A Forever Coat

I’ve never been a serious fashionista, but last summer I began to catch the bug. I had come across a cute fashion blogger named Sarah, who blogs at Classy Girls Wear Pearls.  I subscribed to her blog posts and over the past year while reading her blog, I began to learn about so many clothing brands and stores I’d never heard of before.

Finding Sarah’s blog has put a bit of a dent in my wallet, but in a good way. My wardrobe definitely needed some expanding, especially in the area of winter clothing. I already had a lot of summer shirts and skirts, but I had very few outfits or clothing options for winter.

What I especially love about Sarah’s blog and the brands she features is though many of the clothes she wears are not inexpensive, most are the kind you buy and wear forever. No, seriously…forever! Unless they shrink hanging in the closet, like my clothes occasionally do, (have no idea how that happens!) the styles and brands she blogs about are classic and timeless.

I don’t mind spending a little more for a sweater or coat if I know it will be in style forever and I’ll probably still be wearing it for years to come. I’d much rather have a few really quality pieces in my closet that I love, than a closet full of clothes I’ll be donating or tossing after a season or two when they are faded, worn or no longer in style.

Barbour Beadnell Wax Jacket

Sarah Vickers, Classy Girls Wear Pearls

 

 

After seeing the coat in several posts, I decided to investigate further. What was it that was so special about this waxed coat from Barbour? And what the heck is a “waxed” coat anyway?

What I learned was pretty amazing. Barbour has been making their waxed coats and jackets in the coastal town of South Shields (England) since 1894. The outer part of the coat is 100% cotton that’s been waxed in a special process Barbour does that makes the coat basically waterproof. It’s designed to keep you nice and dry in all kinds of rainy/misty weather.

These coats are so well-loved by the folks who wear them, they are often passed down from generation to generation. In fact, it’s not unusual for someone to wear their Barbour coat for 20-30 years, then send it into the Barbour factory where they repair or rebuild the coat, (if it’s been damaged or torn) taking it back to almost like-new status for future generations.

The coat Sarah and Carly have is the Barbour Beadnell, a style that’s more fitted and was designed especially for women. It comes in several colors: black, navy, sage, bark and rustic. There’s also a Classic Beadnell that’s only available in Olive.

I have a navy, wool peacoat I purchased about 12 years ago from a chain store that’s no longer in business. It’s fine for non-rainy days but doesn’t work well at all for rainy weather. So, I decided to purchase a Beadnell for those rainy days we frequently see in Georgia.

Several stores carry the Beadnell but unfortunately, by this late in the winter most stores were sold out, all except for Orvis. I ordered two (since I had no idea what size I’d need) with plans to return whichever coat didn’t fit to a nearby Orvis.

Barbour Beadnell Wax Jacket in Navy & Barbour Tartan Lining

 

I ordered a size 8 and a size 10. I usually wear either a 6 or an 8 in tops/jackets but I knew I ‘d be wearing this coat with multiple layers underneath. Since I’m so cold-natured, I normally wear a thin long-sleeve shirt, followed by a regular shirt, with a sweater over that. So I wanted a coat that would comfortably fit over all those layers. Once it arrived and I tried on both sizes, I decided the 8 was plenty big enough to work over multiple layers and drove to a nearby store to return the other coat.

Barbour Beadnell Wax Jacket, Size USA 8, UK 12, Euro 38

 

I thought I knew a lot about this coat until I returned the one I didn’t need. The associate who helped me with the return had the opportunity to tour the factory a while back and she shared some fascinating information about the coat.

I had read Barbour coats are all hand-made and are a favorite of the royal family as seen in the pictures below of Queen Elizabeth, Princess Diana and the Duchess of Cambridge-Kate Middleton, all wearing various Barbour coats. Barbour makes a lot of different styles including several quilted options like Kate is wearing below. The Barbour coat Princess Diana is wearing may be the Barbour Bedale. They make a hood that can be purchased separately for the Bedale and the Beadnell, as seen on Princess Diana’s coat.

Barbour Coats and Jackets

 

From having read and watched a few videos on YouTube about the making of Barbour coats, I knew that every single feature on the coat is designed the way it is for a reason. This is a coat that’s meant to work and work hard.

The collar is made from corduroy so it wicks water away from the face.

