A 1986 Barbour 'International Suit'.
Presented with a rare liner from the same period—a 2-crest example circa 1985.
Barbour was established in 1894 in South Shields, in the Northeast of England, as a British purveyor of outdoor lifestyle wear.
Though today the brand releases numerous pieces for town wear, its origins lie in practical workwear—durable oiled cloth designed for the men who worked the docks: sailors, fishermen, harbour labourers.
The acquisition of a Royal Warrant—a distinction notoriously difficult to obtain—speaks to the standards the brand has maintained from the beginning.
At present, Royal Warrants are granted by only three individuals: The late Queen Elizabeth, The Duke of Edinburgh, and The Prince of Wales. Only those brands granted a Warrant may display the Royal Arms. Yet these designations are scrutinised and renewed every five years; even once bestowed, a Warrant may be lost. It is a demanding measure of excellence.
Barbour holds three Royal Warrants in perpetuity. Remarkable.
The piece presented here is the 'International Suit', released during Barbour's era of holding two such Warrants.
The International Suit was introduced in 1936.
For approximately four decades—from 1936 to 1977—it was adopted by the British International Team.
At the 1954 Scottish Six Days Trial, participants from Austria, Belgium, the Netherlands, Ireland, Sweden, Spain and beyond—some seventy percent or more—wore the International Suit.
Three years later, at the following Scottish Trial, virtually every competitor wore one. Its appeal was total.
That Steve McQueen, an actor of singular stature, wore the International is well known to most. The connection need not be restated.
The International Suit ignited the popularity Barbour would come to enjoy. Without this model, one might argue, the Barbour of today would not exist.
Details conceived for riding—the angled breast pocket among them—remain unchanged from the first release. They continue to captivate. A single garment containing the essence of a particular vision.
This example is further distinguished by a YKK bar slider zip—a feature confined to a brief production window and a limited number of pieces.
Standard examples bear ring zips. For those attentive to such matters, this is a welcome particular.
Minor punctures mark use, yet there is no significant damage that would compromise wear.
The liner shows no hair loss and remains in good condition, offering uninmpeded insulation.
The belt—often lost—is present and complete, allowing the wearer to cinch the waist and alter the silhouette across a spectrum of proportions.
Marked size 40—a proportion that sits naturally on the Japanese frame—this suit accommodates a breadth of builds.
A 2-crest piece bearing a YKK bar slider—uncommon and particular.
Should you seek such a thing, this may be the moment.
【Size Details】
Marked 40
Length 74.5cm
Shoulder width 48.5cm
Body width 60cm
Sleeve length 60.5cm
【Condition】
Used
※ Minor punctures present.
※ One area of damage near the front snap buttons.
【Sizing Reference】
Model: 165cm, 50kg
【Returns and Exchanges】
Due to the nature of vintage pieces, returns and exchanges are not accepted.
Please review all details carefully before purchase. Should you have questions, we encourage you to inquire.
Damage and wear resulting from age are not considered defects and are not grounds for return.
Colour may vary from the photograph; this is not grounds for return.
Sizing discrepancies or a difference from expectation are customer responsibility and not returnable.
We ask that only those comfortable with these terms proceed to purchase.
【Enquiry Code】
J0342
