We rewind to 1894, the year Barbour was founded. The first jackets were called oil coats, for the simple reason that the fabric was impregnated with oil. This is because the garments were made for workers and fishermen in the North-East of England where the weather conditions could be very tough. Barbour's waxed jackets have become a symbol of British country wear and have recently featured on screen and worn by royalty alike. One of the most prominent proofs of Barbour's status and quality is their distinction as suppliers to the British Royal Family. For several years, the brand has provided the royal family with functional clothes, perfect for the British weather. This includes Barbour's waxed jackets. For that reason, several of the actors who appear in the Netflix series The Crown have worn Barbour. Read more about Barbour in films and series here.

This autumn, the brand celebrates the 40th anniversary of its Beaufort jacket. The model, designed by Dame Margaret Barbour has become one of Barbour's most celebrated. The jacket is easily recognisable due to its characteristic details such as the brown corduroy collar, robust two-way zip and waxed cotton fabric. The Beaufort jacket is still manufactured at the Barbour factory in South Shields, in the North East of England and is still an undisputed classic, passed down through the generations. In connection with its 40th anniversary, Barbour has produced a limited edition Beaufort jacket. What sets this jacket apart from the original design is the collar, which comes in the colour green and is adorned with a pin. The top button of the jacket is engraved with the text “Beaufort 40”. There is also a commemorative label on the inside of the jacket.

In conjunction with Beaufort's 40th anniversary, Barbour also pays tribute to other iconic jackets, namely Bedale, Border and Ashby. These jackets are not only practical and stylish, they remain timeless. For those of you who are unsure and faced with the choice between the different models from Barbour's Evergreen Icons Collection, a short summary follows below.

Beaufort: A slightly longer jacket that is more suitable for outdoor activities.

Bedale: A shorter and more relaxed style, perfect for everyday wear.

Border: A similar style to Beaufort, but with some unique details.

Ashby: A more modern interpretation of the classic waxed jacket with a slimmer fit.

Waxed jacket – a sustainable investment

A long-term and circular mind-set permeates the entire brand. With Barbour's Wax for Life initiative, the lifetime of the jacket can be extended through care and repair. Thus, your waxed jacket will remain a reliable companion season after season. Read our guide on how to re-wax your jacket here. So, why a waxed jacket from Barbour? There are many reasons why the waxed jacket in particular is worth investing in. In addition to proving its durability and style, it has also cemented its place as an indispensable classic.