Corduroy Collar on Navy Barbour Beadnell Wax Jacket

 

The signature round Barbour zipper pull will serve as a bottle opener in a pinch. The associate helping me jokingly said she wore her coat to a party once and she was the most popular person at the party. She got stuck opening bottles all night long. 🙂

I forgot to take a picture of this, but the zipper unzips from both the top and bottom, so when you sit down you can easily unzip the bottom for comfort.

Barbour Beadnell Wax Jacket with Two-Way Zipper and Classic Pull

 

The pockets are designed in a “bellow” style so they can easily carry things you may need while working outdoors or while hunting. I have a huge Otter Box case on my cell phone and it completely fit inside the pocket with room to spare. The flaps keep the rain out.

Oh, almost forgot, see the slit above the pocket? That’s a “hand-warming” pocket and there’s one on each side of the coat. They are nice and deep and are lined with moleskin, which isn’t really the skin of a mole but is instead a cotton fabric that’s been sheared to create a short, soft pile on one side. Apparently, it’s called moleskin because it’s as soft as the skin of a mole. I had to look it up since I’d never heard of moleskin. 🙂 They are super warm!

Barbour Beadnell Wax Jacket With Bellow Pockets with Rounded Corners

 

I love this story: the associate who had an opportunity to tour the factory in person told me that Queen Elizabeth’s father, King George VI, liked to hunt. Whenever he returned his jacket to the Barbour factory to have it rewaxed or serviced (they recommend you have it rewaxed every 2-3 years, depending on how much you wear it) the factory would notice it had holes in the bottom of the bellow pockets. Each time they would sew in new bottoms and each time when the jacket came back for rewaxing a few years later, there were more holes cut into the bottoms of the pockets.

It turned out, King George was cutting holes into the bottom of the pockets so when he placed his shells (or whatever he was hunting with) inside the pockets, if the shells were wet from rain, he wanted the water to have a way to drain away. So, he was intentionally cutting holes into the bottoms of the pockets on his Barbour coat. At that point, Barbour started making the pockets with built-in eyelet holes for drainage.

Don’t you love that story! Everything on this coat is designed with a purpose. I love the history/heritage behind Barbour jackets!

Barbour Beadnell Wax Jacket With Bellows Pockets and Drainage Eyelets

 

There’s an interior zipper so if you live where it gets super cold, you can add a Barbour quilted vest inside. I may buy one of those at some point. I already wear so many layers during the winter, I’m not sure I’ll need it. Of course, if I had a vest, I might not need all those layers. lol

Barbour Beadnell Wax Jacket With Inside Zipper for Thermal Quilted Lining

 

This is one of my favorite features…a big pocket with a zipper closure, hidden just inside the left front panel of the jacket. It’s the perfect size to stow away a wallet or passport while traveling.

The associate and I were talking about how attached folks get to their Barbour jackets, which is the reason they keep them forever instead of just buying a new one. She said that often jackets have so many memories from college days, from years of traveling, etc… folks don’t want to part with them. I hope to eventually start doing some traveling, so this really resonated with me.

Barbour Beadnell Wax Coat With Inner Hidden Zip Pocket

 

The Barbour Bedale and Beadnell coats are designed with rear vents that un-snap when needed for sitting, horseback riding, etc…

Barbour Beadnell Wax Coat with Rear Snap Vents for Comfort

 

Every few years when you begin to notice your jacket is in need of waxing or reproofing, Orvis is one of the places that will send it back to the factory in South Shields to have it waxed for you for just $38, and the jacket doesn’t have to have been purchased there.

There are some videos online of folks waxing their own jackets but from what I’ve read and heard, it is way better to let the Barbour factory do it. Plus, they can make any necessary repairs while it’s there if it’s been accidentally torn or damaged somehow.

Barbour Beadnell Wax Jacket in Navy & Barbour Tartan Lining

 

Do you own a Barbour coat or jacket? Does it carry a lot of good memories? Please share about your Barbour!

I’m super excited to have my Beadnell and I’m looking forward to the memories I’ll be making in it. I hope a lot of them involve travel since I’ve never been to Europe or anywhere outside the U.S. I have some serious wanderlust, can you tell?

