Barbour Beaufort Review: 10 Years in Britain’s Most Iconic Jacket

Barbour makes a wide array of waxed cotton and leather jackets for motorsports and country life, and I have sampled them all.

The Barbour jackets are waxed cotton, brass zippered jackets with rugged corduroy collars. These have been worn by actors and celebrities for decades, and are particularly associated with the English Royal Family.

But you don’t live at Balmoral, and neither do I — what you need is the perfect Barbour for hopping in and out of your car, pizza runs, and lazy Saturday afternoons at the dog park. You need a jacket that will neither ride up nor get caught beneath you. And you want to know if there’s one, preeminent Barbour jacket you can default to.

You, my friend, need the Barbour Beaufort. 

Pros & Cons: The Barbour Beaufort

Got somewhere to be? Here’s a quick rundown.

Pros

• A traditional French shooting jacket that’s as good-looking as it is functional.
• Available in two kinds of waxed cotton that are both suitably weatherproof.
• The roomy, boxy fit allows easy layering in the colder months.
• Packed with pockets; very functional.
• All natural fabric improves in softness and drape as it wears in.
• The large zipper pull tab makes it easy to zip and unzip, even with gloves.
• The soft corduroy collar and warm tartan lining make it a great two-season jacket.

Cons

• A somewhat old-fashioned cut, not very modern or sporty.
• The sleeves are a little short on me (then again, I’m 6’2″ and 205lb).
• Velcro fasteners on the cuffs are small and feel unrefined.
• The Thornproof fabric is prone to wax transfer onto other fabrics like car seats.
• At 435 USD, it’s fairly pricy, especially if you get a made-in-Romania version. Plus,
• You have to pay extra for the hood and zipped-in lining.

Our Reviewer

I have over 20 Barbour jackets that I have collected over the last 30 years, and I’ve written about them in magazines, online, and in YouTube videos like the one right after this paragraph, which I filmed when my editor, Nick, visited me at my New England home. (We also shot this neat video on the LL Bean boot. Hey, we were in New England!)

I have been called a Barbour expert, and I believe it’s a fair description. There is one question that I always get:

If you could pick only one Barbour jacket to buy, which is the perfect one and why?

Overview: Barbour’s Waxed Jackets

The Bedale, the Beaufort, and the Border are generally categorized as short, medium, and long, respectively. 

The Bedale, designed (ostensibly) for equestrian pursuits, is much shorter — almost in trucker jacket territory — so that the length of the jacket does not restrict your movement or get caught when horseback riding.

If you are looking for a more modern fit, the Bedale may be worth exploring.

At the opposite end, the Border is quite long, nearly trench length long, originally used for hunting, and this gives it a regal drape. It’s the perfect jacket for a stroll around Balmoral. It has a sense of authority about it — but also a slight sense of drama.

But my favorite is the Beaufort.

Why? Partly because it was based on a traditional French shooting jacket, and ergo, it’s more of a Francophile name. And the French know a thing or two about tailoring and proportion. 

Fit: Barbour Beaufort

• A very roomy, boxy fit. Perfect for layering.
• Slightly short sleeves.
• These two elements are somewhat typical for French jackets; see also the chore coat.

Let’s start with the length and where the Beaufort falls. The back length varies from 31.1 to 34 inches, depending on the size. This puts it right below the waist: just enough to give you some coverage over your butt so that the rain doesn’t run off your jacket and onto your seat.

Aesthetically, this is the perfect Goldilocks drape, giving a nice proportion to your torso while you wear it. It also makes the pockets and zipper very easy to access. 

While we are considering the measurements, this is a good time for me to talk about one of the major drawbacks of all Barbour Jackets. If you are tall and have long arms, be careful to note the sleeve length before ordering, especially if you want a more tailored look.

To be fair: I am 6’2” with 36” arms. I can wear a size 42 for a more sleek look, but then I lose valuable sleeve length. I have sent jackets back to Barbour to add length to the sleeve, but this is getting increasingly expensive: they’ll do it, but it costs around $80 USD. You might find it more economical to size up and take the jacket to a local alterations place.

