BARBOUR WAXED COTTON JACKET - 12-MONTHS OWNERSHIP REVIEW

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It has been a full year since I received this beautiful Barbour waxed cotton jacket as a 50th birthday gift. It is fair to say it has dominated my wardrobe ever since, as it is both practical and stylish for everyday use.

In this video I offer my thoughts on this garment after a full year of ownership.

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Equipment used in this filming of this video (Amazon links):

[jcdawg]

Excellent video. I am in the state of Georgia in the U.S. and our climate, while much warmer than the UK, is generally quite wet and cool (lows in the 20s to 40s F in winter) in late fall, winter and early spring. I first became aware of an developed an interest in Barbour jackets about 30 years ago when I saw them in a catalogue from a high end outdoor clothing company. I did not see one in person for quite some time after that. I assume that was because of the novelty and high price compared to the nylon/Gore tex jackets that were dominating the market at that time. I finally pulled the trigger and purchased my first Barbour about 20 years ago, a Classic Beaufort. About 5 years ago I purchased a Bedale Thornproof and another Beaufort in Thornproof. I have greatly enjoyed all three.

After 20 years of Barbour ownership, here are my thoughts for what they are worth:

The Beaufort is a great everyday jacket. It is a little longer than the Bedale so if worn over a sport coat or tweed jacket it covers the length completely. I bought the zip in plush lining and that makes the jacket more than warm enough for temperatures down into the 20s. The zip in lining can also be worn as a vest as it has pockets. The game pouch in the back of the Beaufort provides a great place to carry a scarf or even a light sweater. I also like the fact the sleeves are not gusseted so they don't push shirt sleeves up when you put the jacket on. I leave the liner zipped into the Classic Beaufort and wear it when I will be out in colder weather. The unlined Thornproof Beaufort is excellent for general wear and is fine for temperatures in the 40s and 50s without a sweater (jumper) underneath. With a wool sweater, any Barbour jacket is fine for temperatures into the 20s.

The Bedale is a better looking jacket when worn. It is definitely designed for equestrian use and the features bear that out. It is shorter and the vented back (to allow the back to fit over a saddle when riding) and no game pouch on the rear makes for a more tailored look. The gusseted sleeves are warmer in that they don't allow air to blow up the arms of the jacket (a great feature when riding) but they are somewhat annoying to me when I first put the jacket on and have to pull my sleeves back down because the gussets push them up. Both styles have the hand warmer pockets that are placed higher on the body and that pocket location makes for a comfortable fit and also lets water run off the elbow before it runs down into the pocket if you are in the rain. The lower, storage type pockets are perfect for gloves, keys, a small flashlight (torch), etc..

As to rewaxing; I generally send my jackets back to Barbour for minor repairs like holes, small tears, etc. every three years or so. In between trips back to Barbour I will rewax areas of the jacket that have lost enough wax that they are beginning to look very light. I also rewax the seams on the shoulders as that is generally the first place you will notice leaking.

As a friend and fellow Barbour jacket and I say "There are Barbour jackets and then there are other lesser jackets". I will have and wear my Barbour jackets until I die and then I will pass them on to my family.

[jonbsimon]

Great review. I had my first Barbour jacket at 16. It was the Beaufort. I’m now in my 50s and have just ordered a Sapper and an Ashby Barbour jacket. Timeless pieces and great value for money👍🇬🇧

[briandubal]

Just discovered you a few months ago Ash and I am binge-watching my way thru your videos. Love the content and your style! I've had my Beaufort for 16+ years - it's been rewaxed and repaired a few times - but simply the best jacket to wear in Western Oregon from October thru April. As a civil engineer, I frequently am outside in the rain on construction sites, wading through brambles on an un-developed piece of land, or trying to discern a stormwater mystery. Hands down - nothing beats a Barbour if you have to be outdoors in the rain for very long. Thanks for another great video!

[jpwilliams]

I’m glad you liked it! I’ll buy you another one for your 100th birthday!

[ianarcher]

I've had a Barbour Beaufort for 2 years. Totally agree about your thoughts on its applications. I use my full weight mountaineering jacket for climbing but more than happy for the Barbour when I'm out in the fields with the dog. Its perfect for walking in the countryside. I know if it gets damaged I can get it repaired. As you say if its torrential all day them its not the best but most of the time fine. Like you I've also worn it to work over my suit jacket. I found the customer service excellent. I sent it off after 6 months to have the sleeves shortened. They contacted me, apologising saying the noticed that it's a fairly new one and the finish is not what they would expect after 6 months. They shorted the arms on a brand new one and sent them both back to me. I gave the old one to my brother and there is nothing really wrong with it. As a result of that I have now bought several other items from them. It's nice to support a British brand too.