Barbour Beadnell Jackets can be purchased (currently on sale) here: Barbour Beadnell

If you would like to learn more about Barbour or the Beadnell jacket, check out this video A Jacket For Life. It was so funny hearing all the stuff they find in the pockets of jackets when they are sent back to the factory for repairs/rewaxing.

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Comments

  1. Nice! Yes, certainly better to let Barbour handle rewaxing. I have a different British riding coat and I rewaxed it myself. The wax was too hot and it/I shrunk the fabric. Not a good thing. :o(

  2. You put a lot of thought into this post Susan and it was an interesting read. I love clothes that last for years and look good through out their life span. Sometimes it’s hard to spend the money initially, but it usually is money well spent. Now you need to take your new jacket, pack it up and get yoitself to Europe.

    • Thanks, Doreen! Yes, definitely need to plan a trip. 🙂 I’ve been eyeing some of the Rick Steve’s trips, they seem more reasonable than others. I should create a post and ask folks for ideas for best travel agencies to use.

  3. I own the Beadnell Barbour jacket and I love it!!!

  4. Linda Georges says

    Whatever you do, definitely purchase the hood to use when traveling. You just roll it up behind your neck (while just draping the coat over your shoulders) and it provides a really nice (sanitary) support pillow for those long plane rides!

  5. Thank you for taking me along on the journey. I signed up for her blog as well. Classy coat!

  6. My husband wears a waxed coat when he rides his horse. I don’t think it’s a Barbour, though. As a matter of fact, I’m pretty sure it’s not. This was a very interesting post. And now, I must have a Barbour.

  7. Hi there!
    I just had to write and tell you how much fun I had reading all this wonderful information about our “forever coats”! I had no idea about all this! All I knew is that I had one back when I went to school in Connecticut and had always loved mine! I finally bought a new one about two years ago in Cashiers. (I’m sure my old one would NOT have fit me anymore, even if I still had it!) I just pulled mine out of the closet to check out all the cool details I just learned from you!
    I love your blog!!! I guess I’m a little late to the party, but it’s wonderful! I believe that we must live pretty close to each other if you’re shopping at Avalon. After reading your post this evening I checked to see if you were on FaceBook, too, and of course you are! So, I’m one of your most recent “likes” tonight.
    Thank you again for all the fun information. Happy Valentine’s Day!
    Lisa

    • Thanks, Lisa! I felt the same way when the Orvis associate was telling me all this neat stuff…it makes you appreciate their coats even more. That was my first visit to Avalon, I’ve been dying to check it out since reading about it. I also shopped in Vineyard Vines while there…another store I couldn’t wait to see in person. It’s like a refreshing summer breeze in there…love their “boat” check out desk. 🙂

  8. rattlebridge farm says

    I am in the worst fashion rut ever. Your new coat is casual, chic, classy–and not bulky like my Miss Tomato puffer. I followed Classy Girls on Blogloving.

  9. Cyndi Raines says

    Well, that’s one I’ll be putting on my wish list. Thanks Susan!

  10. Having grown up in England, I am very familiar with Barbour. My hubby has a waxed coat, made in England, and with a plaid lining. It is not Barbour but similar. He wore it when motorcycling, many moons ago. It still sits in the closet, looks as good as ever.
    Pearls and a Barbour? Susan, I fear you are becoming a *sloan ranger*!! 🙂

  11. I love this coat and brand…I especially love the lining…hmm, I have an Orvis near me…I may have to check it out and yes, saw your great Hunter boots!…I love the red!…

  12. I googled the Barbour Tina shirt tonight and found it in a small only on this website:
    I don’t know what size you wear, but I figured I’d tell you about it.

    • Yeah, I have to tell you what happened with that site a few nights ago. I googled and found it, too and there were no sizes showing. It showed they had it but you couldn’t select a size. So I emailed them to ask what sizes they had. I got an email back in very poor English saying they had added sizes. The whole thing struck me as very odd because not one company anywhere has that shirt but this company, that didn’t have any sizes, suddenly had it available in all sizes. Ummm, So I went back to the site to just act as if I were going to buy it and my Malwarebytes software that protects me from malicious sites blocked me from accessing it telling me it was a bad site. So I backed out and didn’t enter in any credit card info. They have emailed me twice now trying to encourage me to come back to purchase it. So I have a bad feeling about that site. Thanks Robin for looking. I may have to search eBay forever hoping one comes up. I’m afraid to order from that site now.

