
Barbour Icons | Original and Authentic
Over the past 130 years of Barbour‘s history, some of their names have become famous. From the 1981 Spey to the 2010 Beadnell, these are the jackets that have echoed across the fields. This season, these Barbour icons have been reimagined, bringing tartans to the outside of the jackets and the forefront of the campaign. Once tucked inside to disguise the evidence of a day outdoors, tartan now takes centre stage.
In this blog, we’ll take a look at some best-selling Barbour coats and jackets, highlighting their features, key styles, and the range of variations available.
Barbour Bedale
First produced in 1980, the Barbour Bedale was designed by Dame Margaret as a short, lightweight jacket made with riding in mind. Its relaxed fit, rear vents and nylon inner were carefully considered for equestrian practicalities, with studded side vents allowing the jacket to drape comfortably over a saddle. Meanwhile, the nylon drip-strip lining helped prevent dampness from a horse’s coat soaking through to the rider’s clothes.
The classic Bedale is crafted in 6oz Sylkoil waxed cotton with a distinctive matte finish, while the standard version features a thornproof dressing for a slightly shinier appearance. Over the decades, the two upper pockets were updated to become moleskin-lined handwarmer pockets. This added everyday practicality to the original design. More than four decades later, Bedale jackets are still crafted by hand at the Barbour factory in South Shields.
Barbour Beaufort
Designed in 1982 by Dame Margaret and released a year later, the Barbour Beaufort was inspired by the shooting jackets she had seen in France. Its standout feature is the zipped poacher’s pocket at the back, which was originally designed to carry game. The shorter, relaxed fit, iconic corduroy collar and bellow pockets with wipeable nylon lining add to its practical design.
Traditionally made in medium thornproof wax, the women’s Icon Beaufort is crafted in 6oz Sylkoil waxed cotton. It introduces the new Birchwood tartan alongside a classic tartan version, with the tartan brought to the outside of the jacket to create a statement take on a timeless design. Meanwhile, the men’s Icon Beaufort follows a shorter, more traditional silhouette. Barbour’s classic tartans are featured across each colourway.
Barbour Liddesdale
First introduced in 1994, again by Dame Margaret, the Barbour Liddesdale was designed as a lightweight alternative to heavier wax cotton styles. Named after the Liddesdale Valley in the Scottish Borders, it retains its equestrian roots with rear studded vents and lightweight construction that offer some of the practical qualities associated with a waxed jacket. Over the years, the Liddesdale has become a famously versatile style. From country wear to town and city life, its easy fit makes it equally suited to wearing over a suit for the commute.
The Ladies Icon Liddesdale brings a fresh take on the classic design. It features the new Shadow Tartan and a shorter, more relaxed silhouette designed to be worn oversized. Inspired by the British countryside and the colder winter months, Shadow Tartan brings a more muted feel to the Liddesdale while retaining its distinctive heritage character. You can read more about Shadow Tartan here.
Barbour Beadnell
Introduced in 2010, the Barbour Beadnell was created as a more feminine, slim-fit adaptation of the iconic Bedale. Named after a quiet fishing village on the Northumberland coast, the design retains subtle nods to its equestrian roots, with rear double vents providing ease of movement while helping to maintain its feminine shape. The Icon Beadnell offers a relaxed take on the classic silhouette, crafted in 6oz Sylkoil waxed cotton and finished with a tartan collar. This features either rustic, muted Classic Tartan or Ancient Tartan depending on the colourway.
More than four decades on, these Barbour icons remain as relevant as ever. The latest designs honour the details, craftsmanship and stories that made each jacket a classic, while bringing the brand’s distinctive tartans to the outside for a fresh take on familiar silhouettes. From the Bedale and Beaufort to the Liddesdale and Beadnell, these reimagined icons bring a new perspective to some of Barbour’s most enduring designs.


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