Worth The Investment: Barbour’s Waxed Cotton Waterproof Jackets
Of all the pieces in my fall/winter wardrobe, my Barbour jacket is certainly the most versatile. I want this blog post to be a one-stop-shop for all your Barbour questions/concerns. Whether you’re on the fence about investing in one of these timeless waxed cotton jackets, or you’re just trying to make sure you’re buying the right size, this blog post is the perfect resource for you! Now grab your coffee or a cup of hot coco and get cozy while we talk about why Barbour’s Waxed Cotton Waterproof Jackets are worth the investment!
For a review of Barbour’s Plus-Sizes, head on over to my friend Elsa’s blog post here!
A Timeless Investment
Before we get into all the reasons why I LOVE my classic Barbour Beadnell Jacket, let’s talk about the price. Barbour jackets range from $200 to over $400, and while that might seem like a lot for a jacket, I want to explain why it’s not.
Barbour Jackets are built to last. I’ve had my Barbour Beadnell Waxed Cotton Jacket for almost 10 years. It’s traveled around the world with me, from living in Paris to exploring Iceland, and my Barbour still looks like the first time I wore it.
It is near impossible to calculate how many times I’ve worn my Barbour jacket over the past 8 years. When I lived in Paris for a month I kid you not, I wore my Barbour every day without fail… I wish I was lying, but it actually rained every. single. day. So much so that the Seine flooded and all the museums had to close and move their artwork to higher ground!
Let’s just say conservatively I wear my jacket 60 days each year (it’s probably more like 80+ times… welcome to living in New England…). Now when you think about my Barbour in terms of price per wear, it comes out to 86 cents. Say what?! This is the perfect example of why it’s SO worth it to invest in timeless pieces that last a lifetime.
[Side Note: Barbour’s Acorn Waxed Cotton Jacket
is only $350 and is nearly identical to my Beadnell.
Shop the Acorn style here!]
Barbour Sizing & Fit Guide
Barbour jackets are meant to have a roomier fit, especially the waxed cotton jackets, like the Beadnell style I own (in size US 2). When deciding on your size, think long-term! My mom made a great point when I was deciding what size I should get. She said that I was most likely going to have this jacket forever and at the time I was reallyyy tiny. I’m so glad that I stuck with the US Size 2 versus the US Size 0, since over the years I’ve grown into my Size 2 (versus growing out of my Size 0).
Most of the time when I’m reaching for my Barbour, I’m also layering underneath it. On the coldest days, my Beadnell US Size 2 allows me to layer…
1// Long sleeve tee
2// Pullover or sweater
3// Insulated vest
3// Patagonia Nano-Puff
4// Jacket with a hood*
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*While my Barbour is 100% waterproof and the best jacket for rainy weather, my Beadnell style doesn’t have a hood, so if it’s raining really hard I’ll actually just wear a second rain jacket with a hood as a layer underneath my Barbour. None of the other rain jackets I own keep me as dry as my Barbour, which is why I reach for it on rainy days even though it doesn’t have a hood.
Why Barbour Is Best
If it sounds like I drank the Barbour Kool-Aid, it’s because I have! I have so much respect for quality brands and their products and Barbour is at near the top of my list. Here are 6 reasons why Barbour is the best!
The Pockets! // The front of my Barbour Beadnell has 2 large button pockets along with 2 pockets perfectly positioned to keep your hands warm/dry. In addition to those outer pockets, you have an inside zipper pocket. Basically, anytime I leave the house wearing my Barbour, I never need a purse because I can fit everything I need in my pockets! How amazing!?
Dress It Up or Down // Whether I’m leaving the house in leggings to go run errands, or am dressed up for a holiday party, my Barbour Beadnell fits the bill!
Low/No Maintenance // I know people wax their jackets, and it’s probably a factor that dissuades people from purchasing a Barbour in the first place, but honestly I haven’t had to even think about waxing mine and it’s been 8 years. I can confidently say that my Barbour is still completely waterproof and in like-new condition! If I need to get it waxed though, I’ll just bring it to my local Orvis!
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The Logo (or lack thereof) // I LOVE that there isn’t a flashy logo that catches your eye on Barbour’s jackets. Again, this speaks to how classy this brand is.
