A guide to Barbour's knitwear
Known for its rich heritage, Barbour has been crafting premium outdoor clothing since 1894, and its knitwear is no exception. Whether you’re looking to add lightweight warmth with a half zip jumper on a late spring evening or layer up with a timeless V-neck jumper on a cold December morning, Barbour design a range of high-quality knitwear for wearing throughout the seasons. Barbour’s knitwear collection offers a range of cuts, styles, patterns and yarns to suit any occasion and, in this guide, we’ll take you through the key elements of the Barbour knitwear collection, helping you find the perfect pieces for your wardrobe.
1. Materials and Craftsmanship
One of the standout features of Barbour jumpers is the quality of materials used. Barbour uses a variety of luxurious fibres in its knitwear, including:
Lambswool
Lambswool, as the name suggests, is a fine wool that comes from lambs and generally from their first shearing. As sheep age, their wool becomes coarser and thicker, and lambswool is sought after for its softer nature.
Key qualities:
• Soft to the touch and comfortable to wear
• Naturally hypoallergenic
• Breathable yet warm
• Retains shape well, making it ideal for hats and gloves as well as jumpers
Merino Wool
Comes from a specific breed of highland sheep that are famous for some of the softest and finest fleeces. Merino wool offers high levels of breathability, warmth and comfort against the skin, and is easy to care for.
Key qualities:
• Super soft to the touch
• Strong and durable
• Excellent warmth to weight ratio
• Temperature regulating, keeping you warm in winter and cooler in warm weather
Cashmere Blend
Cashmere goats produce a fine, soft undercoat to keep them warm and it’s these super soft fibres that are used to create cashmere wool. Barbour creates knitwear with a percentage of cashmere, adding cotton or wool to create extra strength and practicality.
Key qualities:
• Supremely luxurious wool
• Soft to the touch
• Can be blended with other fibres for extra durability
Pima Cotton
Considered to be a superior type of cotton with extra-long fibres, Pima cotton is often grown in Peru and the Southwestern United States. The longer fibres make it an extremely soft and high-quality cotton that is strong and pill resistant.
Key qualities:
• Durable – easy to wash and wear
• Lightweight yet warm
• Smooth, soft finish
2. Key Knitwear Styles
Barbour’s core knitwear collection features essential wardrobe staples including crew neck jumpers, half zip jumpers, V-neck jumpers and cable knit jumpers, all designed with timeless appeal. The brand's ‘Barbour Essentials’ range highlights these key pieces, crafted for versatility and everyday wear. The Barbour Essentials collection has been designed to be mixed and matched with other statement items in your wardrobe to effortlessly create your own signature style.
Barbour Crew Neck Jumpers
A versatile classic, the crew neck jumper is an essential piece in any wardrobe, combining style and comfort. Perfect for layering over shirts or under jackets, crew neck jumpers have a simple yet elegant design that makes them suitable for both casual and semi-formal occasions. Barbour’s core knitwear collection features timeless crew neck jumpers such as the men’s Barbour Essential Crew Neck Jumper and the men’s Barbour Horseford Crew Jumper. Both are crafted from premium lambswool, offering a perfect blend of warmth and classic country style that Barbour is known for. For a lighter weight option, the Barbour Pima Cotton Crew Neck provides a simple, understated look with supreme versatility, ideal for layering in milder weather. Another standout choice from the Barbour Essentials Collection is the Barbour Tisbury Crew Neck which showcases a heritage style crafted from tweed-flecked yarn with a touch of silk for an added touch of luxury.
Barbour Half Zip Jumpers
The quarter zip jumper or half zip jumper is a modern and practical choice, combining the comfort of a pullover with the convenience of a zip. Quarter zip jumpers and half zip jumpers are ideal for layering under Barbour jackets for additional warmth and a relaxed sporting look. Standout styles from Barbour’s core range includes the Barbour Essential Lambswool Half Zip Jumper and the Barbour New Tyne Half Zip Sweater which is a rugged and chunky half zip jumper made from pure lambswool in a cosy 7-gauge knit. The Barbour Cotton Half Zip offers a lighter weight version, ideal for spring and autumn layering.