  13. Kathy Hammett says

    Susan, have you ever seen the Barbour Dept. in Harrod’s, London? You don’t want to leave it!

    • Ha, I would be in so much trouble in there! lol I haven’t been there, but I’ve heard amazing things it! If I ever get to London, I’ll have to buy something from Harrod’s, even it’s a tiny souvenir.

      • And be sure to have tea upstairs while there. And put some plastic bags in your pockets to hold what you buy in the food department. (You don’t want posh pastures crushing and messing up your pockets) !
        They don’t allow backpacks so be ready to check yours if you haven’t left it in your room. I love Harrods.
        btw, my best wool coat is about 40 years old and it lives in the freezer in warm weather….but the Barbour looks so tempting……….waiting…..any time now…..LOL

  14. +What wonderful stories and such an interesting coat!! It looks like a workhorse and you don’t have to worry about it…….love the pouch type pockets, first thing I noticed.

    I remember having a winter coat years ago, maybe in college, that had slits on the front for putting your hands inside instead of using the pockets, and that was very warm being closer to your body.

    Love the red boots….. It’s so worth it to have quality items in outerwear!!

  15. I only recently learned of Barbour two years ago and have been wanting a jacket since… But couldn’t justify the price living in warm Southern California. It’s on my shopping wist list for when I finally move back North. The story behind the coat is so fascinating, thanks for sharing!

  16. ” … isn’t really the skin of a mole.” Lol. Susan, you crack me up. I do love mole skin (fabric) The stuff on little moles is probably pretty good too, but I’ve never been close enough to check it out. 😉

    I love the story of how the jacket evolved, particularly the part about the King cutting holes in the pocket and them stitching them up every time, lol. Very cute. And it’s a good looking coat. I looked at your link but didn’t see the price. I tend to like the classic styles too. They just never go out of fashion. And I also learned about a place called Orvis, today. Never heard of them so I’ll have to look them up too. Great post. 😀

    • 🙂 lol Well, from what I read, apparently folks really used mole skin for some things, back in the day. I was hoping it wasn’t real mole skin and it isn’t. 🙂

      • Awww, that makes me sad. 🙁 They’re such little guys, you’d have to have a 100 of them to make anything. Remember little Mole from Wind in the Willows? I know his cousins can be pesty, what with all their infernal tunnel making in your yard, but they are one of God’s little creatures and I like them. 🙂

  17. Wow! You’ve opened my eyes and inspired me to quite a lot this morning! For sure I’ll check out those fashion blog sites……and for sure will check out Orvis and the maker of your new jacket/coat!
    Just love what you shared in this post as I to love to purchase clothing items that are classics and stick around for ever!
    Wishing you many a good travels in your new coat!
    Take care!

    • Me, too Amy… so glad you enjoyed this post. Warning: those fashion blogs are dangerous! lol I’ve found some wonderful brands/stores I never knew existed.

  18. Close to 30 years ago my husband bought a jacket while stationed in England. It was literally worn to death. Last Christmas I saved my pennies and bought him a new Barbour and it is indeed everything you said. He wears it in to work at least twice a week. As for the old coat…it still has a place of honor in the closet and has transitioned down to the statues of favorite coat to wear while working on outdoor projects and gardening.

    • Oh, I’m so glad he saved his older one. I bet he loves the knew one, too! Laura, did you get him the same style or a different one? They have so many great styles, I may add a second one to my wardrobe next winter.

  19. Susan, I loved reading this post! I’m in a fashion rut, and have been for a while. I’m going to check out these websites, and I think I need a Barbour jacket! I love timeless clothes. Thanks for sharing!

  20. Loved reading about this coat! Thanks for sharing!

  21. Who knew a coat could have a great story. Thanks for all the info and blogs to check out.

  22. I do love the info you’ve given on this jacket, Susan, and so timely. I have been wearing a quilted, zippered cotton jacket since 1995 (yes, that’s right) that I bought from Sam’s for under $40, that’s seen me through a lot. The zipper recently keeps popping open from the bottom, but randomly, not at the base of the zipper, due to stress (and it only zips one way). I have to have my husband get me out of it! While I know the Beadnell jacket is nearly 10X as much (but there’s a discount offer if you sign up for email on Orvis!), I think it’s time. I really was debating having the zipper replaced, but I’m not even sure I could find one similar, or as long as the one in my coat. I’ve also worn the JCrew barn jacket, a lighter, non-quilted jacket, for the same number of years. These are my go-to jackets. I like the fact that this coat comes in four colors. TFS.
    Rita

    • Rita, I was noticing that Barbour has a lot of quilted ones, too. They look great for spring/fall. Sounds like your jacket has served you well!

