As a long-time Barbour owner and self-proclaimed jacket enthusiast, allow me to provide the definitive guide to this heritage British brand. Having tested their iconic wax jackets over years of wear through harsh Scottish winters and soggy Pacific Northwest springs, I can wax poetic on the pros, cons and keys to finding your perfect Barbour.
A Brief History of Barbour
Barbour has been hand-making waxed jackets in the coastal town of South Shields since 1894 when founder John Barbour opened up his first shop catering to local sailors, dockers and fishermen. The early waxed cotton jackets provided protection from the notoriously wet climate while out on long fishing voyages.
Over 128 years later, Barbour remains a family-owned business now on its 5th generation of the Barbour family. The company has grown exponentially from the original small shop to become a global British heritage brand. Barbour jackets have even earned several Royal Warrants cementing their place as a timeless classic.
While innovations in material technology have led to updated collections, the foundational designs – such as the Bedale and Beaufort – remain unchanged. Each jacket still goes through over 100 production steps in Barbour‘s own South Shields factory. Staying true to those long-held traditions of quality craftsmanship is why the iconic waxed jackets can truly last a lifetime.
Why Choose Barbour Waxed Jackets
Barbour waxed jackets have become world renowned for their functionality, durability and style. The signature waxed cotton makes them windproof, weatherproof and suitable for everything from weekend adventures outdoors to strolling the city streets. Let‘s break down the key benefits that have earned Barbour such a sterling reputation.
Weather Resistance
Barbour waxed jackets are crafted from 6oz Sylkoil waxed cotton making them inherently water resistant. The wax coating causes moisture to simply bead and run off the surface rather than soak in. Even in torrential downpours, the waxed fabric provides exceptional weather protection.
While condensation can build up inside from body heat and humidity over time, the jackets feature an inner cotton lining that allows breathability and ventilation.
Durability
There‘s a reason you‘ll see Barbour jackets passed down through generations and still going strong for 30+ years. Between the thick wax coating and reinforced stress points, they are built to handle years of outdoor adventures. The external wax does wear down over time but Barbour offers a "Re-Wax" service to keep your jacket looking and feeling fresh.
Versatility
A waxed jacket makes for a perfect year-round top layer across seasons. A simple sweater or fleece underneath ramps up the coziness for frigid winter temps. Meanwhile, the built-in venting prevents summertime overheating. From the countryside to the city, a Barbour jacket works beautifully as protective outerwear.
Beyond the weatherproof functionality, Barbour jackets feature a timeless design that flatters most body types. They come in straightforward colors like Olive, Navy and Tan that pair nicely with jeans to dresses. Ultimately it‘s a closet staple you‘ll wear for decades.
Ethical Production
Barbour takes pride in retaining full production in Simonside factory rather than outsourcing overseas to cut costs. Employees earn above national living wage and benefits under safe, ethical working conditions rarely seen anymore in the garment industry. The brand maintains full traceability and control across their supply chain.
As a certified Carbon Neutral company actively working towards BCorp status as well, Barbour is deeply committed to sustainability. They‘ve massively reduced single-use plastics while ensuring environmentally responsible production processes.
How to Choose Your Barbour Jacket
With over 125+ styles for men and women, selecting your ideal Barbour jacket goes beyond just aesthetic taste. It requires finding the best functional design based on climate conditions, intended usage and layering requirements. We break down the key differences across some of Barbour‘s most popular waxed jackets.
Barbour Bedale Jacket
The Bedale silhouette features a shorter length that ends at the hips combined with a tailored fit through the body. It works wonderfully as an everyday jacket from autumn through early spring seasons across temperate climates (50-60°F / 10-15°C).
The Bedale forgoes a full storm flap for a simple fold-down collar minimizing bulk. The front studied fasten closures also lend a more refined appearance compared to the utility snap closures. Meanwhile the Sylkoil wax finish and corduroy collar provide weather protection plus a sophisticated touch.
Overall it‘s arguably the most versatile Barbour jacket working well across both countryside and urban environs. For heavier cold weather and precipitation, the longer Beaufort would prove better equipped.
Barbour Beaufort Jacket
If braving the harshest winter storms or adventuring through heavy brush, the Barbour Beaufort answers the call. Its longer length combined with Velcro storm cuffs and a full storm flap deliver complete weather protection. The Sylkoil wax fabric also feels thicker and heartier compared to the Bedale.
The extended tail in back provides extra coverage while a draw cord waist and studded collar allow you to seal out the elements fully. It‘s the burliest and most heavy duty jacket Barbour produces. Choose the Beaufort for maximal protection through frigid, wet climates (below 40°F / 5°C).
Do note the boxier fit allows for easier layering but lacks the refined silhouette of the Bedale. So while arguably Barbour‘s most rugged and functional jacket, the aesthetics skew more casual and outdoorsy.
Popular Barbour Jacket Styles
Beyond the Bedale and Beaufort, Barbour produces a vast array of waxed and quilted jacket options:
Liddesdale Quilted Jacket – Featuring diamond stitch quilting fill with a corduroy collar, this lightweight jacket adapts well across seasons.
Ashby Waxed Jacket – Similar Sylkoil wax construction as the Bedale but with a slimmer tailored fit.
Chelsea Sportsquilt Jacket – An iconic quilted Barbour with black diamond and elbow patches for added durability.
Powell Quilted Jacket – A refined quilted option featuring front zip closure and adjustable cuffs.
Cavalry Polarquilt Jacket – Designed for frigid winter weather with warm down insulation throughout.
With distinct priorities ranging from weatherproofing, temperature regulation and style preferences, look closely across their catalog. Pay mind to the functional design elements of each to find your personal best Barbour jacket match.
