Barbour raises prices of waxed jackets amid soaring inflation

BARBOUR, the maker of waxed jackets worn by the late Queen Elizabeth II, has been forced to raise prices as its boss warned the company faced “extraordinary” challenges.

Steve Buck, managing director at the 129-year-old clothing brand, said the business was having to contend with higher inflation, the cost of living crisis and a slowdown in demand.

The company said it was facing price increases for materials, staffing, shipping and energy, as well as higher duty costs because of Brexit.

Founded in 1894 by John Barbour, the company is known for its distinctive waxed and quilted jackets. It holds three Royal Warrants and sells more than two million jackets globally a year. Over past decades it has amassed a legion of dedicated customers including supermodel Kate Moss, Diana, Princess of Wales and, more recently, Rishi Sunak, the Prime Minister, and Alexa Chung, the television presenter and fashion designer, pictured.

The company said sales grew by 32pc to £286.6m in the year to April 2022.

Its waxed jackets generally cost between £200 and £300.