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This UK company makes some of the best winter coats you can buy
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Outerwear is can get expensive fast. As someone who enjoys hiking and exploring the British countryside, but spends most of the time in London, I'm unwilling to splurge on gear I'll only be able to use a couple of times a year.
Enter Barbour.
A few years back, the outerwear company was the preserve of trigger-happy hunters, pony-mad equestrians, and farmers.
Today, however, it's worn by trend-setting city dwellers, the Queen (Barbour boast three royal warrants), and a plethora of politicians as well as celebrities. One of their famous wax jackets was even worn by James Bond in Skyfall (technically Daniel Craig, but you get my point).
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The secret behind such a large following? Barbour is one of the only outerwear companies with functional outdoor clothing that can withstand the elements and look stylish at the same time.
Over the years, Barbour has made it its mission to capture the essence of British fashion while also creating functional clothing. It doesn't really surprise as the company boasts an impressive British pedigree, being a fifth-generation family owned business set-up by Scotsman John Barbour (which explains the heavy use of tartan in their collections) all the way back in 1894. Barbour is still based in South Shields today.
We put together a few of Barbour's most functional and stylish gear for fall, below.
If you've heard of Barbour before, you've heard of its UK-made waxed coats. Worn by James Bond in Skyfall, as well as the British military during World War I, Barbour coats are the perfect example of what you get when practicality meets style.
Another perk is that they last a lifetime, and you can simply get them re-waxed at the company every now and then to keep them in a good state. I've heard so many great things about these coats that I'll definitely be getting my own.
Barbour Ashby Waxed Cotton Field Jacket, £199, available at John Lewis
As the summer starts to fade into Autumn, most of us will have to invest in a pair of durable boots. These beautifully made leather boots are stylish enough to wear in cities and durable enough to withstand long walks in the forests.
Barbour's leather holdall is a stylish, durable bag that will add a touch of luxury to weekend getaways. It's simple, yet classy design means this holdall falls into the "won't look out of place at the office" category, too.
Barbour Leather Explorer Bag, £299, available at John Lewis.
Everyone should own a pair of thick knit socks. Crafted from a silk and wool blend, these Barbour ones are luxuriously comfortable with a pair of wellies or boots — whether you're trekking through London or exploring the British countryside.
Knitwear is a cold-weather staple, but if you're anything like me, those kinds of pieces need to be perfect. A bad knit jumper will be itchy, uncomfortable, and look distressed after a couple washes. This one should hold up well over time.
Barbour Tidal Crew Neck Jumper, £89.95, available at John Lewis
Like the Ashby jacket, the waxed cotton holdall is a product that should last you a very long while. The tartan lining of this bag adds a touch of class to the rugged design. It's perfect for camping trips and weekend getaways.
Every British person should own a high-quality pair of wellies. Even Londoners aren't safe from muddy paths, unless you tend to avoid parks.
Barbour Jarrow Wellington Boots, £69.95, available at John Lewis
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