Barbour Tartan

This season, we explore our past to define our future – returning to the place where the Barbour name began and the origins of our family tartan. As we revisit the sweeping landscapes of Ayrshire, we’re reminded that our rugged roots have travelled through town and country alike. These collections are designed to honour our heritage while we continue to walk forward – embracing contemporary styles alongside authentic details.

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.

To create our original and authentic tartans, Dame Margaret and Helen Barbour worked with masters of tartan Kinloch Anderson to trace the family roots back to the 13th century in Ayrshire on the South West Coast of Scotland, where the Barbour name began. They then drew inspiration from the Ayrshire District tartan to create our own unique and exclusive Barbour tartan sett, designed to reflect our kinship and complement the renowned Barbour wax – honouring our rich countrywear roots.

Our sett is one of a kind, with a dedicated sequence and number of threads crossing at carefully chosen points that will never change. So, while we now create new tartan colourways to suit the seasons, their base is always that original, recognisable Barbour sett.

This esteemed 6th-generation family business, known for its deep understanding of Scottish textiles and tradition, played a pivotal role in uncovering and honouring Barbour’s ancestral story. Through detailed research, Kinloch Anderson traced the Barbour lineage back to 13th-century Ayrshire, reinforcing the brand’s deep-rooted heritage.

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.