Comparing Barbour to Filson
As fellow heritage outdoor apparel brands born in the late 1800s, Barbour and Filson share many similarities. They both specialize in durable waxed canvas and quilted jackets inspired by the American frontier and British countryside.
However, there are some notable differences across the two marques today:
Filson
- Focused on rugged utilitarian-first styles adhering strictly to decade old designs
- Only offer jackets for men alongside bags, shirts and accessories
- Use thicker oil-finish Cover Cloth (12oz+) for their main waxed jackets compared to Barbour‘s 6oz Sylkoil
- Majority made overseas (Philippines, China) aside from select USA-produced lines
- More affordable entry-level pricing (e.g. $200-$400 range)
Barbour
- Include contemporary, fashion-influenced styles alongside their core heritage silhouettes
- Produce full men‘s and women‘s apparel collections beyond outerwear
- Lean towards slimmer, tailored fits and sizing compared to Filson‘s roomy cuts
- Entirety of their collections made locally in Simonside factory, England
- Command premium pricing more commonly $400+, and up to $900 for Gold Label pieces
While Filson skews casual and outdoorsy, Barbour offers greater versatility from fireside to city exploration. Ultimately they excel respectively in hardy heritage workwear and refined fashion-forward outerwear. Shop Filson is prioritizing value but Barbour if seeking long-term investment in craftsmanship.
Caring for Your Barbour Jacket
As previously discussed, one of the hallmarks of Barbour jackets lies in their lifespan measured across decades rather than years. But owning a waxed jacket comes with proper care responsibilities as well if wanting yours to last anywhere close to that long.
Here are our top tips for extending the life of your Barbour:
– Rewax annually before winter – Over time the natural wax finish starts wearing thin leading to decreased weather protection and a faded appearance. Sending back to Barbour for their £40 Rewax service restores performance and color vibrancy.
– Wash gently only when necessary – To properly clean a wax jacket, gently sponge off dirt and stains before hanging out to dry. Machine washing risks compromising the wax coating.
– Store properly during summer – Make sure your jacket gets to breathe in an airy closet rather than sitting compressed in a box during hotter months. This prevents the wax from cracking over time.
– Repair any holes, tears, etc – Barbour offers inexpensive repairs ($20-$75) for worn parts like broken zippers, ripped linings that will only worsen if not addressed promptly. This avoids replacement costs down the road.
What Do Customers Say About Barbour?
Scouring through customer comments, reviews and testimonials, a few common themes shine through strongly:
Exceptional Quality & Craftsmanship
Verified buyers consistently rave about both the look and feel of Barbour jackets citing the weighty wax material and precise construction detailing unavailable at lower price points. Many share stories of their Barbour lasting 20+ years before needing repairs which speaks to the quality components and assembly.
"You simply won‘t find better quality leather patches, buttons, zippers etc on jackets costing even double or triple the price….I expect to still wear this coat 20 years from now."
Weatherproof & Keeps You Dry
Numerous reviews test the water resistant qualities of Barbour jackets through downpours, snowstorms and humid summers alike. Despite the conditions, the wax cotton stands up protecting the wearer admirably every time. Even affordable waxed jackets typically soak through quickly so Barbours offer remarkable rain protection.
"I wore it on a 2 hour trek along the coast during a ridiculous downpour and was able to stay perfectly dry aside from some sweat around my sleeves."
Great Customer Service
Rounding out the glowing feedback around Barbour quality and performance is consistent praise for their helpful and responsive customer service team. Buyers share stories of seamless processes exchanging wrong sizes or custom tailoring pieces due to preference rather than defect. The overall post-purchase support matches the exceptional product experience.
"Right before winter I discovered a small tear…sent a picture to their online team and immediately received a free shipping label to get it repaired."
In summary, Barbour owners affirm through their stories the long-term value proposition of splurging on that jacket likely to outlive all cheaper alternatives.
The Verdict: Is Barbour Worth the Investment?
Considering the combination of pedigree heritage brand status, ethical production standards, weatherproof durability and timeless style, Barbour jackets undoubtedly represent a premium product. But are they worth the steep price tag which can approach $500+?
In the sense that you NEED to own one to stay warm and dry, certainly not. More affordable waxed jackets exist albeit with lesser life expectancy before torn linings and broken zippers render them useless. Synthetics like Goretex also block moisture if waterproofing remains the sole goal.
However, for those able to make a long-term investment into a forever jacket, Barbour endures as the pinnacle. Their unmatched craftsmanship paired with intricate detailing create outerwear made to pass through generations not just seasons. Proper storage and maintenance will likely mean decades not years of reliable wear.
If sticking to a budget, used and vintage Barbour jackets offer another route to ownership as well. Either way, consider them the ultimate heirloom purchase delivering enduring value most apparel cannot match. They epitomize the ideal of "buying less but better" so beloved in fashion circles.
How to Buy Barbour Jackets on Sale
Given the lofty price points, one obvious question that follows goes…okay, but how can I get them cheaper?
Luckily between seasonal sales events and Barbour outlet offerings, you can secure legitimate savings off retail:
– Check Barbour.com during annual Winter and Summer sales – 25-30% off
– Browse Barbour Outlet site for discounted last season colors – 40%+ off retail
– Sign up for email list and social channels for random discounts and exclusive promo codes
The greatest pricing comes shopping pre-owned Barbour whether through local consignment shops, Poshmark/eBay and dedicated menswear exchanges like Grailed. Vintage jackets often go for under $200 requiring just a new rewax before returning to like-new performance.
If considering used or issues arise down the road, remember Barbour provides repairs, rewaxing and alterations to keep even decades old jackets going strong. So get out and find your perfect match! Just beware that catching Barbour fever quickly leads to obsessively collecting…
Related: Best Waxed Jackets from Filson, Belstaff & Briston