These days I order a 44, which fits comfortably and the sleeve length is fine, but I sacrifice a more polished look. If you are shorter with shorter arms, this may not be an issue. 

While I’m speaking about the sleeves, it has Velcro storm cuffs to keep out the wind and rain, but the Velcro fasteners on these are so small as to be nearly useless. I just don’t really bother with them at all. I forget they are there until the burr-like fingers of Velcro stick to one of my sweaters. 

The overall fit, considering that Barbours are cut very boxy, should not be an issue. If you order your regular size, the fit will be capacious, with plenty of room for even the thickest of sweaters beneath. Go one size down for a more tailored look.

Barbour jackets are, after all, a bit like wearing a tarp — but in the best way!

Construction: Barbour Beaufort

• A very practical, functional jacket.
• Comfortable, warm corduroy collar and tartan lining.
• The hood is not included; you have to pay 55 USD extra.
• Lots of well-placed pockets, including four in the front and a large “game pocket” in the back.

Let’s discuss the details of the Beaufort before we get into your choice of materials.

The Collar

The collar, sometimes described as ‘oversized,’ is made from a nice weight, wide-wale corduroy. The collar shape is large and rounded, providing it a bit of a vintage look, but it is also functional, giving you maximum protection from the elements.

The corduroy feels soft against the skin when you pop it up, and there is a wax cotton cross latch that secures it with a snap. There are also snaps underneath the collar for the optional hood. (I consider it essential if you want this rainproof jacket to actually make you rainproof, but I digress.)

The Hood

The hood makes this jacket a truly all-weather performer, keeping your head and neck warm and dry. However, the snaps are easy to pop if you move your hood with too much force. This has happened to me several times.

I rather wish that the hood zipped on, but I do appreciate that it is removable because the jacket looks much better without it. Matching hoods are sold separately for $55 USD. I highly recommend them. 

Zippers

The jacket features a heavy two-way zipper with the word ‘Barbour’ on it. The large oval pull tab makes it easy to pull up and down, even with gloves. Be mindful that this is an English jacket, so the zipper is opposite from an American zipper, but it takes all of two minutes to acclimate. 

It has a studded, storm fly front that snaps tightly over the zipper, protecting it from water and wind. The snaps are lovely aged brass with ‘Barbour’ discretely circling them. They snap effectively and also work as an alternative way to fasten your jacket closed. 

The Lining

You can also zip in a quilted liner for $145 USD if you want your jacket to be warmer. Personally, I go the big, wooly sweater route. Again, the jacket is perfectly roomy for this kind of layering.

It is lined in a very sturdy, 100% cotton Tartan pattern, the color of which depends on the color of the jacket. Sage, as I have, sports the ‘Ancient Tartan,’ which features tan and olive wide strips with navy and gold over-checks.

Navy has the Dress Tartan, which features a British Khaki and gray wide strip with a red and black thinner check overtop. Olive has the Classic Barbour Tartan, the color that is the logo of the brand. It is a checkerboard of navy, olive, with double gold striped checks and a bold red wide check over. Accessories are available in each of these patterns. 

Pockets

Beneath the flap, at the chest, is a well-crafted extra pocket that’s rarely mentioned in their product descriptions. It is a discrete place where I keep my wallet. The pocket securely zips and is finished with two small leather triangles to keep the ends from tearing. Inside, it is lined with the same 100% cotton Tartan lining as the jacket. 

The Beaufort features slit-style exterior moleskin-lined hand warmer pockets that are smooth as velvet. These are a great place to rest your hands and to store things that you want to access quickly, like keys and snacks. They are probably not deep or secure enough for your phone, but you’ve got plenty of other pockets to choose from

At arm’s length are two lower billow pockets that are voluminous and large enough to hold a trade paperback, a sandwich, or a pair of binoculars. You can tuck the top flap in for a casual catch-all pocket that is easy to stuff your hands into, and it gives it a bit of personalized style. The Barbour logo is embroidered on the left pocket flap.

Across the lower back, there is a pass-through game pocket that is zipped at both ends. It may have been designed to hold small game, but of course, most guys use it to store a beanie or gloves, for which it works great. I am always stowing a journal there or some small item I just bought doing errands. 