  23. Hi Susan. My son studied in London and discovered the Barbour coats and Burberry plaid and wanted to buy, but as an undergrad American with an exchange rate with the pound at almost 2:1 they were out of the question. Several years later, living in Manhattan and a banker, they r his go to brands. One Christmas he bought his dad, brother and I each one of Barbour’s waxed coats. Living up north they are wonderful. We do need to get them rewaxed at Orvis once a year. I expect we’ll have them when we are old and gray!

    • Oh, what wonderful gifts to get for Christmas! Debra, funny you mention Burberry…I was looking at the pretty Burberry scarfs online but I think they are a bit out of my budget for now. They are so pretty though!

  24. What an informative post! My daughter recently purchased a Barbour but I had no idea about all of these wonderful features. Now I need to purchase one too especially since I tend to keep things for a very long time!

  25. Susan,
    I love your post and find myself fascinated with your coat. I am a key piece kind of girl too. I will be back soon.
    Happy Valentine’s Day!
    Karen Marie

  26. Husband bought me a Barbour last year for my birthday. It was marked down by about 60% and the only one left. It was meant to be mine! I wear it for walking the dog in the mornings. The right hand pocket is littered with dog treat crumbs.

  27. Susan, I’ve just seen the scarf (think it’s the same) on Ebay UK. Here’s the link: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Barbour-Womens-Bird-Print-Wrap-Scarf-bnwt-/121559518977?pt=UK_Scarves&hash=item1c4d830f01

    • Thanks, Andi! I think the print is slightly different but I do love it. I hope Barbour brings back the shirt again. I’m going to keep stalking eBay in hopes it appears on there one day. Even if it’s the wrong size, I could probably have it cut down to size.

  28. I spent 18 years in England, had a classic Barbour when I was there and bought a new one to bring back to Canada. Fourteen years it is still going strong; I have a pile lining that snaps inside for Canadian winters. One feature you didn’t mention is that some styles have a “poacher’s pocket” in the back . There’s a side zip under the arm which reveals a large pocket in the back skirt you can hide a pheasant or rabbit in ! I adore mine and will be desolate when it ever gives up the ghost.

  29. Nuala Raftery says

    Barbours are wonderful coats, all my family wear them but don’tyou think the wax smells strange? English miners always wore moleskin trousers. This is mentioned in the beautiful song “Schooldays Over” sung by irish singer Mary Black on her wonderful album “By the Time it gets Dark”.

    • You know, I read online where a person mentioned that, but I’ve only seen one person mention it in reviews at the stores online. When I got mine, I smelled it. I stuck my nose right to it and I can’t smell a thing. Was that an older coat…maybe they’ve changed the wax they use because mine doesn’t have a smell at all, at least that I can tell. That is so interesting about he moleskin trousers…were they real mole skin? I bet they were warm!

  30. When I finished school and began my first job (1965), my parents bought me a good winter coat. It was double-breasted Gordon tartan wool with a detacheable raccoon collar. I dearly loved that coat; wore it with and without the fur collar for 10 to 15 years; what I wouldn’t give to have that coat today; it was classic, our family tartan, and I recall many, happy memories of my youth. I find now, unless you pay lots for clothing, it is well-made enough, but we live in a throw-away society where we just get something new. Will always recall wearing cords , fisherman-knit cable sweaters and leather boots in Fall and Winter. Loved your article and especially all the details – well worth the cost, I’d say.

  31. I enjoyed this post so much. I enjoyed your article and all the history and details about the coat. Now you will have to share with us your travels with your coat!

  32. Fun post. I may have to retire my Nike coat 😉 HA! I am going to check out these fashion blogs too.

    I love the reference your reader made about Sloan Ranger. When I was in college my friends and I tried very hard to be “Sloan Rangers!” Preppy and Pearls!

  33. claudette flanigan says

    What a great jacket! I never heard of it but what great history. And I just love Orvis and the service they give. Enjoy your new jacket, Susan!

