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Barbour is a brand that bears a diverse range of associations, from British royals in the countryside to rockstars trekking through the mud at Glastonbury — not to mention a certain former White House chief strategist.
But despite the icon status and heritage ingrained in the brand, of the brand’s many styles of wax jackets, there are only two that seem to be easily recognized: the Bedale and Beaufort. While these jackets are classic in their own right, there’s a whole slew of equally classic silhouettes we’ve neglected.
In an effort to shed some light on the brand’s many other waxed jackets, we’ve compiled a guide detailing each style they offer, including the Bedale and Beaufort and their different iterations. Allow the guide to help you easily distinguish between the silhouettes as well as much more easily find a jacket best suited to your wants and needs. Whether you continue to stick to the Beaufort or Bedale, or opt for something new, there’s really no going wrong.
Bedale and Beaufort Wax Jackets
The most ubiquitous silhouettes from the brand, the Bedale and Beaufort Wax Jackets bear striking resemblance to one another and are thus the two you’re most likely to get confused. However, the Bedale preceded the Beaufort by three years, with production starting in 1980 with riding in mind. While the Bedale was designed for equestrian purposes, the Beaufort gleaned inspiration from French shooting jackets, evident in the large rear pocket meant for holding game.
Both silhouettes feature traditional Barbour details like waxed cotton, a corduroy collar, two-way zipper and handwarmer pockets. At first glance the Bedale and Beafourt might look identical, but the main difference between the two lies in their length, with the Bedale proving to be shorter by a few inches (the back length of the Bedale measures 30″ to 32″ while the Beaufort measures 33″ to 34″). The Bedale also has elastic cuffs, which the Beaufort has an unconstricted opening.
Classic vs. Regular
To add further confusion when it comes to differentiating between the two, there exists a Classic Bedale jacket and a Classic Beaufort jacket, as well as non-classic iterations of both. In Barbour-speak, “classic” is used to indicate a jacket that is made with the brand’s Sylkoil outer, an “unshorn” wax taken directly from the loom then dyed and waxed. As a result, the imperfections of the weave are evident in the color and finish of the fabric.
Because of the Sylkoil process, the texture of a “classic” Barbour jacket takes on a more weathered appearance versus the smooth finish of the brand’s regular waxed cotton. Choosing between the two becomes a matter of deciding how much wear one wants the jacket to show, but in Barbour’s eyes Sylkoil is the more traditional fabric, hence the use of “classic” as a qualifier.
Classic Bedale Wax Jacket
Bedale Wax Jacket
Classic Beaufort Wax Jacket
Beaufort Waxed Cotton Jacket
Corbridge Wax Jacket
Where the Bedale and Beaufort jackets work for a range of seasons, the Corbridge Wax Jacket was designed specifically with winter in mind. Constructed from the brand’s 6oz Sylkoil waxed cotton, the Corbridge also features a nylon lining quilted to 50g wadding (think stuffing) to provide extra warmth. Although the Corbridge was crafted with more utilitarian purposes in mind, the jacket’s slimmer silhouette lends the wearer a more defined figure that makes it conducive to more than just practical wear.
Lutz Wax Jacket
If you’ve noticed that the finish of Barbour’s Lutz Wax Jacket differs from that of the Bedale or Corbridge, that’s because the Lutz is cut from 8oz Oban waxed cotton, a suede-like fabric with a matte appearance. As iconic as the Sylkoil and regular waxed cotton versions are, maybe you want something slightly more inconspicuous, something that still reads as Barbour just not so immediately. The sports jacket still features classic brand details that are slightly altered, like a corduroy-lined collar that fastens with a buckle rather than a snap.
Sapper Wax Jacket
Perhaps the most notable features of the Sapper Wax Jacket is the drawcord waist which gives the jacket a more tailored appearance and the lighter-weight Sylkoil it’s crafted from. While the rugged utilitarian aesthetic is evident in all Barbour jackets, the Sapper takes these elements (like the four outer pockets) and refines them, making for a jacket that remains functional without looking too much the part.
