Barbour Ashby or Bedale? Lifestyle vs Classic Collections!

A video response to the question what is the difference between the Barbour Ashby/Bristol Lifestyle Wax Jackets and the Barbour Bedale/Beaufort Classic Wax Jackets

The Bristol and Ashby are the Lifestyle Collection versions of the Classic Collection Beaufort and Bedale jackets To understand the main differences between the jackets you have to understand the differences between the Lifestyle and Classic Wax Collection.
Lifestyle Jackets tend to be more expensive, slimmer cut, letter sized (…S, M , L…), practical features are sacrificed for stylistic features, they are seasonally sold (or sold out rather) and tend to be Made outside the UK.
Classic Collection Jackets tend to be cheaper , broader cut, numerically sized (…97cm/c38, 102cm/c40…), have more practical features, can be purchased anytime of the year and, for now, MADE IN ENGLAND. The Bristol and Ashby have a strong appeal to younger trendy buyers who tend to want a good looking jacket for urban living. The biggest practical features I miss on Ashby and Bristol jackets are the articulated sleeves that make the Bedale and Beaufort more comfortable to wear.
All four jackets are 6 ounce medium weight wax cotton, have two way zips and have about the same amount of pockets. Ashby is 30 to 31.5 inches, slimmer and longer cut than Bedale which is 28 to 32 inches. Ashby lacks the Sleeve Articulation, lacks true raglan sleeves because of the extra seam on top of the shoulder , lacks a storm cuff, and lacks true riding flaps. The Ashby’s rear vent flaps are mere decorations on the Ashby and quite silly to have on a jacket that is relatively long. The Bristol at 32.5 to 34 inches long was for me too impractical to purchase. To make it the slim and sexy modernized Beaufort, the Bristol lacks the big rear game pockets, lacks articulated sleeves, lacks a proper neck gaiter, lacks sleeve gaiters, and lacks true raglan sleeves. I also found the corduroy collar to be quite floppy and cheaply made compared to the Beaufort.
This is in no way saying the Ashby and Bristol are bad jackets over all. If you only want a cool jacket to wear for a year or two and high cost and low design-quality are no issue for you then these are your jackets. If you want practical features, high design-quality but don’t mind a broadly cut jacket that you will want to keep and wear for decades then the Bedale/Beauforts are for you.

[InTheHoose]

Great comparison- one thing I think you missed on the collars is that Ashby has a finer almost “needle” cord versus the classic which has thicker “elephant” cord - in some contexts that makes the Ashby a better choice for a more refined look in office or business use.

[BrutalTurtle]

holy damn this video is perfect. everything i needed to know with no fluff. thanks mate

[Graeme]

The reason the Ashby feels less robust is that it is made of a different material. The Ashby is Sylkoil, the Bedale is waxed cotton. Although Sylkoil is also waxed cotton the unwaxed fabric has a much softer feel than the stiffer cotton used in the Bedale. This is down to the different finishing process, the Bedale is pressed and heated to make it more consistent and stiffer. This is actually a major difference between the two, they feel completely different.

[GraffitiZert]

A video perfectly suited to my needs. Thank you so much!

[counterhit]

Perfect video. I went down the Barbour rabbit hole today after trying some jackets on at Macys and Orvis. Really liked the Ashby but didnt want to commit to $400+ on the spot without doing some research. Found out about the Beaufort/Bedale/Ashby synergy and the more I looked into it, the more my choice seemed to boil down to Bedale vs Ashby. Watched some other vids much less helpful until I stumbled across yours (I actually subscribed to you over for your vids on the Omega 3520.50 which I'm pleased to still spot in your vids). Your explaining your size and measurements was also very helpful too as I am similar build.

[PatrickDuganOFFICIAL]

These are great reviews. Very detailed and comprehensive. Just got an Ashby myself, and love my International.

[davidstott]

Hi Olaf
Good video. I have previously owned a bedale. Recently bought another from Barbour outlet store which was sold as a classic bedale. However there are no internal cuffs in the sleeves and it definitely feels lighter (previous one was thorn proof whereas this is sylkoil)
Nowhere inside the jacket does it say the style of jacket or where it is made. Have you come across a bedale with these characteristics before?

[MrBazH]

Great comparison. However, for us Brits, the pronunciation of 'Bidale' grates on the nerves somewhat. It's BEE-dale after a town in North Yorkshire. Also, the Ashby (which I have) is designed among other things, for horse riding, hence the shorter length, back vents and the polyamide dripstrip.

[ChristianStCyr]

I know this video is a bit old but I just wanted to let you know it really helped me out selecting the Bedale. I just got my jacket in this weekend and I'm really happy with it. All your clothing reviews are great. Thanks!

[kinslowrainer]

Hi! I've watched a number of your Barbour videos. They're very well done and very informative. I have a question if you don't mind. Are the collars on these two jackets the same? I mean are they the same thickness, width, and material? Thanks!

[helloitsjerald]

I just watched most of your Barbour videos. Just want to thank you for the content! All the info has helped me decide which jacket to go with for my first Barbour!

[faisolmfc]

I am 5'7" and bought a Classic Bedale recently, being inspired by one of your videos. I actually went for the Lutz, but C36 fits perfect on my chest (i have broad shoulders), and C34 was a bit constricted. With the thought of layering underneath during cold winters (I live in Glasgow), I bought the C36. Great review as always Olaf.

[guillaumetau]

Nice video
For a first Barbour, would recommend to go for an Ashby or a Bedale ?

[BicMacAndChips]

Really great video. I'm young, and was set on getting the Bristol, but at heart I'm more mature, and so now I really really like the Bedale. Thanks!

[russellpotts]

Great comparison video. Im a chest 41 and was wondering which size is best the 40 or 42 Im 5'10" Im wondering if the 42 will be a taller mans jacket. I was considering the Ashby but now Im going for the Bedale

[kerrythomas]

Just found your site and love to vlogs on the Barbour jackets. ( I own 3, all classics.) Keep up the good work.

[yetanothert]

This is exactly what I was looking for, very informative. Thx

[nicola.turotti]

Thank you for your review: it is quite helpful!
One question: is the color of your Bedale "Sage"? On different websites, the Bedales sold appear to be darker. Did you notice any difference over the years in terms of production/quality?
Cheers,
Nick

[mattmurdoch]

Looks like the Bedale has shorter length arms? I tried an Ashby on and sleeves were long for me but body wise the fit was good

[nigelmoscrop]

It's pronounced Beeedale, I live near Bedale, the Ashbury looks a lot smarter on you, a more tailored fit, where the Bedale is more a farm yakkers coat for the strong cold winds and rain ont moor, tending sheep and fixing fences . You do a great presentation there, and they both look good on you, cheers !