A trusted companion for those who keep their Barbour as one keeps a good friendship: tended, valued, and ready for weather.

If you’ve spent any time in a Barbour jacket — through rain-swept fields, brisk autumn walks, or simply the gentle indignities of daily life — you’ll know that its character only improves with age. But even the most faithful coat deserves a little attention from time to time.

That is where the Barbour Thornproof Dressing proves indispensable.

This original-formula wax dressing is precisely what Barbour has relied upon for generations to maintain the weatherproof resilience of their jackets. A small amount, warmed and applied with a cloth, restores the jacket’s natural barrier against wind and rain. Shoulders, elbows, pockets — those noble high-wear areas — all benefit greatly from a bit of reinforcement. And if you wish to re-dress the entire garment, the 200 ml tin is more than up to the task.

There is something satisfyingly timeless about tending a wax jacket. A few quiet minutes, a soft cloth, and the steady assurance that you are preserving not merely a garment, but a companion built to last a lifetime.

Care & Information

• Classic treatment for all Barbour wax jackets

• Restores and strengthens weatherproof protection

• Suitable for full reproofing or touch-up work

• 200 ml tin

• Easy, traditional application

How to Reproof a Barbour Jacket (Full Method)

Reproofing a Barbour jacket is a small, satisfying ritual — the kind of quiet maintenance that ensures your coat remains as ready for weather as the day you bought it.

1. Warm the wax.
Place the tin of Barbour Thornproof Dressing in a bowl of hot (not boiling) water until it softens to a smooth, spreadable consistency.

2. Clean the jacket.
Brush off any dirt or debris. Wipe with a damp cloth if necessary.
Avoid detergents or soaps, as they strip away the protective wax.

3. Apply the wax.
Using a soft, clean cloth or sponge, work the warmed wax into the fabric using small, circular motions. Pay special attention to high-wear areas: shoulders, elbows, seams, and pocket edges.

4. Remove excess.
Wipe away any build-up to ensure an even finish.

5. Gently heat the jacket.
A hairdryer on low or a warm (not hot) room allows the wax to settle smoothly into the cotton.

6. Let it rest.
Hang your jacket overnight, allowing the wax to cure and the finish to even out naturally.

A well-reproofed Barbour is quieter, darker, more supple — and unmistakably ready for rain.

Barbour Jacket Care Guide (Touch-Ups & Everyday Maintenance)

Some garments need fussing; a Barbour prefers simple, respectful care.

For Regular Wear

• Wipe with a damp cloth to remove dirt

• Hang to dry naturally

• Avoid washing machines, dry cleaners, or detergents

• Store in a cool, dry place

For Touch-Up Work

If only certain areas show wear — a dull patch at the elbow, a seam that’s lost its sheen, a pocket beginning to look tired — apply a small amount of Thornproof Dressing to those spots using the same warmed-wax method. This keeps the jacket strong without committing to a full reproof.

When to Reproof Fully

A full reproof is recommended when:

• The jacket looks noticeably dry or faded

• Rain begins to seep rather than bead

• You’re preparing for a season of heavier use

Most Barbour owners reproof every 1–2 years, depending on climate and adventure level.