  34. I love my Barbour jacket! I purchased it several years ago on a trip to Blackberry Farm and have never regretted it! This spring it will make its way back to the factory for a zipper repair and a rewax. I know that you are going to love having this jacket!

  35. Jane Briscoe says

    If you enjoyed exploring the features, manufacturing processes, etc of this coat, you need to read, The Coat Route by Meg Lukens Noonan. Unfortunately I have neither a Barbour coat nor a bespoke coat. Fortunately I live where I seldom need a serious coat.

  36. bobbi duncan says

    This story sure brought back memories! My daughter had a Barbour wax jacket that she swore by, especially as she traveled extensively and England (with their mostly damp climate) was one of her favorite places to visit. I can remember seeing her in it so many times. Unfortunately, when she passed away, I donated it as she was a size 2 (too small for me). I hope the person who is wearing it now loves it as much as she did. You will get so much wear out of your new jacket. I, too, try to buy mostly clothes that are classics. My Mom, being German, taught me that…Germans buy things that last. Id rather have less, but well-made things. I find, for myself, that not being in the workforce any more, I don’t need many outfits now so the more expensive clothes I do buy don’t make me break out in a sweat as much when I see the price tag. I have nice winter clothes but really need to change out my warm weather ones… like NOW! A line that I love, and one that holds it shape and drapes beautifully, is St. John. You can mix and match many of their things so the price is more tolerable. I’ve been buying their clothes forever, and have never been disappointed with their quality.

    • Bobbi, I’ve heard of St. John, but haven’t looked at their clothing. Like you, I don’t need a lot, but I do like to buy good pieces that last. Have you ever heard of Saint James clothing? It’s a French line of clothing that I read about on a blog or somewhere. They appear to have stores in just a few states but none in my area.

  37. Thank you so much for this wonderful fashion post! I’ve been trying so hard to find Fashion blogs for women my age with classic, yet a little trendy taste. I’m not skinny and I’m short and over 50, so I have to be careful with my fashion. My sister has two wonderful jackets she purchased from Orvis and I’m headed to find a Barbour jacket right now. Perfect for me and my style. If you find any more great fashion blogs please pass them along to us, too.

    • Susan, I’m the same, over 50 and short. 🙂 I’ll let you know if I come across some more. BTW, Talbot’s is awesome for us shorter folks. I’m 5’4″ and their “petite” clothing fits me perfectly. The sleeves are perfect on sweaters and coats and the length of their petite pants are perfect…no hemming needed! They also carry misses and womens sizes so they have clothing for all body sizes. Also, in both the petite and the misses, and probably the womens, they carry a signature line, a heritage line and a curvy line. In some of their petite clothes I wear the heritage line, but in their ankle length pants last summer, I purchased the curvy pants in the petite dept and they hit right across my calf area and looked like crop pants. If you have a Talbots near you, go in and try on some of their clothes. The quality is awesome, too…and they carry classic styles. They have some awesome sales. They have a sale right now where you get 40% of any regularly priced item…which reminds me, I hope I haven’t missed it.

      • Thanks for sharing that info! I used to be 5’4″ (supposedly) but now you’d tower over me, lol. 😀 Good to know about Talbot’s. I hate hemming!

  38. Sheila in Garden City, SC says

    Good morning, Susan. I came back this morning to read your post about Barbour and so much more. Friday you presented so much information and wonderful photos, but then I ended up rambling (as I like to call blog-hopping) with the other mentioned sites. You have really hit the “essential piece” vein ~~~~ loved the comments! ☕️

  39. I remember Princess Di’s coat. I had know idea what kind it was but it sparked a wave of look-a-likes back in the day. I had a brown copy from Walmart that I just loved. I’ll will have to check out this brand. It makes sense that they were copying an iconic wardrobe classic. I appreciate all the fun information and tidbits you put into this post. Off to check out that coat and those blogs.

  40. SharonFromMichigan says

    I like the coat! Two thumbs up from me! Quality and Value never goes out of style. Now all you need to go with your coat is a classic pair of LLBean boots!

