How to Wear a Barbour Jacket

Posted in Daily Outfits, Fashion.

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I’ve lived in Yorkshire for 27 years but surprisingly, have never owned a wax jacket (or a flat cap or a ferret, stereotype fans!). I remember my granddad’s – creased with use, smelling strongly of wax, worn when out walking in the bitterest of weather. A wax jacket – or more specifically, a Barbour jacket – is the staple of the traditional Yorkshireman, but it’s only recently that the brand has enjoyed a rather fashionable revival.

British heritage is huge right now, and Barbour is up there with Hunter as a classic brand coming back into the mainstream. Collaborations with Liberty and William Morris and sightings on celebs like Kate Moss and Alexa Chung mean Barbour has found a place with the fash pack, as the countryside coat du jour. 

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Over the past year I’ve developed a slight obsession with British heritage brands (first Hunter, then Mulberry) and a classic Barbour wax jacket has been on my wishlist for some time. So my day was made when Barbour contacted me about working together, offering to send me a jacket of my choice. I went for a style from the Liberty collection (of course, I mean… look at it!) – the Liberty Beadnall in Olive Forest Floral.

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It hasn’t been off my back since the day it arrived at my studio (amid much cooing and stroking from my fellow Duke Studios residents… male and female). It’s one of the most versatile jackets I’ve ever owned – keeping me warm when the wind’s blowing but not suffocating me when the sun shines. The muted olive colour goes with everything and that flash of Liberty print… sigh. True love right here, my friends.

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Jeans, Levi’s | Jumper, French Connection | Jacket, c/o Barbour | Scarf, Somerset by Alice Temperley c/o John Lewis | Flats, c/o Jane Shilton | Necklace, ASOS | Sunglasses, Jigsaw (prescription)

Despite gracing the world’s most fashionable shoulders, the Barbour jacket is still quite a practical piece, and it’d be easy to wind up looking a bit farmer-esque while wearing it. But with a spot of simple styling, it looks far more chic than… sheep.

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I noticed this glorious wooded path while driving to the car boot sale last weekend, so Rob and I nipped back with the camera the next day to take these photos. Leopard print flats are definitely not the most suitable footwear for slightly soggy tracks, and we did get a few odd looks from dog walkers… but it was worth it, as I love how Rob’s photos came out.

As for the outfit, my favourite denims paired with a classic striped sweater and the aforementioned flats rather than wellies (or – god forbid – hiking boots) work for city shopping as well as countryside rambles. Although I concede that hiking boots are probably better for the latter.

What do you think of the classic Barbour wax jacket? Would you wear one? And if so, how would you style it?

You may have noticed those two fluffy friends in the sidebar – Barbour are currently hosting a Christmas Competition with different prizes on offer every week, including £500 to spend with the brand. For a chance to win, read the deets here and look out for those sheep… wherever they’re hiding!

38 Comments

Lauren

Funny how a lot of Yorkshire and Scottish stereotypes are the same! I love the nostalgic smell of a Barbour, as my dad has worn them his whole life. I think it just looks best like you’ve done it- jeans and flat shoes. If your shoes are too clumpy it’ll be mannish (and not in a cool, androgynous way). Congrats on your gorgeous new jacket- I’m sure it’ll last years and years. x

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OhSoRosie

I live in Shropshire and I see a lot of people around wearing them, I guess they really do go hand-in-hand with countryside living! I’d love to own one but sadly I can’t quite justify the cost on a student budget 🙁 xx

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Helen

My Mum has always had a barbour so I kind of associate it with ‘Mum-chic’ haha. I don’t think they are quite for me but maybe if I was more outdoorsy. She has had some fab customer service off them though, she sent it off last year to get a small rip patched up. Definitely worth the investment!

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Jamilah

Wow, that jacket is absolutely beautiful, especially the lining, and you’ve styled it wonderfully 🙂 x

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Sarah @ The Fat Girl Fighting

Having worked for Barbour for 5 years to pay my way through college and University I can tell you that you have a great investment and I adore mine. So good, and comfy and I love that they don’t smell any-more either! Just make sure you look after it! Its a while away but will need rewaxing in about 12-18 Months. When starts to feel a bit dry, shoulders usually first place to go. Okay practical speech over ha. Looks amazing on you!! I love the liberty prints they are so pretty! S xx

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Jen

Thanks, Harriet! The photos came out nicely, didn’t they? Just shows how much better my posts would be if I had a full-time photo boyfriend following me around, rather than a tripod and a brick wall! 😀 x

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Scarlett

One of my friend’s has the same coat and I’m incredibly jealous of the gorgeous print on the lining – it’s so British and wonderful and… ahh, words can’t even describe it xx

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Sue

I did a post recently on my Barbour jacket saying it was the uniform of North Yorkshire school mums (please don’t take that the wrong way). I think mine is the Kate jacket and also has a Liberty print lining. I styled mine in the classic cliche manner of pairing with the Hunters and a Barbour scarf in a bit of a jokey way but I was quite surprised how many comments I got on that post.

