This season, Barbour returns to its roots, exploring the landscapes of Ayrshire—the land that gave the brand its name and inspired its most iconic patterns. Balancing rural heritage and urban spirit, Barbour tartans tell a story of authenticity, craftsmanship, and timeless style.
What is tartan?
Tartan is a patterned fabric created by weaving colored threads in horizontal and vertical lines. Its design is called a "sett": each sett is unique, defined by its precise color combination and number of threads, making it instantly recognizable and authentic.
Throughout history, tartan has become a true symbol of identity and belonging, passed down from generation to generation.
Barbour tartans: a story of tradition
For Barbour, tartan is more than a decorative motif—it’s a distinctive mark of identity. Since the late 1990s, thanks to research carried out with Scottish experts Kinloch Anderson, the brand has rediscovered its roots and developed exclusive tartans, each with its own story to tell:
•1998 - Classic Tartan
The very first proprietary Barbour tartan, created to line wax jackets and inspired by the colors of the British countryside.
•2002 - Dress Tartan
Influenced by 18th-century styles, it features a light base enriched with earthy tones that evoke the atmosphere of British summer days.
•2006 - Ancient Tartan
Defined by sage green shades, it recalls natural dyes used in the past and is mainly paired with Sage wax jackets.
•2025 - Hessian Tartan
A brand-new seasonal design in Dark Navy, Burnt Henna, and Camel: contemporary yet timeless.
•2025 - Midnight Oak Tartan
With its deep tones—Dark Oak, Dark Navy, and Whisper White—it’s ideal for winter looks.
•2025 - Riverstone Tartan
Blending Washed Stone, Dark Navy, and Earth Pink, this design takes inspiration from autumn hues, making it perfect for the transitional season.
Origins and the “Ode to Ayrshire” campaign
Barbour’s love for tartan is deeply rooted in Ayrshire, a striking Scottish region of coastlines and rolling hills that has shaped the Barbour family’s story since the 13th century.
This connection comes to life in the "Ode to Ayrshire" campaign, which celebrates the raw beauty of the region and features leading British talents including Edie Campbell, Kit Butler, Saffron Hocking, William Gao, and Charlie Rowe.
An evolving icon
From coats and shirts to scarves and wax jacket linings, Barbour tartans continue to reinvent themselves season after season. The new Autumn/Winter 2025 collection reimagines them with bold colors and modern style codes, while staying true to their heritage.
As Dame Margaret Barbour, the brand’s chairman, puts it: “Tartan is not only part of our past but a design language that continues to resonate with new generations around the world.”
