If you’re unfamiliar with waxed cotton, it was originally created for the sailing industry in Scotland and was adopted by many for its waterproofing capabilities. One of wax cotton’s earliest adopters was Barbour, who created waxed jackets for farmers and motorcycling, with Barbour International adding a motorcycle suit to their lineup in the 1930’s. Worn by nearly every British International team and Steve McQueen in the 1960’s, Barbour forever cemented themselves as the leader in the field.

One of our favorite Barbour jackets is the Flyer – a waxed cotton jacket styled after the iconic designs of those worn by actor and racer, Steve MQcueen.  The Flyer jacket features a 4 oz Sylkoil wax outer that gives it the lightweight feel we’ve come to expect from Barbour as well as allowing the cotton’s natural weave imperfections to be brought out as rich color variations. It has a classic stand-up collar with adjustable buckle closure for cool rides as well as a full front zip and snap closure – a look commonly seen on other motorcycle jackets.

One of things we love most about the Barbour Flyers is that unlike other cycling jackets that can be too fitted and make you feel constricted, the Flyer jacket offers a slim yet roomy cut with no reduced movement at the shoulders or elbows. The roomier cut also allows for storage space in the two deep front pockets and smaller chest pocket. Style wise, the Flyer jacket (like most of Barbour’s designs) bucks current trends and takes a classic style approach, ensuring it will stand the test of time and look as good in ten years as it does today.

You can check out the Barbour Flyer Jacket and Barbour’s other waxed canvas offerings at the official Barbour website.

It’s mid-February, which means it’s time to start thinking about your spring style.  In colder climates, February, March and even April still mean jacket weather, although not the heavier winter coats currently in use.  Instead, you need a lighter jacket that keeps you warm, but adds in some additional style that’s many times absent in your winter collection.  And that’s where the Barbour Heritage Collection comes into play.  It’s a lineup of jackets, sweaters and shirts that will help you perfectly usher in the start of the new season by not only keeping you warm, but by keeping you looking great.

Barbour Wool Fishing Jacket from the Barbour Heritage Collection walking

But before I go any further, let me tell a bit about Barbour, for those of you unfamiliar with the brand.  Based out of South Shields, England, Barbour is a fifth generation family owned business, with roots tracing back to 1894, and they describe their lineup as a marriage of “wit, grit and glamour.”  Look at their jackets, and you’ll instantly see why.  Barbour jackets exemplify cool – a combination of classic style with modern touches – and they’ve been worn by everyone from submariners in World War II to motorcycle racers in the International Six Day Trials to “The King of Cool,” Steve McQueen.  But despite their cool factor, Barbour jackets are the epitome of functional, as the brand has become synonymous with waxed cotton construction – a process pioneered by Barbour that makes their jackets waterproof, windproof, and if properly cared for, capable of lasting a lifetime.

Barbour is a marriage of “wit, grit and glamour”

I picked up my first Barbour jacket a few years ago – a waxed cotton variant that Barbour has become synonymous for in a style reminiscent of a classic 50’s biker jacket.  And ever since my first Barbour purchase, I’ve been absolutely in love with the brand.

Adding to my immense affinity for Barbour, my most recent Barbour acquisition is the Wool Fishing Jacket, a member of the Barbour Heritage Collection designed in collaboration with Tokihito Yoshida.  It’s the jacket you see pictured, but unfortunately it sold out almost immediately after I bought it.  It’s a gorgeous jacket, featuring a herringbone wool outer construction, a rollaway hood and numerous fishing details.  I’ll be honest – I don’t fish, but the jacket looked great so I bought it anyways.  As is the case with virtually all Barbour jackets, the Wool Fishing Jacket is multi-pocketed, featuring two large chest pockets (one with a fishing net bag), two Napoleon pockets and two upper pockets with side entry zips (perfect for smaller items such mobile phones).

Barbour Wool Fishing Jacket from the Barbour Heritage Collection in snow

As I came to learn, no matter which piece of Barbour style you’re looking at, you need to act quick.  Barbour pieces sell out remarkably quickly, so whatever jacket you’re considering, decide quick before they disappear, as my wool fishing jacket did.

To learn more about Barbour and their full lineup of jackets and spring fashion, head over to the official Barbour website, or you can check out my Barbour Wool Fishing Jacket in the gallery below to see what makes Barbour’s style so special.