Brand Spotlight: Barbour Spring Rainwear

Barbour has always looked to the outdoors for inspiration and the founder led a lifestyle that was rooted in the outdoors. The current leadership still carries this tradition -  they truly practice what they preach. 

Barbour has been around since 1884 and we are proud to carry one of the largest assortments of Barbour in Canada. From the waxed finish to signature tartan, these jackets are as iconic as they are functional and offer amazing options to wear for rainy spring weather. 

Originally created to service sailors, fishermen and mariners, the jackets were engineered to brave the most extreme weather conditions. Even today, the 5th generation family business takes cues from their heritage to design products to serve a lifestyle rooted in the outdoors. What we love about Barbour is that their dedication to quality and style has never wavered. The aesthetic, which we would describe as elevated utility, is unique and therefore timeless. Choose your Barbour coat wisely - once you have it, it’s yours forever. 

The three pillars that make these jackets so special are the wax coating, front facing utility pockets and classic tartan. Another, more personal, element to a Barbour jacket that deserves honorable mention, is made by the individual who wears the coat. 

The wax coating seals the coat and shields the wearer from wind and rain making it ideal for spring rainwear. The wax provides a more lived in vibe since over time, it settles into the cotton fabric and adapts to the individual's movements. Unlike other rain coats that have finishes like DWR or PVC, Barbour jackets are easy to refinish by rewaxing. You can rewax your jacket at home with the Thornproof Wax or send your jacket into the Barbour re-wax and repair service to enhance the lifespan and quality of your jacket. DWC and PVC are extremely effective when it comes to water proofing garments but they are nearly impossible to restore after heavy use.

The utility pockets are a marvel of functional design. They are designed to expand without distorting the silhouette of the jacket and from the wearers perspective, you barely notice any bulk or restrictions to movement. 

The tartan is the internal lining of the Barbour jacket and is a nod to the Barbour family’s Scottish heritage. The tartan was specifically produced for the Barbour family to symbolize the family’s legacy (dating back to the 13th century) and their roots from the Ayrshire District. The colours were inspired by the British countryside. The tartan is also a symbol to every Barbour wearer, that they are part of a legacy that spans generations. 

One final thought on Barbour is that they continue to evolve, research and discover new ways to offer their signature jackets. Barbour is now offering two significant types of fabrications for water protection: Waterproof and Showerproof. What is the difference between showerproof and waterproof, you ask? Barbour’s showerproof (aka water resistant) jackets are meant for light rain and variable weather. They are trendy, versatile and perfect for city wear and short commutes outdoors when it’s raining. They are constructed from lightweight nylon, polyester or treated cotton. Waterproof jackets are made to endure sustained rain. Their most significant feature is taped-seam construction and bonded fabric, ensuring you can be outside in the rain and stay comfortably dry. 

See below for a more detailed difference between waterproof and water resistant features and shop Barbour below.