Barbour's tartan pattern – a tribute to Ayrshire

From the very first days of the company, tartan has held a central significance. Founder John Barbour grew up in Galloway in south-west Scotland, before crossing the border to South Shields in north-east England, where he opened his first Barbour store in 1894. Even in the earliest oilskins, tartan was used as lining – a detail that would become a lasting hallmark of the brand.

This strong connection to Scottish roots has shaped Barbour from the very beginning and has carried through generations. One of the most iconic traditions is the use of tartan patterns in the garments, something that conveys pride, identity, and respect for the origin.

In the 1990s, during a trip to Edinburgh, Helen Barbour took the initiative to further deepen the legacy. She discovered that the family lacked its own exclusive tartan pattern. Thus, in collaboration with the esteemed tartan specialists Kinloch Anderson, a unique Barbour tartan was developed, inspired by the Ayrshire District Tartan – a tribute to the family's origins in Ayrshire.

The new pattern, called the Barbour set, is characterized by a distinct sequence of colored threads that cross and weave together. The colors were carefully chosen to reflect the British countryside – rich, natural tones that convey both depth and charm. Each season, new palettes are explored that connect to the collections, but always with respect for the original pattern and its significance. The five original patterns from Barbour are Classic tartan, Ancient tartan, Hessian tartan, Midnight oak tartan, and Riverstone tartan.

Ode to Ayrshire

This season, Barbour explores its past to define its future – returning to the place where the name Barbour was born and where the family tartan has its origins. As they revisit the vast landscapes of Ayrshire, they are reminded that their robust roots have spread across both city and countryside. These collections are designed to honor their heritage while continuing to move forward – with a blend of modern style and authentic details. The unique and exclusive tartans are not just a collection of check patterns. They are a story of heritage and belonging. A mark of authenticity and a source of pride that has been passed down through generations in our family business.