How to Care for Your Barbour Jacket to Keep It Looking Fresh

Barbour jackets are a beloved icon of British heritage, combining practical functionality with timeless style. Whether you own a classic waxed jacket, a Barbour International piece, or a quilted design, proper care and maintenance are essential to keeping your jacket in top condition. With a little attention, your Barbour can last for years, remaining as stylish and durable as the day you bought it. Here’s a guide on how to care for your Barbour jacket to ensure it stays looking fresh and functional.

1. Regular Cleaning and Spot Treatment

Barbour jackets are known for their durability, but they can accumulate dirt and stains from outdoor activities, especially if you’re frequently in muddy or rainy conditions. To keep your jacket looking clean, you should spot clean it as soon as possible.

Spot cleaning: For small stains or marks, use a soft sponge or cloth with lukewarm water and mild soap. Gently rub the stained area, being careful not to scrub too hard to avoid damaging the fabric. Rinse with clean water and leave it to air dry.
Full cleaning: Barbour recommends that you clean your waxed jacket only when necessary and avoid machine washing. Waxed jackets should never be washed with detergent, as this can damage the wax coating. Instead, if your jacket needs a full cleaning, use a cloth dampened with water to wipe the surface clean. If it’s especially dirty, a specialized wax jacket cleaner is available and can be applied using a soft cloth.

For quilted jackets or those made of other non-waxed materials, check the care instructions on the label. These can usually be machine washed, but ensure you’re using the correct setting and mild detergent to preserve the fabric.

2. Rewaxing Your Jacket

One of the defining features of Barbour jackets is their waxed cotton fabric, which provides a waterproof and durable outer layer. Over time, the wax coating can wear off due to frequent exposure to the elements. To keep your Barbour jacket performing at its best, it’s important to rewax it periodically, especially after cleaning or heavy use.

Here’s how you can rewax your Barbour jacket:

Choose the right wax: Barbour offers a specialized wax for their jackets, which is designed to restore the water-repellent finish. Be sure to purchase Barbour Wax Thornproof Dressing for the best results.
Apply the wax: Before you begin, ensure that the jacket is clean and dry. Use a cloth or sponge to apply the wax evenly to the jacket, paying special attention to areas that tend to get the most wear, such as the shoulders, elbows, and collar. Apply the wax in small sections, working it into the fabric.
Smooth and heat: Once the wax is applied, use a hairdryer or leave the jacket in a warm spot for a short period to allow the wax to melt into the fabric. This helps to restore the jacket’s waterproofing and gives it that classic Barbour shine.
Buff the jacket: After the wax has cooled and set, use a soft cloth to buff the jacket and remove any excess wax. This will help to create a smooth finish and enhance the jacket’s appearance.

Rewaxing your jacket once or twice a year, depending on how often you wear it, will help to maintain its waterproof properties and ensure it lasts for many seasons.

3. Storage Tips

Proper storage is key to maintaining your Barbour jacket’s shape and longevity. Here are some tips to store it correctly when not in use:

Avoid folding: Always store your Barbour jacket on a wide, padded hanger to help maintain its structure. Avoid hanging it on a thin hanger, which can stretch the fabric or deform the shoulders.
Protect it from dust: If you’re storing your jacket for a long period, such as in the off-season, use a breathable garment bag to protect it from dust and dirt. Avoid using plastic bags, as they can trap moisture and cause mildew or damage the fabric.
Store in a cool, dry place: Keep your Barbour jacket in a cool, dry area to avoid exposure to extreme heat, humidity, or direct sunlight, which can affect the waxed cotton and cause fading or cracking over time.

4. Repairing Minor Damage

Barbour jackets are built to last, but they can still experience wear and tear over time. Small damages like a loose button or frayed stitching can be easily fixed, but for larger issues, such as rips or tears, it’s important to repair them quickly to prevent further damage.

Stitching and small tears: For minor stitching issues, you can carefully sew the jacket back together yourself with a needle and thread. If you’re unsure, consider taking it to a professional tailor to ensure it’s fixed properly.
Waxing over small scratches or holes: For very small punctures or abrasions, you can usually apply a bit of extra wax to seal the area. This will also help to prevent further damage from water or dirt.

If you encounter a larger problem, such as a tear that cannot be fixed with simple repairs, it’s a good idea to take your jacket to an experienced professional for repair.

5. Avoiding Overuse in Harsh Conditions

While Barbour jackets are built to handle the elements, constant exposure to harsh conditions can degrade the fabric and wax over time. For example, while they’re waterproof, wearing your jacket in heavy rain over extended periods without rewaxing can lead to a diminished protective layer.

It’s best to avoid overuse in extreme weather and give your jacket a break when conditions are particularly tough. Additionally, always remember that Barbour jackets are designed for outdoor wear, but they’re not meant to replace specialized rain gear or heavy-duty winter coats.

6. Freshening Up Your Barbour Jacket

Even with the best care, your Barbour jacket may develop a slightly musty or worn-in scent from time to time, especially if it’s worn frequently or stored for long periods. Here are some ways to freshen up your jacket:

Air it out: Hang your jacket outside in a well-ventilated area to air it out. If possible, avoid direct sunlight, which can cause the fabric to fade.
Fabric fresheners: A light spritz of fabric freshener can also help remove any unpleasant odors. Make sure to test it on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn’t cause any damage or discoloration.

Conclusion

Taking care of your Barbour jacket ensures that it continues to provide reliable protection against the elements while maintaining its stylish, classic look. With proper cleaning, rewaxing, and storage, your Barbour jacket can last for years, and even improve with age. Regular maintenance is key to preserving the waxed finish, enhancing the durability, and keeping it looking fresh season after season. By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your Barbour jacket remains a timeless and functional piece of outerwear in your wardrobe.