Gilpin Wax Jacket
The Gilpin jacket features something we have yet to encounter in any of the previous versions: leather detailing. The details are subtle, but leather trim can be found on the collar, with the leather creating a sort of half-moon, as well as a leather Barbour badge on the pockets and back of the jacket and leather piping along the front pockets. Barbour describes the Gilpin as being “ideal for any country pursuits” but we think it would work just fine in the city, too.
Beacon Sports Wax Jacket
You might recognize the Beacon Sports Wax Jacket as having been donned by Daniel Craig’s James Bond in 2012’s Skyfall. While Craig sports the To Ki To, designed by Tokihito Yoshida in limited quantities, this version of the Beacon takes much of its inspiration from the highly sought-after Japanese design.
The medium-weight waxed cotton jacket features leather-trimmed cuffs, contrasting shoulder and elbow patches and a triangular button throat flap. Whereas Barbour’s other styles are more casual, the Beacon has the added benefit of working as both a blazer (just fold down the collar) and a classic piece of outdoor outerwear (just turn the collar up).
Prestbury Wax Jacket
One aspect of the Prestbury Jacket that stands out most are the angled pockets fastened with stud-close flaps. In contrast to the usual deep bellows pockets, the angled pockets provide the jacket with a sleeker, less bulky silhouette. Consider the Prestbury for those days you don’t have to carry much else besides your phone and wallet.
Border Wax Jacket
Barbour’s Border Wax Jacket is essentially the brand’s Bedale and Beaufort silhouette, yet with a considerable amount of length added. Maybe you find yourself on the taller side and want a jacket that properly fits you and doesn’t look shrunken, or maybe you just want a jacket that will provide extra coverage — whatever the reason, you need look no further than the Border.
Bristol Wax Jacket
Like the Corbridge, the Bristol was designed specifically with the winter months in mind and thus features a storm-fly front with stud fastenings to keep out the treacherous wind, rain or snow. Additional protective features include the sit-down corduroy collar that can be raised for added protection as well as two waist-length handwarmer pockets lined with moleskin for not only warmth but a touch of luxury. It’s the classic look of the Beaufort and Bedale, just with some slight reinforcements.
Classic Durham Wax Jacket
Again, because the Durham is part of the “Classic” collection you know that it is made from the brand’s Sylkoil wax. However, rather than the 6oz Sylkoil used for the Bedale and Beaufort, the Durham is crafted from 4oz Sylkoil, making it ideal for wear year-round. While all Barbour jackets are made to withstand various types of weather, this is most evident in the Durham silhouette, thanks to the large hood and cape detailing. This isn’t to say that the Durham isn’t a handsome jacket, just that it’s more explicitly utilitarian than most.
Grendle Hooded Wax Jacket
Subtly inspired by the military, the Grendle is a blouson style jacket perfect for inclement weather, thanks to the storm-guard fastening and waterproof exterior.
Dalegarth Waxed Cotton Jacket
All the elements of a classic Barbour jacket are present in the Dalegarth, from the corduroy collar, to the brass stud buttons and, of course, the waxed cotton. But there’s something about the Dalegarth that seems even more rugged and stripped down in comparison to its counterparts. Maybe it has something to do with the heavier 8oz wax on the shoulders or the resemblance in silhouette to a shacket, but it’s a jacket that seems especially conducive to time spent outdoors.
Hafden Waxed Cotton Jacket
Another jacket crafted from the brand’s heavy Oban wax, the matte black exterior of the Hafden might seem boring in comparison to the brand’s usual olive greens and browns, but you’ll appreciate the color when it takes abuse from weather in the colder months, yet looks to be no worse for wear.
Hortal Waxed Cotton Jacket
Barbour’s Hortal Waxed Cotton Jacket is the brand’s take on the classic barn coat, and it features a more tailored silhouette with button front fastenings that lead to a curved hem. It’s handsome without sacrificing practicality — in other words, a jacket fit for fall.
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