Barbour Jacket Repair and Re-Wax - A Service To Recommend
Around a decade ago, I bought myself a Barbour jacket. You know the type, sturdy waxed cotton, tartan lining, corduroy collar, and the distinctive whiff of practicality. It's one of those jackets that, once broken in, feels like a second skin. Mine’s seen many green lanes, soggy campsites, showgrounds, firewood-carrying, muddy dogs, the lot. And it's held up admirably. As you can read about it here: https://www.themudlife.co.uk/gear-reviews/2017/7/5/barbour-commander-jacket-long
But I did have one gripe.
The inner sleeves. While the rest of the jacket is a joy to wear, the sleeves are lined in a smooth nylon material. At first, it seemed sensible, easy to slip your arms through, especially over a fleece or jumper. But as the years rolled on (and especially during active use), I began to notice something unpleasant: sweaty arms. The nylon doesn’t breathe, and if you’re doing more than standing around looking country-chic, things get a bit clammy. Not ideal when you’re hauling firewood, untangling ropes, or just trying to enjoy a walk without feeling like your forearms are wrapped in cling film. I even mentioned it in my original review. It felt like the one flaw in an otherwise brilliant bit of kit.
A Reader’s Revelation
Fast-forward a few years, and while catching up on reader comments (yes, I do read them!), two readers casually mentioned they had the same, and similar jacket, and had the same issue, and had simply sent it back to Barbour to have the sleeves re-lined in cotton.
Wait, what?
This was news to me. I knew Barbour offered re-waxing, of course, they've been offering a re-waxing service since 1921, and I vaguely remembered they did repairs, but alterations? Sleeve modifications? Cotton linings? That was a revelation.
So, I got in touch with Barbour, explained the issue and asked the question: Could they swap out the inner sleeve lining for cotton?
Their reply? “Yes, of course.”
I was gobsmacked. No hesitation. No upsell. No “Sorry, that’s not a standard service.” Just, “Yes, we can do that for you.”
So off it went for new linings and a re-wax.
Cue a couple of dodgy photos of me wearing my newly re-waxed and altered jacket…
A Cotton-Sleeved Comeback
A few weeks later, my trusty jacket returned, and what a transformation. The sleeves had been beautifully re-lined in a dark coloured cotton. No more sweaty arms. No more clinginess. It still looked and felt like my old Barbour, just now with a far more comfortable interior. They’d done the job seamlessly (literally), keeping the spirit of the original while improving functionality tenfold.
Before you ask, nope, the new lining doesn’t gather or bunch when I stick my arm in with a jumper on. It’s still as smooth as you like.
I also asked them to give it a re-wax, and what a difference that’s made, it’s a bit darker, obviously, and a waterproof. It’s so good I almost want to save it for best!
To say I was impressed is an understatement. It made me think: why don’t more people know this sort of thing is possible?
The Unsung Heroes: Barbour’s Repairs, Re-Waxing & Alterations
Barbour has long been associated with quality and heritage. The kind of jacket you buy once and keep for decades, even pass down. But what’s less celebrated (and perhaps deserves a bit more love) is their commitment to keeping those jackets going. That’s where their repair and re-waxing services come in.
Let’s break it down
Re-Waxing: A Ritual, Not a Chore
Barbour’s waxed cotton jackets are designed to be re-waxed regularly, typically once a year if you're using it heavily. This helps maintain the jacket’s water-resistance, durability, and trademark look. After over a decade of abuse, no wonder mine had damp spots.
You can do it yourself at home with a tin of Barbour Wax Thornproof Dressing and a bit of elbow grease, or, if you're not keen on waxing your kitchen table in the process, you can send it off to Barbour. They’ll clean off the old grime and reapply the wax professionally, ensuring even coverage and that signature weatherproof finish.
Prices for re-waxing through Barbour’s team are quite reasonable considering the service, and your jacket comes back looking nearly new, ready to take on the elements again.
After a clean, re-wax and alterations mine came to roughly £80, which I think is very affordable.
Repairs: Don’t Chuck It, Fix It
Barbour’s repair service covers everything from patching holes to replacing zips, poppers, linings, collars, cuffs, even entire panels if necessary. you can even have your jacket, and sleeves both shortened and lengthened. I’ve heard of jackets that looked like they’d been dragged behind a Land Rover and left in a barn for a decade come back from the South Shields repair centre looking revitalised. But don’t push your luck, they’re not miracle workers, and some jackets are simply done for.
It’s a refreshing approach in today’s throwaway world, built-in longevity with a team that actually wants to help you keep your gear going. They don’t just talk the sustainability talk, they walk it.
Alterations: Bespoke Tweaks, No Fuss
This is the part that surprised me, the fact they’re not only willing to do repairs, but actual customisations. Got longer arms? They can adjust sleeve length. Want a new lining? No problem. Fancy upgrading your inner pockets, adding a game pocket, or (like me) getting a new sleeve lining? They’ll sort it.
It turns a good jacket into your jacket. Personalised, functional, and built to last, exactly what good outdoor gear should be.
Final Thoughts
It’s easy to forget that companies like Barbour have these in-house services. In an age of fast fashion and disposable everything, it’s a joy to deal with a brand that builds longevity into its business model. More than that, they support customers in extending the life of their gear, whether through re-waxing, repairing, or bespoke alterations.
That cotton-lined sleeve mod? Absolute game changer. But even more impressive was how straightforward the whole process was, no forms in triplicate, no faffing. Just honest craftsmanship and great customer service.
So, if you've got an old Barbour sitting in the wardrobe that’s looking a bit tired, or you fancy tweaking it to better suit your adventures, don’t write it off. Send it back. Let Barbour work their magic. You might just fall in love with it all over again, sweaty sleeves not included.
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