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The Complete Guide to Barbour Jacket Styles
From waxed icons to modern staples, this is how to choose the right Barbour jacket.
Few brands have managed to feel quite as permanent (or as reassuringly familiar) as Barbour. Founded in 1894 in South Shields, the British heritage label began by making weatherproof outerwear for sailors, dock workers and countryside communities. More than a century later, Barbour jackets are worn by everyone from farmers to festival-goers and fashion editors.
So is Barbour luxury? Yes, but not the shouty, logo-heavy kind. It sits in a different category entirely: heritage luxury. The kind built on craftsmanship, longevity and reputation rather than trends. And today, that’s exactly why it still works.
As fashion leans increasingly toward pieces that last, Barbour jackets remain relevant because they were never designed to be disposable in the first place. They’re practical, recognisable, endlessly wearable, and refreshingly unconcerned with chasing hype. Somehow, that’s made them cool all over again.
This guide walks you through the main Barbour jacket styles, explains the difference between classic and modern fits, and helps you choose the right option for your wardrobe, whether your days are spent in the countryside, the city, or somewhere in between.
Written by: Dawn Rajah - Published: 19.12.24
Barbour Waxed Jackets
When people think of Barbour, they usually picture one thing: waxed jackets.
These are the brand’s backbone and its most iconic offering. Made from heavyweight cotton treated with a wax finish, Barbour wax jackets are designed to repel rain and wind while softening and developing character over time. Unlike technical waterproofs that look the same forever, waxed jackets age with you. They crease, fade slightly and develop a patina that reflects how, and where, you wear them.
That’s a big part of the appeal. A waxed Barbour jacket doesn’t just last years; it often lasts for decades. With re-waxing and repairs, it’s genuinely possible to own one for life, which is why Barbour is so often described as “buy it for life”.
Are waxed jackets waterproof?
They’re water-resistant rather than fully waterproof. Light to moderate rain is no problem, but prolonged downpours will eventually soak through. That’s not a flaw, it’s just a different kind of protection; prioritising breathability and durability over technical membranes.
Who wears Barbour wax jackets?
Everyone from countryside regulars to city creatives. David Beckham is rarely spotted without one, (famously the Beaufort), while Kate Middleton frequently wears the Bedale or similarly cut waxed jackets for outdoor engagements. You’ll also spot them on Glastonbury fields, dog walks, school runs and pub gardens; sometimes all in the same weekend.
Key Waxed Styles
Barbour Bedale
Shorter in length with a relaxed fit, the Bedale was originally designed for riding, which explains its ease of movement. Today, it’s one of the most versatile Barbour jackets you can buy. It layers effortlessly, feels flattering without being restrictive, and works just as well with jeans and trainers as it does with boots and knitwear.
Barbour Beaufort
Slightly longer and more traditionally cut, the Beaufort leans fully into Barbour’s countryside DNA. It’s practical, roomy and quietly classic, offering extra coverage that makes it ideal for cooler weather. If you’re looking for the most timeless Barbour jacket in the lineup, this is often the answer.
Barbour Ashby
A modern update on the Bedale, the Ashby offers a slimmer, more tailored silhouette. It’s a favourite amongst city wearers and commuters who want the waxed look without the roomier fit.
Barbour Quilted Jackets
If waxed jackets are the soul of Barbour, quilted jackets are its quiet workhorses.
They offer lightweight warmth, clean lines and easy wearability, making them ideal for transitional seasons or layering under heavier coats in winter. Diamond quilting is the signature here, instantly recognisable but subtle enough to work with almost anything.
Are Barbour quilted jackets good for winter?
They’re best for mild to cool weather or as part of a layered outfit. On their own, they’re not designed for freezing temperatures, but paired with knitwear or worn under a coat, they’re incredibly practical.
Key Quilted Styles
Barbour Liddesdale
Minimalist, unfussy and endlessly useful. The Liddesdale is a best-seller for a reason. It works everywhere: thrown over tailoring, denim, knitwear or even dresses, and never feels out of place.
Barbour Chelsea
A more fitted alternative with a slightly more polished feel. It’s especially popular for workwear and travel, offering warmth without bulk and structure without stiffness.
Barbour Parkas & Insulated Jackets
For colder months, Barbour’s insulated jackets and parkas step in.
These styles combine the brand’s heritage sensibility with modern insulation, hoods and longer lengths. They’re made for proper winter wear: the kind that prioritises warmth and comfort first, style second (though they still look great).
Are Barbour jackets warm enough for winter?
Yes: as long as you choose the right category. Waxed jackets benefit from layering, while insulated parkas are designed to stand alone in cold weather.
Defence-style parkas and longer winter coats are ideal for harsh conditions, extended wear and outdoor days where warmth matters most.
These jackets don’t chase trends. They solve a problem (staying warm) and that’s exactly why they remain relevant year after year.
Barbour Casual & Lightweight Jackets
Not every Barbour jacket is waxed or quilted.
The brand also produces lightweight cotton jackets and casual outerwear that work beautifully for spring, summer and city dressing. They’re often overlooked, but they’re some of the easiest styles to wear day-to-day if you love Barbour’s aesthetic without the weight or maintenance of wax.
Think of these as Barbour’s off-duty side: polished, practical and perfect for mild weather or travel.
Classic vs Modern Barbour Jackets
One of Barbour’s biggest strengths is its ability to balance heritage and evolution.
Classic styles like the Bedale and Beaufort stay close to their original silhouettes, offering relaxed fits and traditional details. Modern styles like the Ashby or Chelsea refine those shapes with slimmer cuts and updated proportions.
Which should you choose?
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Classic fits suit layering, countryside wear and traditional wardrobes
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Modern fits suit urban lifestyles, tailored outfits and streamlined looks
Neither is better, it simply depends on how you dress and where you’ll wear it.
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Choosing the Right Barbour Jacket for You
Fit & sizing
Barbour jackets are traditionally generous in fit. If you love layering, stick to your usual size. If you prefer a neater silhouette, consider sizing down or choosing a modern cut.
Fit can vary slightly between heritage and modern lines, so checking the cut matters more than the number on the label.
Can women wear men’s Barbour jackets?
Absolutely. Many women deliberately choose men’s styles for a relaxed, oversized look, particularly Bedale and Beaufort cuts.
Climate considerations
Waxed jackets handle wind and rain well but rely on layering for warmth. Quilted jackets suit milder weather. Insulated coats are best for sustained cold.
Colour choices
Olive remains the most popular and versatile Barbour colour, followed closely by navy and black. They age beautifully, pair easily with most wardrobes and never feel dated.
Caring for a Barbour Jacket
Part of owning a Barbour jacket is understanding how to care for it.
Why you shouldn’t machine-wash waxed jackets
Machine washing strips the wax coating and can permanently damage the fabric. Instead, wipe clean with a damp cloth and re-wax as needed.
Re-waxing basics
You can re-wax at home or use Barbour’s professional services. It’s far more cost effective than replacing your jacket.
Storage & smell prevention
Store waxed jackets in a cool, dry place and avoid plastic garment bags. If odours develop, a good airing is usually all it needs.
Wax for Life & Re-Loved
Barbour’s Wax for Life programme offers repairs, re-waxing and alterations, while Re-Loved gives old jackets a second life. If you ever wonder what to do with an old Barbour jacket, the answer is almost never “throw it away”.