Barbour Cable Knit Jumpers
For a touch of heritage style, Barbour's cable knit jumpers are a must-have. The intricate patterns not only add visual and textural interest but also add durability and warmth. For men, the Barbour Essentials range has a timeless cable knit jumper in a cotton and wool blend and for women, the Barbour Hampton Knit is a cotton knit that brings a touch of preppy Americana to any outfit.
Barbour V-Neck Jumpers
For a slightly more formal look, a Barbour V-neck sweater is an excellent choice. Barbour V-neck jumpers are ideal for pairing with a collared shirt and tie and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. A V-neck jumper is a traditional addition to a classic tweed shooting outfit, ideal for showcasing your smart style. The men’s Barbour Essential Lambswool V-Neck Sweater, for instance, exemplifies the classic lambswool V-neck and makes a versatile and stylish addition to any wardrobe.
3. Signature Features
Tartan Accents
Barbour’s iconic tartan accents are a signature feature across many of their products, and you’ll find it subtly integrated into their knitwear range as well. Whether it’s a tartan trim on the inside of a cardigan or a tartan patch on the elbow, these details add a touch of classic Barbour style.
Elbow and Shoulder Patches
Barbour knitwear sometimes features elbow or shoulder patches that not only add a touch of rugged charm, but also add reinforcement, making the knitwear more durable and long-lasting for the rigors of country life. The Barbour Raisthorpe Crew Neck Jumper is a traditional country crew neck jumper that features shoulder patches and is crafted from a premium wool blend twisted yarn knit, and, for women, the Barbour Woodside Knitted Jumper has elbow patches for added country style.
Button and Zip Detailing
Barbour’s attention to detail is evident in the use of high-quality buttons and zippers. Many jumpers and cardigans feature engraved buttons or branded zippers, in particular the iconic Barbour ring pull, adding a sophisticated finish to the garment.
Barbour Logo Embroidery
Barbour knitwear often features subtle, tonal embroidery of the brand's logo on the chest, providing a refined and premium finishing touch.
4. How to care for your Barbour jumper
Barbour jumpers and knitwear are crafted from premium materials, and proper care is essential to ensure longevity. Here are some tips for maintaining your Barbour knitwear:
Hand Wash or Gentle Machine Wash
Always check the care label first, but many Barbour jumpers are best washed by hand or on a gentle machine cycle to avoid stretching or damaging the fibres.
Avoid Heat
When washing, use cool or cold water and avoid high heat when drying, as this can cause shrinking or damage to the fibres.
Dry Flat
Ideally lay your knitwear flat to dry. Hanging wet knitwear can cause it to stretch out of shape.
Store Carefully
When storing your knitwear, folding rather than hanging it will help prevent stretching. Clothes moths favour natural fibres, including lambswool, so consider storing your jumpers in vacuum storage bags or with cedar wood rings to help deter moths.
5. Final Thoughts
Barbour knitwear combines heritage craftsmanship with contemporary style, making it a perfect investment for anyone seeking high-quality, versatile pieces that stand the test of time. Whether you’re drawn to classic crew necks, sophisticated V-necks, or cosy cardigans, Barbour’s range has something for everyone. Explore our range of Barbour jumpers and cardigans for both men and women today and experience the blend of tradition, quality, and timeless design that has made Barbour a beloved brand worldwide.
Posted by Abi
Abi is a web content specialist and brand manager at Philip Morris & Son, where she plays a key role in shaping the success of a diverse range of core brands, including Ariat, Alan Paine, Brabantia, Blundstone, Dubarry, and Lazy Jacks. With over 10 years of experience in the clothing retail sector, Abi joined the company in 2022, and her creativity and keen attention to detail are instrumental in enhancing product pages and optimising SEO strategies to drive brand visibility and growth.
Growing up surrounded by the Herefordshire countryside, Abi's love for the outdoors informs her understanding of the products that resonate with our customers. Her enjoyment of outdoor activities including camping and hiking gives her first-hand knowledge of how the right gear can enhance outdoor experiences. This personal insight enables her to expertly curate products that meet the needs of fellow outdoor enthusiasts. Outside of work, Abi also enjoys live music, is a keen cook and yoga enthusiast, and has recently taken up running (again!).