The Barbour Ashby Waxed Jacket. Fit, Features and Are They Worth The Hype?

After the 4 season ad campaign Barbour was running on Netflix, otherwise known as The Crown, a lot of folks are kitting themselves out with a wax cotton jacket. But are they worth the hype surrounding them?

In this video, I take a look at the Barbour Ashby and we find out why this model could be better than the other popular Beaufort or Bedele for most of us out there.

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[DangeRoss_]

Once you have a game pocket, you question why every jacket doesn’t have one. Not for pheasants but it’s just huge and really practical

[Mugtree]

Bought one last year. Why did I not have one sooner. I live in the thing ❤

[GNZOU]

What I like about Barbour is while they make a few more modern looking clothing items, their basic formula for their regular jackets hasn't changed that dramatically, they found something timeless and practical and people still buy them because of their reputation rather than any new fad factor.
I've got a waxed quilted jacket that was an exclusive design Barbour did for John Lewis, it's great for colder weather and it's so good I'm definitely picking up one of their larger jackets with the large pockets and storm sleeves.

[rubbadubdub]

I think the brown corduroy collar and cuffs are partly because the jacket will never be washed - they won’t show up grease and dirt so much!
Great review, thanks for posting.

[Vow]

I chose the lightweight Ashby. Super jacket, and after a couple of years with it, I couldn’t be happier. I’ve sent it in for a minor repair and rewax, which is an excellent service.

[jimcowan]

Just got an Ashby. Absolutely love it. Totally agree with everything you say. I went for a size up to accommodate suit jacket underneath, but it works great with just a shirt and jumper because of the cut/fit and it hangs great. Your vid was one that helped me choose over the Bedale and Beaufort. Thanks man 👍

[runrundmc]

I recommend that women take a look at the Ashby when shopping for a Barbour jacket. I am 5’10/medium framed and I find the women’s jacket sleeves are too short. Also, the underarm is cut quite high and the shoulders are too narrow across the back for a good range of movement, or allow for a lot of layering underneath. The cut of the Ashby makes for a great slim but still roomy cut for women. My only problem with the Ashby is the polyester lining on the sleeves. I live in the Mid-Atlantic US, and the humidity even in winter turns the arms of that jacket into a sauna. Barbour will replace the lining in the sleeves with the tartan lining for a small fee, so I will be sending it back to them this summer to be redone.

FYI - My guess is that the small flap at the base of the zipper is most likely meant to help prevent you catching your sweater or shirt into the zip when you zip up. A full length one is meant as a wind/weather barrier, but it isn’t necessary (and would add bulk) on a jacket that already has an exterior flap, so a short "mangle guard" like this would make sense. As a repeat sweater mangler, I like it!

Others further down in the comments have mentioned they see a quality difference between the Ashby and the jackets made in England. I personally don’t. My husband got a Bedale on the same trip I got the Ashby, and we already have 2 Burghley’s from the 80’s. I looked at all of them together, and the Ashby had all of the same materials and traditional finishing details, used the same weight thread, and all the seams were stitched evenly and smoothly/corners were turned nicely and fabric grain was straight on all panels. The only difference was that the Ashby used more stitches per inch on the shoulder and side seams (the same number that is used on all seams but the shoulder/side seams across all the models I have). This could be a machining issue that is specific to that factory, or just a style issue specific to the design of the Ashby. Either way, I don't see a difference in quality, but I guess I'll know for sure in 10 years or so.

[therealdonelaitis]

I live in Seattle where everyone, and I mean EVERYONE, wears techie jackets, so I found your takedown of them hilarious. I love my Ashby - like you said, perfect to wear from the office to the pub.

[blueband]

Well just to show off, my barbour inside pocket is brass press stud closure. I find biggest downside is the nylon lined sleeves, any exertion= sweaty arms. Wish they had just lined sleeves with same tartan cotton as the body. No idea what model mine is but its 8oz beeswax cotton outer, and moleskin collar.

[SensiblyYours]

Great review ..kindly let me know if this jacket will be enough for cold conditions (not cool but cold ) esp while undertaking long distance rides .
Thanks!

[JmanUK]

I have a black Barbour Ashby and love it bit less farmer than the olive 😂 also recently acquired an orvis waxed Harrington which was a good find, love a wax jacket.

[steveb]

Ive got the Beacon Sports jacketbut ive been fancying a black Ashby. Mine is a large and is very fitted, you look a big guy, what size is your jacket? Very detailed review, well done.

[stevemccann]

I’ve got the Valley jacket which is quilted with hood and a little like the old parka jackets. It’s waterproof and toasty in the winter especially with a light fleece underneath.

[aaron___]

What would be your footwear choice if you lived in an area that was wet and snowy? 6:22 that flap most likely is to prevent stagging the zipper on your sweater or shirt when you open or close the jacket using the bottom zipper.

[WyvernX_]

What size are you wearing and whats your height/weight?

[Username-zd]

Where are the ashbys manufactured? China or Eastern Europe?

[aitornavarro]

American here, I have an Ashby in olive and Bedale in Navy in my collection. I use the Ashby when I want to dress smart for country pursuits and the Ashby more for city life.

[chrishurley]

Thanks for the in-depth. Travelling into Sydney in a couple of days to the only place you can pick up a Barbour out here! They have these in my size, my only concern is how they cope in a warmer climate, as have heard the vents in the arms 16:17 are just for show and don’t go through to the inside of the jacket?

[MrPerrogaton]

Hi, I have more than a dozen Barbours and my favorite are Ashby and Reelin.

[markodell]

20 years in on a Gordon lined Beaufort this year. Been back home twice for repairs and re-wax. It has just gotten better with age. Picked up a new one last summer at a very good price, haven't even worn it yet though as a tall guy its sleeves and body is a bit longer than the original one. Are there better jackets? Probably but none that allude so much charm.