  41. I just started reading, Ghost: Confessions of a Counterterrorism Agent and the author describes in detail how much he loves his Barbour jacket. It seems all special agents wear a Barbour Beaufort jacket. When I read that I knew I had just read something else about these jackets and then remembered your post. I think that’s synchronicity at work telling me to buy one. Don’t you think? Thanks for all the information. They are a classic with a wonderful tradition.

    • Rita, that is a hoot! Yep, the universe is trying to tell you something. ;)lol
      It’s amazing how attached and passionate folks are about their Barbour jackets! The Beaufort is the one that I think serious hunters wear, if I’m remembering correctly. I think it’s the one that has a big pocket across the lower back where you can stash the pheasant you just shot. It’s longer than the Bedale or Beadnell. I’m short so I knew the Beaufort wouldn’t work for me.
      I think the Bedale and Beadnell are virtually the same except the Beadnell was designed to fit women better…a more fitted style. I do the love the history and tradition behind them. I’ve worn mine almost daily since I bought it and it’s getting more and more comfortable with each wearing. It was uncomfortable at the start but it was a little less soft. I think that’s because it was brand new and newly waxed. It took wearing it 3-4 times for it to “relax.” I really do love it.

  42. follow-up: I just had to go to Orvis today and try one on. Love it! Trying to justify buying one and the price because I live in Ft. Lauderdale! HA! It’s on my wish list and I just know I can justify it in my mind because we go to North Carolina and Atlanta for visits. Is yours black or navy? I think the plaid in yours is a different color than the one in the store here in TX where I’m visiting my daughter. We both tried them on and decided we need to wear one for our trip (planning stages) to London. It would be perfect. Still need red boots, have pearls and Burberry scarves. Avalon is a nice mall. We visited there on our last trip to Alpharetta. So Black or Navy? Thanks for your reply to my earlier comment. XO

    • I struggled between choosing navy and the sage green. Despite green being one of my favorite colors, I finally went with Navy for a couple reasons: I loved how the navy looked on Carly and Sarah (the two bloggers I had seen wearing it online) and I thought it would go with more things in my wardrobe than the green would. Navy just seems like more of a neutral than green, although I love the green, too. Of course, black is totally a neutral, too. I also thought Navy would look great with jeans.

      I don’t think you can go wrong no matter what color you choose because they are all so neutral. You may want to take a look at your winter wardrobe, like the pants/tops/sweaters you wear during winter or will wear when traveling to see if that influences which one you choose. When I visited the Orvis at Avalon, they didn’t have any navy beadnell jackets at all. I think they had one or two sage jackets and they weren’t in my size. I’m guessing it’s because it was kind of late in the season. Of course, they could order whatever I needed. I love how easy it is to return to them.

      You may want to order your size in both a navy and black, then once they arrive try them on with outfits you would probably be wearing when you wear them, then return the one you don’t want. I think sometimes it easier to make decisions about clothing in our own home than trying to decide in a store where you feel more rushed.

  43. Catalynn says

    Susan, I loved all the information and pics.. so interesting.. now I want one too!! lol
    Had to giggle when you mentioned the “mole skin” 😉
    And since I know you like little anecdotes and trivia.. here’s one about “mole skin”
    A few years ago we enjoyed a visit to Universal Studios and the guide told us several stories including this one from the filming of Alfred Hitchcock’s “Psycho” and how they used mole skin in the movie because it was the best substitute for flesh on camera.
    Apparently Janet Leigh wore thin moleskin to cover the most intimate parts of her body in the shower. Hitchcock kept a closed set during the shooting of the murder. Even so, Leigh later wrote, “Security was a constant source of trouble. Even though I wore the moleskin, I was still pretty much ‘on display,’ so to speak. I didn’t want strangers lurking around, hoping to get a peek in case of any accidental mishap.”

    Nowadays I guess they’d just film it naked.. makes me miss the good old days when some things were private.

    • That is so interesting about the moleskin in the movie. I don’t blame her one bit for feeling that way! I bet nowadays they have something more secure and better fitted or like you say, they may just wing it and go nude. In this day and time, I’d be worried someone would snap a pic with their camera phone and sell it to tabloids. You would have laughed if you had seen me when I first bought the coat and then later read the pockets were lined in moleskin. I kept looking at the lining REALLY close and thinking…that looks like fabric to me…it better not be moleskin! It was kinda creeping me out to think when I put my hands in there, I might be touching real moleskin. lol I was relieved to learn that it really is just fabric! 🙂

  44. Has anyone noticed a change in quality or thickness of the zippers and clasps and brass snaps over the years. It seems like the older jackets had better quality brass than the jackets now being sold

  45. Love your Story about the Barbour beadnell. I just became a owner off one. But do you wear iT tight or loose. Mine is loose. Dont know if its to big.
    Iive in europe in the netherlands. Thank you For shearing.