Keeps Me Warm // Even though the jacket appears to be just a waxed cotton shell, it actually is quite warm even without layer. Of course, layering extends the jacket’s use to even cooler temps!
Travels Well // Whenever I travel, my Barbour always comes on the plane with me. These waxed cotton jackets have a little bit of weight to them, which is great! That means they’re made well and they’ll keep you warm. It’s also why I avoid packing them in my checked bag because I don’t want to be over the weight limit. Instead, I use it as a blanket over my lap while on the plane (I’m always cold on planes). It also folds to be nice and small, which makes it easy to slip into my carry-on bag if needed!
Have I convinced you yet that this Barbour jacket is a must-have?! Now that we’re on the same page, check out my recent blog post, The Best New England Towns To Visit This Fall for Scenic Foliage, for some travel inspiration and ideas where to wear your jacket!
keywords: Worth The Investment: Barbour’s Waxed Cotton Waterproof Jackets // Barbour Beadnell // Waxed Cotton // Waterproof Jackets // Jackets for Fall // Transitional Style // Classic Style // Preppy Style *this post contains affiliate links
I’ve had my Barbour for more than 15 years and it still is in great condition. Absolutely worth the investment. Great post Helen!
Hi Jenny! Thanks for sharing, that’s amazing that you’ve had yours for over 15 years, I’m not surprised it’s still in great condition! I hope you’re doing well!
What is the difference between the Acorn and the Beadnell? Thank you.
Hi Stacy! Thanks for stopping by and checking out my review, I hope it was helpful! Here is a video that details the differences between the Acorn vs. Beadnell (below). The main difference is the fit, the Acorn is more of a “boyfriend” fit and will be slightly roomier, versus the Beadnell is a bit more of a feminine cut.
I hope that helps!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3gFrKMpvd4Q
I bought my Barbour in 1992.
Been wearing it since!
Mine takes a bit of punishment, riding horses, doing barn work, etcetera, and still stands up to whatever I throw at it.
It does have a few small holes in it here and there, but that’s considered a Barbour jacket’s badge of honor.
Kelly, what an amazing story! Thanks for sharing about your Barbour jacket. Mine is holding up amazingly, but I don’t put it through the ringer with barn work. I bet it’s the perfect jacket for that though!
Cheers to 2021!
Helen
My Gents Cotton Sapper (Brown) is still in perfect condition except that it is not “Fit for purpose” as lt has faded unevenly.
It is now embarrassing to wear in public. I am disappointed in this item especially as it is otherwise in v/good condition.
Is this a common problem with Barbour clothing? What can I do with it?
Regards
James Crudden 105 Langton Pk Newbridge Co Kildare.
Hi James, how long have you had your Barbour for? Have you been keeping up with waxing the jacket or sending it in to get professionally waxed? That sounds like what might be the issue here, but I wouldn’t know for sure unless getting all the details. Perhaps you can bring it back to life by getting it professionally waxed!
Best,
Helen
My coat is Cotton/Sapper material. It is Waterproof andBreathable. It is in perfect condition.
I bought it some years ago at Barbour, The Village Kildare. It is in first class condition except for thr colour which has faded in places.
Is this a “fault” often found with this particular style;
If it is not remedied I will have to dispose of it altogether with a heavy heart.
Regards
James Crudden
I’m sorry to hear that you feel that way. I actually love how my Barbour has slight fading over time, I think that it shows how well-loved it is! To each their own though!
Worst jacket I’ve ever owned – hot when I wanted it to be cool (summer) and cold when I wanted it to be warm (spring/autumn). I wouldn’t consider it for winter here in the Netherlands. They look great, depending on the model, but modern materials work better in my opinion. Glad you like yours though.
Hi Alastair! First off, thanks for stopping by and checking out my blog. I really appreciate it! Thank you also for sharing your feedback about your experience with your Barbour Jacket, I think it’s really helpful for people who are considering the jacket to hear all different perspectives! I certainly love mine and can’t imagine not having it as part of my wardrobe.
Best,
Helen
You can, of course, purchase a Barbour hood.
Yes, great point as well! I’ve thought about doing that!