The History of Barbour Tartan

A Guide to Barbour Tartan

Honouring Barbour’s legacy, our original and authentic tartans are reimagined for today in vibrant colour palettes and oversized checks, creating a modern take on an iconic pattern.

Colours echo the landscape we call home, this is a celebration of Barbour tartan, reimagined for now.

130-Miles: From Dumfries to South Shields

Our story began over 130 years ago, when John Barbour set out on a 130-mile journey from Kirkcudbrightshire, southwest Scotland to South Shields, northeast England. It’s from that rugged country landscape that Barbour built the spirit to not only endure the natural world but embrace it.

This season, we return to the land that inspired our tartans to follow along on a new journey and rediscover the spirit of the British countryside – its people, its beauty, its heart - one encounter at a time.

Walk the 130 Mile Route with Us

Dumfries

Caerlaverock Nature Reserve

Hermitage Castle

Scottish Border

Kielder Forest

Crag Lough

South Shields

What is Tartan?

Tartan is a patterned cloth consisting of criss-crossed, horizontal and vertical bands in multiple colours. The individual pattern of each tartan is called a ‘sett’. Each sett is defined by the series of woven threads that cross at right angles to form the distinctive chequered pattern of the tartan.

Every sett is unique in its arrangement and thread count, acting as the definitive blueprint of the tartan’s design. This distinctiveness makes the sett a vital market of authenticity and originality. To be a true tartan, its sett must be formally recorded and recognised.

What are the Barbour Tartans?

Our unique and exclusive Barbour tartans tell a story of heritage and belonging, recognisable by our original sett. They’re a seal of authenticity and a point of pride carried across the generations of our family business, letting you know that your piece is undeniably Barbour.

Our sett can be found in a range of scales and colourways – ranging from lasting classics to modern designs reimagined to suit the seasons. This means, however our tartans appear, they will always stay true to our family roots.

1998 - Classic Tartan

Where it all began. Our first, exclusive tartan, designed to complement our iconic waxed jackets and the colours of the countryside we call home.

2002 - Dress Tartan

Created with Kinloch Anderson, our Dress Tartan echoes 18th-century white-based styles, updated with sandstone tones that evoke hazy British summer days.

2006 - Ancient Tartan

Usually found in our Sage waxed jackets with its complementing green tone, our Ancient Tartan reflects the colours of historic vegetable dyes used in times gone by.

2026 - Birchwood Tartan

Drawing from our traditional Tartan, the new Birchwood Dress Tartan adds modern camel and navy tones to transition you into those autumn months. Reflecting the colours of our native Scottish woodlands, the design stays faithful to our authentic Barbour family sett.

How to Style Tartan

Style tartan with modern silhouettes and bold textures for a contemporary look, inspired by heritage. Pair it with chunky loafers, oversized layers, or simply keep it as finishing touch through your accessories, and keep the colour palette cohesive to let the statement print stand out.

Tartan in New Ways

At Barbour, we’re always looking for new ways to experiment with tartan. Take this rugby shirt, for example.

A Pop of Tartan

Find the perfect balance by adding a subtle pop of tartan with accessories or the turnback of a cuff. Where is the tartan hidden in your Barbour?

Everyday Casual

It may be a bold print, but a tartan shirt is a must in your smart-casual wardrobe. Style it with jeans for an everyday look.

The Statement Look

Tartan is the trend of the season, so why not make a statement with these Birchwood Tartan trousers?

Where do we use Barbour Tartans?

Barbour Tartans are ever-present across our designs – used in the linings and trims, printed onto our classic waxed cotton, re-dyed and adapted for changing seasons. You’ll find all-over statement tartan styles or subtle touches. Our signature tartans are used across clothing, outerwear, footwear and accessories, acting as a signal of authentic Barbour craftsmanship and heritage.