The Barbour story began in 1894 in South Shields in the North East of England. Founder John Barbour began supplying oilskins and other garments to protect the growing community of sailors, fishermen and dockers. These first weatherproof items quickly established Barbour’s reputation for innovation and quality. Today, Barbour remains a fifth generation family business. Under the leadership of Chairman Dame Margaret Barbour, Barbour has grown into a lifestyle brand offering a wardrobe of stylish functional clothing and footwear for men, women and children inspired by the unique values of the British countryside. The iconic wax jackets continue to be made by hand in Barbour's factory in South Shields. Barbour International, the collection for men and women inspired by Barbour’s motorcycle heritage established in 1936, is now a separate stand alone brand with its own identity. The proud holder of three Royal warrants, Barbour is sold in over 40 countries worldwide, including Europe, the US and Japan. Each year approximately 25,000 wax jackets are sent back to Barbour to be repaired, rewaxed or altered. This unique service means a Barbour wax jacket can last a long long time.