undefined

A History of Barbour International

In 1936, Duncan Barbour, the third generation of the family and a keen motorcyclist, introduced into the range a one-piece wax cotton suit called the Barbour International. Developed specifically for the 1936 International Six Day Trials (ISDT) event, and hence its name, the Barbour International became so popular that it was worn by virtually every rider on the ISDT circuit from the 1950s to the 1970s, including actor Steve McQueen in 1964.


Today, a separate stand-alone brand, Barbour International celebrates this long and rich motorcycling heritage. Men’s and women’s collections are inspired by the biker look. Styles and designs have been replicated in different contemporary fabrics alongside the original wax cotton introducing a whole new generation to this iconic style.


Barbour International was, and is, the original authentic motorcycle heritage brand. While many brands have aspired to this title, it has never been beaten.

undefined

Year:

1908

Description:

Barbour's inaugural catalogue includes an oilskin suit suitable for motorcycling as “they are impregnable by wind or wet."

undefined

Year:

1936

Description:

Barbour develops the first A1 one-piece bike suit, the International, in a dark green wax.


1912

Year:

1940

Description:

The A1 suit was adapted for military use. Turned into a two-piece jacket and trousers, it became standard issue for Britain's submariners.

1927

Year:

1947

Description:

The International was adopted by civvies for biking.


1937

Year:

1949

Description:

Motorcyclist Olga Kevelos won the first of her two gold medals at the International Six Day Trials (ISDT) in Wales. The only lady ever to win two gold medals in ISDT events (1949 and 1853), Olga competed in every ISDT until 1966 in her Barbour International.


19

Year:

1951

Description:

The International jacket gained its distinctive slanted, left breast pocket allowing the wearer easy access to maps or a trials time card.

1939

Year:

1953

Description:

The International jacket was adopted as the official 'uniform' for the Vincent Owners Club. Vincent was known as the "Makers of the World's Fastest Standard Motorcycle" and to mark this tie-up between the two businesses, the International was dyed black.

1957

Year:

1957

Description:

97% of riders at the International Six Day Trials (ISDT) wore Barbour Internationals.

undefined

Year:

1960

Description:

Barbour introduces The Black Streak suit, a new PVC suit for motorcyclists and scooter wear. Compromising of a jacket and trousers, the Barbour Black Streak had a distinctive black and white Northumbrian check lining. 


undefined

Year:

1964

Description:

Steve McQueen and the rest of the US team stopped by in London to buy their Barbour Internationals en route to compete in the 1964 ISDT in East Germany. 


undefined

Year:

1978

Description:

The Barbour Bomber motorcycle suit was introduced into the range in bright red and blue. Described as "good to look at and extremely comfortable to ride in" they were a popular addition to the range.

undefined

Year:

1980

Description:

The distinctive black and gold Barbour International badge first appeared on the jackets.

undefined

Year:

2011

Description:

Barbour celebrates the 75th anniversary of the iconic International.


undefined

Year:

2013

Description:

The first Barbour International standalone store opens on Piccadilly, London, carrying collections for men and women.

undefined

Year:

2014

Description:

Barbour International collaborates on a capsule menswear collection with cult Australian motorcycle brand Deus Ex Machine.

undefined

Year:

2016

Description:

Barbour International collaborates with Triumph to build the first-ever customisation of the Triumph Thruxton R bike to show at the Bike Shed in London. It was built by Down and Out Café Racers.

The Barbour International Sessions launch, giving emerging musical artists a platform to perform.

undefined

Year:

2017

Description:

Barbour International shows at London Fashion Week Men's for the first time, highlighting over 80 years of history and the AW17 collections.

undefined

Year:

2018

Description:

Barbour International launches a standalone website supplying garments for men, women, children and dogs.

Barbour International wins Mainstream Brand of the Year at the Drapers Awards on 29 November.



undefined

Year:

2020

Description:

In Autumn/Winter 2020, Barbour International collaborated with Saturdays NYC, a New York-based clothing and lifestyle brand. This was the first time Barbour International had collaborated with another brand.


undefined

Year:

2021

Description:

Barbour International in partnership with Scotts Menswear, collaborated with North East-based musician Sam Fender on an exclusive collection.


undefined

Year:

2023

Description:

For AW22, on 24 October Barbour International collaborated with Roksanda on a bold colourful collection which was launched with a window display in Liberty’s.