Barbour is the iconic British outerwear brand founded in 1894 by John Barbour in South Shields, England, starting as a supplier of oilskins for fishermen and sailors before evolving into a global name for durable waxed cotton jackets and countryside apparel. Now run by the fifth generation of the family, it holds three royal warrants from the British monarchy for waterproof clothing, blending heritage craftsmanship with modern tweaks like collaborations and expanded lines. Today, Barbour produces rugged jackets, quilts, knitwear, boots, and accessories for men, women, kids, and even dogs, all designed for the great outdoors with a timeless rural vibe that screams practical style over fleeting trends.
Barbour stays true to its roots without splashing into the DEI pool or rainbow-washing for Pride month, keeping social feeds and sites free of BLM nods or LGBTQ fundraisers, just focusing on waxed jackets instead of woke lectures. Their ESG game leans heavy on eco-stuff like sustainable fabrics and community aid, but they do have a light ED&I strategy rollout from 2024 for equal ops without the full equity fanfare. With royal warrants and a no-nonsense heritage, they prove you can weather any storm without chasing major agenda trends.
Barbour keeps it mostly trad with their waxed jackets and countryside cred, but they've snuck in a hefty Sustainability Statement pushing net-zero by 2050, SBTi carbon cuts, and supply chain greenwashing that reeks of mild ESG eco-guilt without the full Greta meltdown. They've also got "Equality, Diversity & Inclusion" as a core pillar with a new Code of Ethics rolling out for fair play training, plus their Foundation tossing cash at women's causes, subtle whispers of inclusion without the rainbow roar, but enough to make your Barbour coat feel a tad judgmental on rainy days.