[mohawkdriver]

I was a career intelligence officer in the US Army and I once read that MI5 and MI6 favored these jackets, so I had to have one. I found my Bedale on eBay and found that the seller was in Ukraine. The jacket arrived and I was pleasantly surprised at how nice it was. I rewaxed it and as you said, I wear it with a vest or sweater under it and have been comfortable in the weather conditions here in North West Washington. I have two Northface Goretex jackets that are now relegated to the back of my closer. I have several military jackets, including leather flight jackets that I now wear only infrequently. Thanks for this evaluation. Oh, forgot that my wife gave me a matching hood for Christmas.

[PREPFORIT]

Thank you.
I have one in my closet. A friend gave me several coats and jackets as he was moving to a very hot country.
Now I know the name of it. nice review.

[alexxfreedom]

Invested in a barbour jacket in September. Fantastic jacket, worn it throughout my time in the UK this year. Now I wear it whilst I'm in the falklands. Brilliant with our rain and heavy wind.

[ryanstark]

Waxed cotton is still used by Fjallraven for their trousers and those are very popular because the material breathes well.

I steer clear of Barbour jackets because I do photography and any wax residue on hands etc is bad news. However, I have recently been trying to find decent casual cotton shirts and Barbour's are excellent. The best I found.

[rossclark]

Good video Ash. Please keep up with the ‘one year on’ reviews. It’s good to learn if things really live up to early promise.

[johnharmon]

Just bought a Barbour/Orvis jacket at a thrift store. Brand new, $80. They had a lot of Orvis clothing, with the new tags still on it. Must have cleared the winter clothing out.

[QV]

I wanted a Barbour for a long time and when I earned the money for one, I got the Ogston for it’s cut and leather elbow patches. After about 5 months or so I wanted to try waxing myself just to learn what to do and not. Well I leaned I should melt the wax a bit longer and had to use a hairdryer to complete the job( still has some wax on itself) and made a bit of a mess. Lost some of that patina but gained experience on how to do it better next time. I love my Barbour it is good for fall and warmer winter where I live, this is one of the items I have that I want to passed down to someone if possible. You should do another 1 year update on yours. Unfortunately RIP prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth Barbour can no longer use their royal warrants coat of arms which is gonna be weird to see Barbour with only one when it was normally 3.

[Philo]

How funny. Both my Barbour jackets were swiped when I was in the military!
I have no friends as nice as yours so alas, I remain Barbour free.
I may just take the plunge and buy another - they’re like an old friend who looks after you.
It’ll NEVER come off my back when I’m in the pub though!

[grayhamdamerell-hinds]

Good review i wore my barbour corbridge in the autumn and winter for 4 yrs straight while running a homeless outreach never let me down

[Agerskiold]

Great episode ! A great jacket in the in between seasons 👍🏻 It also helps the look with a pair of good leather gloves 👌🏼

[COLDMKULTRA]

I have owned several Barbour jackets for over 30 years now. I generally send them off to Barbour for re-waxing and maintenance every 5 years. (contrary to their advice!)
The jackets now have that fantastic patina that everyone strives for.
To achieve this, wear the jackets in all conditions, expose them to daylight as much as possible ... within a few years, you will have that classic worn in Barbour look.
BTW ... I got Barbour to fit the leather cuff protectors on my jackets ... well worth the money.

[thetomasloretta]

Happy 51st birthday! You must put a link for those gloves also. I’ve never seen a color so rich. The jacket is fantastic! The maintenance is a bit much, but if only once yearly that’s not too cumbersome.

[RemyNiemand]

Another splendid video Ash. I'd love to own a Barbour jacket but unfortunately I live in South East Asia where the heat is stifling year round.

[arthurcatalanotto]

I look forward to seeing that jacket in five years.

[waltski]

Happy Anniversary on your ownership of a wonderful jacket!
I purchased a Barbour Border jacket and have found it fits my needs for foul weather, whether it be a suburban or city setting. For cooler days, I wear a tweed jacket or some other form of layering beneath. ~ Cheers!