Sylkoil waxed cotton jacket with a matte finish – continues the legacy for AW15. Equipped with four utility pockets, brass stud-fastening cuffs and a robust storm fly front, this is one piece of kit that won’t let you down in the dark days of winter.
What’s more, its handy internal drawstring means there’s plenty of room for upping your layering game. Northolt Waxed Jacket.
Hemmingford Quilted Jacket
The budget alternative to metal armor during the Middle Ages, quilted jackets still offer ample protection from assailing sheets of rain and howling winds. Unlike medieval styles, this one thankfully comes outfitted with a warmth-retaining artificial down filling and a Sylkoil outer to keep you dry.
Further function comes in the form of its capacious hood (that’s detachable, too, just in case it’s a bit too capacious), while design USPs include a contrast tartan lining and a baffle-quilted outer that’s got Barbour written all over it. No, not literally.
Stratus Waterproof Jacket
While a heavy-duty jacket’s bulk means it’s built for braving nature’s more extreme elements, something lighter is a smarter option for the daily to and fro. Breathable, waterproof and just as easy to style with office and off-duty attire, Barbour’s Stratus jacket punches above its weight.
The Stratus’ smart fabrication mixes waxed cotton’s sturdiness with the moisture pick-up of polyamide. Which means you’ll stay warm and dry this winter. Throw it over a chunky knit and team with a pair of cords or hard-wearing chinos for a cold-weather look that lands you right in that rugged-refined sweet spot.
Hornby Tailored Fit Shirt
Your checklist for cold-weather clobber likely includes warmth, fit and expected outlay. But texture is of tantamount importance. Which is where Barbour’s Hornby shirt comes in.
Rendered in 100 percent brushed cotton, this tonal check shirt is the kind of thing – whether worn on its own or over a long-sleeved tee – that’ll bring you more comfort than a steaming hot mug of cocoa.
Not that it looks soft mind; featuring a sharply tailored fit and two military-inspired pockets at the chest, this is the man’s man’s winter warmer.
Copeland Crew Neck Jumper
Barbour might not be known for its knitwear first, but that doesn’t mean it can’t do it well. The proof? The Great Coat collection’s Copeland 100 percent lambswool crew neck, a handsome and unfussy take on a wardrobe mainstay.
It’s still very much of the Barbour bloodline though, with a branded eyelet poplin patch at the side seam pointing to the label’s long heritage of function-first apparel. Put this one to work over a button-down shirt for an off-duty look that’s still polished.
Edderton Roll Neck Jumper
Like the idea of a roll neck but find fine-gauge styles too much like a second skin? This chunkier, half cardigan-stitch version could be the solution.
Knit from lambswool, the Edderton roll neck offers the warmth of ordinary sheep’s wool combined with a finer texture for superior comfort. Pull it on over a ribbed long-sleeved tee in breezy weather, or layer it underneath a pea coat when the gales just won’t abate.
Final Word
Still not got your winter essentials sorted? You’d do worse than to start with some of these. Combining over 120 years of expertise in craftsmanship with contemporary design, the Great Coat collection won’t see you left out in the cold this season.
Shop the full Great Coat collection online at countryattire.com now.