Knitwear Guide

A Guide to Barbour Knitwear

Warmth. It was the founding principal of our business back in 1894 when John Barbour decided to make protective outerwear for the seafarers of the North East. Then in 1910, our knitted goods arrived – trusted for their same hardy quality and comfort amongst fisherfolk and sportsmen alike. Here in 2025, our knitwear still has the same hardworking attitude but comes in contemporary shapes and shades.


Authentic. Hardworking. Unmistakably Barbour.



Knitwear for Her

Women's Knitwear

Knitwear for Him

Men's Knitwear

What types of knit does Barbour offer?

We offer a timeless selection of knitwear styles designed for comfort, warmth, and everyday elevation. Our range includes classic crew necks, versatile half-zips, and heritage-inspired Fair Isle knits, all crafted from premium yarns such as soft lambswool, breathable cotton, and luxurious merino wool. Whether you're layering up for a crisp countryside walk or looking to add texture and warmth to your everyday wardrobe, Barbour knitwear brings together quality craftsmanship and signature British style - perfect for any moment, season after season.

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Moss Stitch

Moss Stitch

A traditional stitch technique that has good structure and warmth.

Fairisle Stitch

Fair Isle Stitch

Signature patterns and styles knitted in a Fairisle design.

Cable Knit Stitch

Cable Knit Stitch

Traditional designs and textures knitted into the fabric.

Rib Knit Stitch

Rib Knit Stitch

Flatter rib stitch used to hold warmth.

Half Cardigan Stitch

Half Cardigan Stitch

Chunky rib stitch used to hold warmth.

Intarsia Stitch

Intarsia Stitch

Design is knitted directly into the fabric.

Barbour Knitwear

Lambswool

As its name says - this wool is from lambs. A younger sheep provides soft, fine wool and generally comes from a lambs first shearing. As they age, a sheep’s wool becomes coarser and thicker, turning into ‘sheep’s wool’.

  • Soft to the touch
  • Naturally hypoallergenic and resistant to dust mites
  • Breathable yet extremely warm
  • Retains shape well making it great for hats and gloves and incredibly durable
Barbour Knitwear

Pima Cotton

Pima cotton is an ultra-soft fabric that incorporates long cotton fibres, making it a more premium fabric which has a softer handle and is longer lasting.

  • Incredibly durable - easy to wash and wear
  • More breathable than heavier wool jumpers
  • Lighter weight and yet extremely warm, with a smooth soft finish
Barbour Knitwear

Merino Wool

Merino wool comes from a specific breed of highland sheep - Merino sheep, famed for some of the softest and finest fleeces.

  • Super soft to the touch and skin - finer than Lambswool
  • Very strong and durable
  • Great warmth-to-weight ration - meaning it retains body temperature, keeping you warm in winter and cooler in hot weather
Barbour Knitwear

Cashmere Blends

Cashmere wool is sourced from a breed of goat with very little fat that protects them from the cold, so it develops incredibly soft, fleecy fibres underneath their coats to keep warm. It is these super soft fibres which are used to create cashmere wool.

  • Luxuriously smooth and gentle on the skin due to fine, delicate fibres
  • Maintains warmth while allowing breathability to prevent overheating
  • Hypoallergenic nature means it's less likely to irritate skin compared to other wools
Barbour Knitwear

Lambswool

As its name says - this wool is from lambs. A younger sheep provides soft, fine wool and generally comes from a lambs first shearing. As they age, a sheep’s wool becomes coarser and thicker, turning into ‘sheep’s wool’.

  • Soft to the touch
  • Naturally hypoallergenic and resistant to dust mites
  • Breathable yet extremely warm
  • Retains shape well making it great for hats and gloves and incredibly durable
Barbour Knitwear

Pima Cotton

Pima cotton is an ultra-soft fabric that incorporates long cotton fibres, making it a more premium fabric which has a softer handle and is longer lasting.

