It’s coming into Barbour season – some of the best days of the year. Barbour is one of the few brands that fits the ‘fix it, don’t replace it’ mentality that is prevalent on this blog. I have a couple Barbours, and will never wear anything else. Nothing ages like the waxed cotton of a Barbour, and reproofing keeps it on track for it’s nine lives. Don’t have one yet? What are you waiting for?
A Jacket for Life from Tin Man Films UK on Vimeo.
Really wish I could find a nice 42 on eBay but too many people are looking for the same thing
I’ve had mine since ’93, and it’s in terrible shape. But Barbour’s going to fix it back good as new–for almost as much as a new one. But who could just toss away all those memories?
Does anyone have any comments on whether to go with a Beaufort or the Bedale? Is one more versatile than the other? I know the Bedale is a shorter cut and can’t decide which I would prefer. Is it too short to wear over a sport coat?
Any opinions would be appreciated.
I have two. One is 20+ years old and tattered from wearing it riding and foxhunting. I wear it as is. I do re-wax it, but those holes are my battle scars! My husband bought me a new one last year to wear around town. It still feels too new though. For those looking on ebay, it’s best to check in the summer. There are far less people looking in the heat of the summer and you can find a great deal.
Jeff-I’d got for the Beaufort. The Bedale is the coat they cut to ride horses in, and it’s made just to rest on the back of the saddle. IMO, too short for a gentleman to wear over a sport coat.
Hey Jeff – This is a good reference for the Bedale vs Beaufort question: http://onwardreserve.com/the-gazette/advice-opinion/barbour-primer
I have two as well – an old Border and a fairly new Beaufort. Love them both but for very different reasons. I have no real connection with the Beaufort yet. No real memories have been made wearing it yet. But if the Border could talk – what stories! I am wearing it in the first portrait my wife (then my fiance) and I ever sat for. I remember bundling up my infant son (now 6) under it in a Snuglee and going to get our first Christmas tree as a family. At this point it is beaten pretty well to hell. Not so bad that it isn’t wearable but not something I throw on to wear to work over a suit. Looking forward to having it for a long time and starting to break in the Beaufort shortly. The best part is that my 6 year-old asked me the other day if I thought I’d still have the coat when he is big enough to wear it, and I am confident that I will!
Thanks for the advice everyone. I think I will go with the Beaufort.
That Onward Reserve comparison is on point, except I recommend Sage over Olive.
I’m about 5’7″ so I like the shorter Bedale for wearing without a sport coat. The Beaufort obviously is needed for wearing over a jacket. I agree that the sage/olive is the classic look, but I have found that I enjoy having an olive Beaufort and navy bedale. I also like to just wear a fleece vest under them for layering instead of the liners that Barbour sells.
Just ordered the new Burnell. Supposed to have a more relaxed fit than the Beaufort and a stand collar.
Ready to break it in with some Quail blood and Georgia pine.
I’ve owned a Barbour jacket since the 80s! They are great in vintage state!
Jeff, don’t get the Bedale unless you’re too short for a Beaufort. The Beaufort is a little long on me (I’m maybe 5’9″) but a Bedale is too short for my liking. Better to err on the side of a Beaufort if you’re in that range if you ask me. If you’re any taller than that, a Bedale looks girly as can be. Either way, you’ll be pleased with your purchase. Great-looking coat that can take all kinds of abuse.
Thanks to everyone for comments and for liking A Jacket for Life. Much appreciated!
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Jan and Magali
When I was in London this summer, a friend led me to a stall in Camden Market. I forgot the name, but it specializes in vintage outerwear. They had a very nice selection of used Barbours, and I walked away with a Beaufort in excellent condition for roughly $90. I took it to an official Barbour store, and one of the employees suspected that it Is at least 30 years old. He also admitted that the materials used on these older Barbours are superior than today’s. Upon my arrival back in the US, I sent it to New England Reproofers (highly recommended) for a rewaxing, and now it has become my favorite jacket. Can’t beat that.
I assume if I wear a 43R sport coat that I should go with a 44 Beaufort over a 42? I have a 42.5 chest.