The Barbour x Crocs collaboration merges British heritage with contemporary comfort, offering style and practicality.
By Fashion Editorial Staff
In an intriguing fusion of British heritage and contemporary comfort, Barbour and Crocs have unveiled their first-ever collaborative collection, launched on March 27th, 2025. This limited-edition partnership brings together two seemingly disparate brands with a shared foundation in functionality, creating a collection that celebrates both their storied histories while embracing modern sensibilities.
The collection features an oversized Bedale wax jacket, reimagined from Dame Margaret Barbour's original 1980 design, alongside two footwear styles—a Wellington boot and the iconic Crocs clog—all adorned with nine customizable Jibbitz charms inspired by Barbour's rich archive.
"With practicality and a love of the great outdoors at the heart of both brands, this playful new collaboration is a fun way to celebrate that shared foundation," says Ian Bergin, Director of Barbour Menswear.
The partnership presents an interesting study in contrasts: Barbour, founded in 1894 in South Shields to provide protective outerwear to local mariners, has evolved from purely functional workwear to a fashion staple worn by everyone from rock stars to royalty. Meanwhile, Crocs, which began in 2002 as a simple boating shoe, has transformed into a global phenomenon despite its polarizing aesthetic.
What sets this collaboration apart is how each brand has seamlessly incorporated elements of the other's heritage. The Wellington boot and Classic Clog feature Barbour's distinctive tartan print, echoing the iconic tartan liner found in Barbour jackets. The oversized Bedale jacket incorporates Barbour's traditional 6oz Sage wax treatment with contrasting brushed silver hardware, while including modern elements like additional chest pockets designed to attach the collaborative Jibbitz charms.
"This collaboration effortlessly blends two iconic brands, marrying our passion for self-expression with Barbour's rich heritage," explains Matias Infante, Vice President of Global Marketing at Crocs. "By reimagining the timeless classics both brands are known for, we've created something entirely new that can be fully personalized."
The collection reflects a growing trend in fashion where heritage brands are finding renewed relevance through unexpected partnerships with contemporary labels. It also highlights the industry's shift towards more conscious consumption—Barbour's commitment to longevity (reinforced by their Wax for Life program launched in 2020) aligns perfectly with Crocs' durable, easily maintainable footwear.
Fashion connoisseurs will appreciate the thoughtful details: the corduroy collar on the jacket, the metal rivets on the redesigned clogs, and the vintage-inspired Jibbitz charms that allow wearers to personalize their footwear with a nod to both brands' histories.
This collaboration arrives at an interesting moment for both companies. Barbour, recently honored with a Royal Warrant of Appointment to King Charles III in May 2024, continues to balance its heritage appeal with contemporary relevance. Meanwhile, Crocs (NASDAQ: CROX) has successfully transformed from a practical but unfashionable shoe into a legitimate fashion statement through strategic collaborations.
The Barbour x Crocs collection will be available in stores and online at Barbour.com and select global retail partners beginning March 27th, 2025.