Barn coats are shaping up to be one of the biggest outerwear trends of the year, which has prompted more than one friend to reach out asking me, their unofficial shopping guru, whether or not it’s worth investing in a Barbour coat. The British brand, beloved by the royal family for decades, has become something of a sartorial status symbol—the ultimate barn coat, if you will. That said, these stylish-yet-practical jackets do not come cheap. So are they really worth the hype? I’m here to tell you, for better or worse, the answer is a resounding yes. Read on for my honest review of the classic Barbour Beaufort barn coat and what to consider before you add one to your shopping cart.
Are Barbour Coats Worth the Hype? Here Are My Honest Thoughts as a Fashion Editor and Outdoor Enthusiast
A review of the royal favorite
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Published Oct 24, 2024
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Abby Hepworth for PureWow
I’ll start with the aesthetics. Wearing this jacket makes me feel like a moody groundskeeper prowling the moors of Scotland in all the best ways. The dark olive hue is a fabulous neutral that goes with just about everything in my wardrobe, but has far more character than basic black or navy. (P.S. It also comes in black, navy and brown if you do prefer a more traditional neutral hue.) And the waxed cotton material has enough heft to feel sturdy and warm, without actually weighing me down. That, plus a flannel lining and wax coating on the outer shell, makes this coat a real all-star in inclement weather. I’ve worn it through torrential downpours, light drizzles and at least one freak hailstorm and found it kept me warm, dry and comfortable though it all.
The Beaufort was originally designed for men, but modern versions have more of a unisex appeal, with a slightly oversize fit that perfectly straddles the line between slouchy and frumpy. The silhouette achieves that effortlessly chic look I am constantly striving for, without any effort on my part. I will say, however, that this silhouette can be a bit overwhelming on petite frames. My sister, who is 5’4”, often laments having to roll up the sleeves, which runs the risk of catching rain inside the cuffs. If you want something with a slimmer fit, the Beadnell ($398) has many of the same impressive features, but is designed for women with a shorter length and torso that fits closer to the body for a more streamlined look.
Speaking of impressive features, buckle up, dear reader, because there are a lot of incredible specs and details built into each and every Barbour design, including the Beaufort.
This classic barn coat has two deep side pockets, both lined with cozy flannel, to keep my hands warm and dry, but on top of that it also has two flap pockets with snap closures to better protect my essentials from rain, and a secret zippered pocket just behind the snap placket for any truly precious items you want to keep hidden. In writing this review I discovered there is also a full-width, waterproof pocket across the back that I had simply never noticed. (As a New Yorker, there is truly nothing more thrilling than stumbling upon additional storage space you knew nothing about.)
There are also waterproof inner cuffs with Velcro patches you can adjust to fit snuggly on your wrists to prevent water from seeping through, or leave loose to facilitate air flow. The front closes with a two-way zipper—the top pull has a large, circular design that’s super easy to use, even if you’re wearing heavy gloves or mittens—as well as a snap placket. And while I find the flannel lining that covers body the body and arms of the Beaufort jacket to be plenty warm for most weather, you can also invest in an additional vest liner that zips right into the torso. As for keeping your face warm, the signature corduroy collar has a hidden cotton flap that can snap across your chin, allowing the collar to stand up and around your neck as yet another weather-repelling feature. And much like the removable zip-in vest, there is also the option to snap a full waterproof hood onto your coat to pull over your head. You see what I mean about an abundance of cool features?
What I Like
- weather resistant
- super durable
- lots of pockets
- unisex design
What I Don’t Like
- high price point
- not machine washable
Barbour
If all that goodness still has you on the fence, perhaps this one last detail will help seal the deal on adding a Barbour coat to your outerwear collection: I have owned and worn my Beaufort jacket for nearly eight years and it still looks and feels as wonderful as the day I got it. The durability is truly so impressive. And while the wax coating is expected to fade over time, it’s actually very easy to reapply yourself to ensure you’re still getting maximum weather protection year after year.
“I've been wearing Barbours for 15-plus years...I love the brand,” raves Wellness Director Sarah Stiefvater. “I currently cycle through three styles: a vest, a midi-length coat from the Barbour x Ganni collab (new styles dropping soon) and a classic waxed jacket—my dad's from the '80s that he ever so generously passed down to me. These jackets LAST. They're well worth the price and, in my opinion, only look better with age.”
That legendary durability and timeless appeal is also what inspired Senior Editor of Branded Content Kelsey Paine to invest in her first Barbour coat this year. “I needed a new coat that was timeless, could go with anything and was, most importantly, durable,” she explains. “Plus, my fiancé has one and I've always admired it on him. The jacket has a substantial but satisfying weight to it and the quality feels amazing, if slightly tacky on the hands—thanks to the waterproof wax coating. I also love the huge pockets and corduroy collar. I can't wait to put it to the test during what's sure to be an unpredictable NYC winter and do my best blue-blood-in-the-English-countryside impression.”
FAST FACTS
- Size Range: UK men’s 34 to 52
- Materials: 100 percent waxed cotton outer with flannel lining and corduroy collar
- Care Instructions: do not wash, sponge clean only
Bottom Line: Is the Barbour Beaufort Wax Jacket Worth the Splurge?
Though my credit card may not like it, investing in a Barbour coat is definitely worth it, in my opinion. When you combine all the practical details—the weather proofing, the ample pockets, the adjustable fit—with the timeless design, it becomes very clear that this is a piece you’ll love and wear not just for one season, but for decades to come. And while I will happily wax poetic (pun very much intended) about the classic Beaufort, there are also so many fabulous designs to choose from that offer all the same techy specs and enduring style.
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