Barbour jackets

Pre-owned Barbour jackets in waxed cotton, from the Bedale and the Beaufort to field jackets and quilted jackets.

The waxed cotton jacket

The classic Barbour jacket is made in waxed cotton, with a corduroy collar, a tartan lining and large flap pockets at the front. Waxed cotton sheds water and wind, and with years of wear it softens and gains creases and a patina where the wax has worn thinner. John Barbour started the business in South Shields in 1894, and waxed cotton has been the material of the brand ever since.

Bedale, Beaufort and field jackets

The Bedale was designed by Dame Margaret Barbour in 1980 for riding. It is short, with gusseted side vents and no game pocket. The Beaufort followed in 1983, longer and looser, with a full-width game pocket across the back, based on traditional French shooting jackets. Field jackets are longer again and often have more pockets. Quilted jackets are made from a quilted synthetic fabric with light padding and need no wax.

Re-waxing and wear

The wax wears thin at friction points such as the cuffs, the collar and the front, and a jacket then needs re-waxing, which most wax jackets need every year or two. A wax jacket is never dry cleaned, because the solvents strip the wax. It is cleaned with cold water and a soft brush or sponge. Every item is professionally cleaned, and any imperfection, such as a small tear or worn wax, is stated in the condition description of the item. Cleaning and re-waxing are explained step by step in how to care for waxed cotton.

Size and measurements

The Bedale is shorter and the Beaufort longer and looser, and the cut also differs between production years. The size on the label is therefore only a rough guide. The method is explained in the guide to measuring pit to pit.

The full range, with vests and coats, is on the Barbour page. More jackets are in men's jackets and vests and women's jackets and vests, and how to care for waxed cotton is explained in the guide to washing and caring for clothing.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a wax jacket and a quilted jacket?

A wax jacket is made in waxed cotton that sheds water and needs re-waxing. A quilted jacket is made from a quilted synthetic fabric with light padding, is lighter and needs no wax.

Does a Barbour wax jacket have a game pocket?

The Beaufort has a full-width game pocket across the back. The Bedale has no game pocket and has side vents instead.

How can the condition of a wax jacket be judged?

The wax wears first at the cuffs, the collar and the front, and those areas look lighter and drier than the rest. Tears and worn wax are stated in the condition description of the item.