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Jen

Hi Sue,

No offence taken at all! Just checked out your post, love how you styled the Barbour! I suppose Barbour and Hunter do have that ‘country yummy mummy’ appeal but they’ve been boosted by fashionable types like Kate and Alexa. It’s all just a careful balancing act! 🙂

Tip for showing off the Liberty print lining – wear it open. I never zip mine up, just wear a chunky scarf to keep my front warm and let the lining fly free 🙂

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charl

oooo is it really wrong to be jealous over a coat!!..im literally sat here looking at your pics green with envy!!
its beautiful..i love the print lining and the quality of the jacket is jumping out at me… tres beautiful and i love your styling of it
love the idea of wearing it over a pretty tea dress and thick mulberry tights and smart brogues aswell…
(just off to weep at my non ownership now!!!)

charl
x

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Jen

It’d look great with a tea dress and tights, Charl – thanks for the style inspiration! Know what I’m wearing this weekend 🙂 x

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glampunksuicide

These pictures are lovely and the coat looks fantastic!

I bought a Beadnell Barbour around 18months ago similar to yours but with the traditional lining. I bought it for going walking at weekends and I have to say its not been very good. Despite being very waxy, its not waterproof and definitely not wind proof! I’ve now had to resort to a coat from Decathlon for walking and the Barbour is strictly for fashion!!

Leanne x

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Jen

Hi Leanne,

What a shame! I wonder if it’s worth contacting Barbour about this? I’ve never heard a complaint about the jackets before and mine is definitely waterproof, and very warm too. Their customer service has a stellar reputation and everyone I’ve spoken to has been fab, so maybe worth an email? Hope you get it sorted x

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Anonymous

Hi Leanne,

I work for Barbour and we’re really sorry to hear about your disatisfaction with your jacket – it sounds very strange that it isn’t waterproof. Please can you call us on 0191 455 4444 and ask to speak to one of our Customer Services Team? We can then have the jacket back for inspection to see if we can help.

Best wishes,
Sarah

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Gem

I love my Barbour beadham jacket but I have no idea how to clean the lining without damaging the wax. I took it to loads of festivals this summer and the cuffs are a but grubby now and I want to show the lovely lining off. Might give Barbour a call because I can’t get a good answer online.
I wear mine to work like this http://www.fatfrocks.com/2012/07/barbour.html because it’s always raining in South Wales.

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Home of Fashion

Yes definitely love the Barbour brand, their jackets look good and nothing beats being warm and dry especially with the UK weather being as it is at the moment. The Liberty collaboration is fab too infact just featured a hat from it in a gift guide I have written.

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Anonymous

Please for the love of Gary Barlow and the orphans, change your tag line from “fashion for the skint yet stylish”

Hunter, Mulberry, Barbour?! Are you trying to be ironic? Unless you mean “skint” as a result of indulging in said purchases? Though bankruptcy of epidemic proportions wouldn’t float my boat in order to merely prove/advertise my “British Heritage”. Oddly enough, I’ve lived in Liverpool all my life and have never worn a shell suit…brb, off to prove my Scouse heritage.

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Jen

Hey Anon,

You’re absolutely right – I need to change the tag line. It’s been on my to do list for months but I haven’t got round to it… but it’s definitely not an accurate reflection of the content any more.

I do think you’ve cherry picked slightly, though… granted, I mention all three brands here but my wardrobe still mostly consists of budget high street and second hand clothing! If anything, it’s the makeup and skincare that’ll bankrupt me…

Point taken though. Although not sure I get the one about ‘British Heritage’ – I’m a Yorkshire girl through and through but you’d never see me in a flat cap. I’m glad to hear you’re not the shell suit type, though.

Jen

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Kirstie McK

I was so happy to see this post, I am a Barbour-a-holic myself and wear my mothers circa 1984 (re-waxed several times now). so handy to throw on, mine lives in my car with the wellies just in case. It’s amzing how good design lasts several liftimes.

XxX

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Anonymous

HI Just wondered what type of bag you would recommend to go with the jacket? I had one for Christmas (the jacket!) and was given some money that I wanted to spend on a bag to complement my jacket!

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Anonymous

Hi,
Just wondered if you’re still happy with your Barbour? I’ve just bought an identical one, but as it’s quite an outlay financially, I just want to make sure I’ve made the right choice. Do you only wear it with jeans or with skirts and dresses too?
Thanks x

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Oliver

Lovely jacket and great for any weather. I’ve purchased a similar Barbour jacket from O&C Butcher recently and was really impressed with it

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Julie

This looks lovely what size is it as wondering whether to get size up?

Thank you!

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Jen

Hi Julie, it’s a size 12 but they are quite roomy – I’d say go for your regular size if you want to wear thick jumpers underneath or size down if you want it more fitted. Hope that helps!

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