A Forgotten Barbour Jacket from the ’60s Returns as a True Winter Warrior

The brand teams up with Arket, a Nordic-leaning label in the H&M portfolio, to reimagine an obscure jacket from the 1960s.

Dark green waxed cotton jacket with black corduroy collar and plaid inner lining.

By Jack Seemer

Published 15 hours ago

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Unlike some of Barbour’s perennial classics, the Gamefair is one that got away.

First released in 1960 as a lightweight jacket for “fishing and shooting wear,” as early catalogs described it, the Gamefair remained in Barbour’s lineup until the turn of the century, when it was quietly discontinued.

Decades later, the Gamefair finally returns … sort of. Only now, it has a different name, not to mention a second brand on the tag.

Young person with short light brown hair wearing a dark green jacket over a black sweater and a blue patterned scarf. — The Fairgame is a not-so-subtle reinterpretation of the Gamefair, with Nordic influence courtesy of Arket.

True north

“New” for 2025, the Fairgame Waxed Jacket headlines the inaugural collaboration between Barbour and Arket, a boutique brand within H&M’s broader portfolio.

Similar to its better-known brethren, such as the Beaufort and Bedale, the jacket features a lightweight six-ounce waxed cotton. There’s also the brand’s signature cord collar, two larger bellow pockets and that classic Barbour zipper.

Close-up of a black jacket with silver zippers and snap buttons over a cream knit sweater. — The cord collar and six-ounce waxed-cotton shell are quintessential Barbour.

However, hardcore Barbour enthusiasts will take note of the one-off tartan lining the inside body and sleeves, as the detail has been linked with the Barbour brand for generations.

Replacing its classic tartan print, developed with the historic Kinloch Anderson, the custom pattern weaves together blue, greens and blacks inspired by “the coastlines of the North Sea and the rugged landscapes of the Baltic archipelago,” Barbour says.

Close-up of a black jacket sleeve with blue plaid cuff and a hand resting beside it. — A new one-off tartan pattern lines the inside of the body and sleeve.

White fabric label with green "Barbour ARKET" text on dark plaid fabric with blue and white lines. — The colors take after “the coastlines of the North Sea and the rugged landscapes of the Baltic archipelago,” Barbour says.

If the Nordic influence wasn’t apparent by the novel tartan, however, the detachable hood, baggy fit and handwarmer pockets (none of which was found on the original Gamefair) should do it.

Olive green waxed cotton jacket with plaid lining and snap button pockets laid on grass. — The original Gamefair (pictured) came without a hood.

All together, they help to convert the jacket into a rugged top layer for winter’s worst.

Dark green hooded jacket with large front pockets worn by a person in blue pants. — A baggy fit lends itself to layering.

Back view of a person wearing a dark green jacket with a hood and a black corduroy collar. — The hood is detachable for wearer’s who wish to capture the original spirit of the Gamefair.

Availability and pricing

The Barbour x Arket Fairgame Waxed Jacket is available now for £449 (around $600).

Along with other outerwear, the rest of the collection includes a scarf, rubber boots and a blanket featuring the new tartan pattern.

Dark green waxed cotton jacket with black corduroy collar and large front pockets.

Barbour x Arket Fairgame Waxed Jacket

$600 at Barbour

About the Author:

Jack Seemer is the executive editor at Gear Patrol, with over a decade of experience in product journalism. He currently reports on a wide range of topics, including footwear, watches, EDC, cookware and more.

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