Sylkoil vs. Thornproof Fabrics: Barbour Beaufort

• Sylkoil has a matte finish that doesn’t rub off.
• Thornproof is more waxy and sticky; it can transfer onto other fabrics.

The Beaufort is available in either Sylkoil or Thornproof material. Sylkoil is an old traditional process for making waxed cotton that gives it more of a matte finish that’s much less waxy to the touch — and less prone to rub off on car seats and bags. It is also more pliable and soft, but no less robust.

I prefer the Thornproof for all of its shiny waxy finish and thickness. I feel better protected in it, although I have both and would judge their actual performance to be equal. 

Maintenance: Barbour Beaufort

• You can send them back to Barbour for rewaxing or do it yourself.
• Never put them in a washing machine.

Now, Barbour Jackets will last you a lifetime, but they do require some maintenance — at least, if you want it to work as a raincoat.

Every other year or so, you need to re-wax your jacket, but this is super easy, and some people I know throw re-waxing parties where everyone does it together.

If it gets dirty, hose it off and allow it to dry or spot clean it.

Never put it into the washing machine. If you do, it will never be the same again, and it’s likely that neither will the clothes that accompanied it in the waxy water. If you do something catastrophic to it, you can always send it back to Barbour for repairs.

In North America, that means that your jacket will take a trip to Milford, New Hampshire, where some excellent craftspeople will go to work on your jacket, alter it, patch it, swap out the zipper, or anything else. They have a full menu. 

Barbour Beaufort Alternatives

Now, I am a Barbour guy. These jackets just resonate with me, and I am borderline obsessed with them. The only other waxed cotton jacket I have is the Filson Lined Tin Cloth Cruiser. (You can catch me chainsawing wood in it when I filmed this review of Thursday’s Desperado cowboy boots.)

Relative to Barbour, the waxed cotton on the Filson is thicker and less pliant. You almost feel as if you are wearing Kevlar. The wax is also less infused into the cotton and wears away much easier than on the Barbour. You might find these elements to be pros or cons.

How Barbour’s Beaufort Has Changed Over the Years

• Few changes over the years, same design for 30 years.
• Some minor changes to the lining, collar, and zippers.

The Beaufort hasn’t changed much over the decades, but one change is that the waxed canvas, though sturdy, has become considerably more pliant and comfortable. The feel in hand is much less waxy and sticky, even in the Thornproof versions. 

One of the beautiful things about Barbour is that they have retained their basic designs through the years. A Beaufort from 30 years ago looks essentially the same as one now, and the quality has been consistently good.

Some changes have occurred, though.

The corduroy around the collar feels lighter and softer in the new Barbours. In the older ones, it felt more stiff and less velvety,but also more robust.

Similarly, their zippers feel lighter and are shinier. They feel much less brassy and also seem less prone to developing that metallic patina over time. Nevertheless, they are still robust and well-made zippers that have not failed me.

The linings, too, can change from time to time. Nevertheless, they have always used a nicely made cotton lining that prevents that waxy-on-the-arms feeling of unlined jackets. 

So the jacket has changed, but certainly not in ways I could say are categorically negative. It depends on personal preference, not anything objective.

Price: Is the Barbour Beaufort Worth It?

• $435.00 USD

This jacket cost $435.00 USD. Is it worth it? That is a lot of money.

However, it is still made in England. It’s one of the last jackets to still be made in England, along with the Bedale. The fit, finish, and trim are all excellent.

When Barbour jackets are outsourced, it’s usually to Romania. I have compared all the jackets regardless of their source country and I cannot tell them apart.

It’s also important to note that we’ve covered a lot of waxed canvas jackets at Stridewise, and if they’re made in the UK or the US, are 100 percent cotton, and have 100 percent cotton lining, it’s next to impossible to find one for under $350. Given the extra length and finishing in the Beaumont, it truly is fairly priced when you look at the market.

Wrapping Up

The Beaufort is a very rugged and excellent jacket that will literally last you a lifetime, so if you do decide to make this large purchase, you can dollar-cost-average it over the remaining decades of your life. I’ve easily gotten over a decade out of mine, and they’re still holding up fine. This jacket is not going anywhere.