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Discover the Barbour Tartan
This season, Barbour looks back to its beginnings, honouring its roots to define the path forward. Returning to the sweeping landscapes of Ayrshire in Scotland, we revisit the origins of the Barbour name and the family tartan that has become a symbol of authenticity and belonging. Barbour tartan is more than a pattern. It’s a story carried across generations, celebrating heritage while evolving to suit both town and country life. Each Barbour tartan piece blends timeless details with contemporary style, creating a look that is both versatile and iconic.
What Is a Tartan?
Tartan is a patterned cloth created with criss-crossed horizontal and vertical bands of colour. Each unique arrangement of threads is known as a sett—the blueprint that defines a tartan’s authenticity. Without a formally recognised sett, no tartan can be considered true.
This distinctiveness is what makes Barbour tartans so special. Each design carries its own identity, ensuring that every check tells a story of heritage, tradition, and craftsmanship.
What Makes Barbour Tartan Unique?
The signature Barbour tartan is one of the brand’s most distinctive hallmarks, gracing the linings of Barbour jackets, scarves, and accessories every season. Starting with the original Classic Tartan in 1998, Barbour now boasts a wide range of exclusive tartan setts. But did you know that these patterns are unique to Barbour alone?
For many decades, Barbour used a variety of traditional Scottish tartans in its jackets. The Dress Gordon tartan, for example, once lined iconic jackets such as the Bedale, Beaufort, and Border. However, in the early 1990s, Helen Barbour discovered that Dress Gordon was not exclusive to the company. Determined to create something truly authentic, she enlisted the expertise of Kinloch Anderson to design a tartan that belonged solely to Barbour.
Together, they uncovered the Barbour family’s Scottish roots in 13th-century Ayrshire, and drew inspiration from the tartan of that district. The resulting design was the Classic Tartan. This colour palette features a rich brown and navy base with white, gold, and red overcheck lines.
The Barbour Tartan Collection
Since then, Barbour has expanded its tartan family, introducing seasonal and exclusive variations. This system ensures that Barbour tartan continues to feel both distinctive and deeply connected to the brand’s heritage, while offering seasonal freshness for modern wardrobes.
Classic Tartan
The original Barbour tartan, designed to complement iconic Barbour wax jackets, reflecting the natural colours of the British countryside.
Ancient Tartan
Paired with sage wax jackets, this tartan draws inspiration from historic vegetable dyes, bringing timeless green tones into the present day.
Hessian Tartan
New this season, Hessian blends Dark Navy, Burnt Henna, and Camel to create a contemporary yet versatile design that works all year round.
Midnight Oak Tartan
Rich with tones of Dark Oak and Navy, highlighted with muted Whisper White, this tartan captures the essence of winter nights and seasonal layering.
Riverstone Tartan
Inspired by early autumn, this pattern combines Washed Stone, Dark Navy, and Earth Pink, making it the perfect transitional tartan between summer and winter.
Why Barbour Tartan Matters
Barbour tartan is not just about colour or design—it’s a seal of authenticity. Each exclusive pattern connects the present with the past. Whether it’s a jacket lining or Barbour scarf, Barbour tartan continues to celebrate its Scottish roots while maintaining modern style.
For those who value tradition with a contemporary twist, Barbour tartan is a timeless investment. Explore our full range of Barbour tartan clothing and accessories, and carry a piece of Scottish heritage wherever life takes you.