  • Incredibly durable - easy to wash and wear
  • More breathable than heavier wool jumpers
  • Lighter weight and yet extremely warm, with a smooth soft finish
Barbour Knitwear

Merino Wool

Merino wool comes from a specific breed of highland sheep - Merino sheep, famed for some of the softest and finest fleeces.

  • Super soft to the touch and skin - finer than Lambswool
  • Very strong and durable
  • Great warmth-to-weight ration - meaning it retains body temperature, keeping you warm in winter and cooler in hot weather
Barbour Knitwear

Cashmere Blends

Cashmere wool is sourced from a breed of goat with very little fat that protects them from the cold, so it develops incredibly soft, fleecy fibres underneath their coats to keep warm. It is these super soft fibres which are used to create cashmere wool.

  • Luxuriously smooth and gentle on the skin due to fine, delicate fibres
  • Maintains warmth while allowing breathability to prevent overheating
  • Hypoallergenic nature means it's less likely to irritate skin compared to other wools

Which Barbour knit is calling your name?

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Shop the Collection
£119.00

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£139.00

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£139.00

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£119.00

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£119.00

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£89.95

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£89.95

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How to care for Barbour knitwear

Our knitwear is designed to stand the test of time. With the right care, your favourite pieces can remain wardrobe staples for many seasons to come. To help you keep your knitwear looking its best, we've answered some of the most frequently asked questions below.

How to store knitwear

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At Barbour, craftsmanship is at the heart of everything we create - and our knitwear is no exception. Built for comfort and longevity, these pieces are made to journey with you through the years.


Storage Tips:



Keep It Cool and Dry: Knitwear prefers a cool, dry environment. Avoid damp spaces, which can encourage mildew or moths.

Fold, Don’t Hang: To help maintain the shape of your knitwear, fold it neatly rather than hanging. If you do need to hang it up - for a short while - opt for smooth wooden hangers to prevent them leaving shoulder marks in your knitwear.

Seasonal Storage: During warmer months, make sure knitwear is clean before storing. Pack it in breathable boxes with lids or well-sealed clothing bags to keep dust and insects out. Always store garments flat to avoid stretching.


Taking a little time to store your knitwear properly helps preserve its shape, softness, and colour — so it’s ready whenever you are.

How to wash and dry knitwear

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Our Top Washing Tips:



Always Check the Label: Different yarns require different care. Some pieces can be thrown in the washing machine, while others are more delicate and will continue to look their best when gently hand washed. Take a moment to read the care label before you begin - it’s there to help you get the most out of your knitwear.

Hand Washing: Most Barbour knitwear benefits from a gentle hand wash in lukewarm water. Avoid using strong detergents - a mild wool detergent is all you need. Don’t soak for too long, and never wring out knitwear. Instead, gently press out excess water and leave it to dry on a flat surface.

Machine Washing: For pieces labelled as machine washable, use the wool or hand wash cycle on a low temperature and slow spin. It’s best to place the garment inside a mesh laundry bag to protect it.

Drying: Never tumble dry knitwear. After washing, reshape the garment and lay it flat on a towel to dry naturally, away from direct sunlight or excessive heat. Hanging it while wet can stretch the fabric and distort its shape.


With just a little extra care, your knitwear will stay in excellent condition - ready for season after season of wear.

How to fix pilling knitwear

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Pilling - those small, fuzzy bobbles that can appear on knitwear - is a natural result of wear. As fibres move and rub together, particularly in high-friction areas like under the arms or along the sides of knitwear, they can stretch, break, and form small knots on the surface of the fabric. It’s a common characteristic of well-worn knitwear and nothing to worry about.


Some yarns are more prone to pilling than others, but all knitwear will experience it to some degree - especially where there's regular movement or contact.


If your knitwear starts to pill, there are a few ways to gently tidy it up. A fabric shaver or jumper stone can help remove bobbles from the surface. Although these are practical solutions, it's worth noting they only treat it short-term rather than addressing the initial cause.


To help reduce pilling over time, avoid over-washing your knitwear, and take care when layering with rougher fabrics. With the right attention, your knitwear will continue to age well - with character and longevity built in.

Barbour Knitwear