    Greatings marjan

    • Thanks, Marjan! I just returned from a brief trip (11 days) to the Netherlands this past spring. Loved seeing parts of Holland and Belgium and the beautiful Keukenhof Garden! If you’re interested, you’ll find some of the posts I wrote/shared after returning here: https://betweennapsontheporch.net/category/wanderlust/holland-belgium/

      I bought my Barbour to fit pretty loosely because I’m super cold-natured and I wanted to be able to wear a fairly thick sweater underneath. I also wanted to be able to button it up easily while wearing a sweater. So, it probably just depends on if you will be wearing a sweater underneath, if you’ll be buttoning it up and the look you’re going for while wearing it. Not sure if that helps very much.

  46. I just bought mine at Orvis today. I went with the Beadnell Classic which is essentially the same but feels a but softer and is less shiny, as they don’t “shave” the wax finish. It only comes in olive and I got the matching vest since I plan to use it this winter in the Virginia countryside. I sized up almost 2 sizes by taking an 8. I’m a 4 generally but often a 6 in jackets because of broad shoulders and long arms – the 6 fit but I like the comfort of the 8. Really looking forward to wearing it. I made the decision to buy one last night, and your blog was one of the things I read about it.

    I bought one for my son when he was in high school but never considered one for myself until now. I moved from the suburbs to the country and needed something longer and more useful while doing outside chores. Why not look cute while doing them?! By opening a Visa at Orvis, I was able to save 20%.

    • That’s great, Lori! I sized up one size on mine because I knew I’d be wearing several layers under. I’m very cold-natured so I layer out, come winter. I love the green color, too! Such a great coat!

    • British sizes are two larger than ours in North America. I wear a US 6, but a British 10, so likely you ave the right size, Lori. I have a Barbour Beadnell. Fabulous coat for all occasions. They were out of stock on the liner, so I bought a separate Barnour quilted jacket that does the trick nicely; fits under the waxed jacket without zipping in and adds surprisingly little bulk. Great product! Just spent two days at Goodwood in the freezing cold. It snowed! Thank heaven for my Barbour.

  47. My husband has a Barbour that he bought when he was in Scotland 35 years ago and EVERY time he takes it out I hear the stories about how great it is. He just finished rewaxing it (who does that?) and the proceeded to fill me in on all the coats amenitities one more time. Lawd I love that man!

  48. What color is the coat you bought? Love it.

  49. Had no idea what Barbour was, as a label. Purchased the quilted vest from Nordstrom, loved the look of it. Then became interested in their products because of the vests exquisite construction. Have loved waxed cotton fabric for years. Hurrah, found an authentic Barbour in my size on EBay. Half the price new without tags. I LOVE FASHION. Throughout my life have spent an enormous amount of $ on clothing, so counting this as winning a prize.

  50. Hi, I’m having a hard time deciding between size 6 and 8. Size 8 fits perfect but it feels loose. 6 is fitted. I’m 155 and 5’4″. Is your an 8 US or UK? Do you mind sharing height and weight? i’m so picky with sizing…driving myself crazy…

    • I always go a little bigger with my coats because I love to wear sweaters a lot during the wintertime. I have a lot of thicker sweaters so I like a looser fit with my coat. If you don’t wear heavy or thicker sweaters under your coats, you may be fine with the 6. I think these coats are cut a big bigger to allow for sweaters. Some Barbour styles or more fitted than others. This one, the one I have, is considered more fitted than the other Barbour coat styles. Whatever you get, I’m sure they would exchange it for you if you don’t like how it fits when it arrives.

  51. Hi, another fun fact about the outer split pockets with the moleskin. I read that their original purpose was for people in the military on motorbikes – the passenger behind would put their hands inside.

  52. Hi, another fun fact about the pocket slits in the outer side of the jacket. I read that their original purpose was for people on motorbikes in the military – the passengers would insert their hands inside whilst holding on!

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