Collection: Barbour

Barbour was founded in 1894 by John Barbour in South Shields, Northeast England – originally as an outfitter for fishermen, sailors, and dockworkers who needed weatherproof clothing. What began as functional workwear evolved over the decades into one of the most respected British clothing labels. Barbour holds three Royal Warrants – official supplier to the Queen, the Prince of Wales, and the Duke of Edinburgh. Few others can claim that.

The cultural rise of Barbour happened in several waves: first the British country aristocracy, then the Mods and Casuals in the 80s – the same scene that also discovered Lyle & Scott and Baracuta – then collaborations with international designers (Barbour x Engineered Garments, Barbour x Margaret Howell), and finally the Gorpcore trend, which brought outdoor heritage pieces into the metropolises. Today, Barbour is worn equally in London, Berlin, and Tokyo.

The wax jacket is the heart of the brand and a special case in fashion: it is repaired instead of replaced, waxed instead of washed, and gains character over the years. A well-maintained Barbour wax jacket lasts for decades – this is anti-disposable fashion in its purest form.

Important context: Our wax jacket advice page has over 57,000 impressions in Google search. This shows how great the demand for information about Barbour wax jackets is – and that’s exactly why we take the time here for a truly thorough buying guide.

Materials & Quality

Barbour is known above all for one thing: waxed cotton. But the brand offers much more. Here is an overview of the most important materials:

Waxed Cotton: Barbour’s signature fabric. A tightly woven cotton impregnated with a wax layer. The result: wind- and water-resistant (not waterproof in the Gore-Tex sense), breathable, and with a unique patina that gets better with every wear. The wax layer needs to be renewed regularly (Barbour sells its own wax for this) – a care routine that’s worth it.

Sylkoil vs. Thornproof: Barbour uses different wax variants. Sylkoil is lighter. Thornproof is the traditional, heavier wax with the classic "oily" Barbour feel. Both protect reliably; Sylkoil is more comfortable for urban use.

Lightweight Wax: A thinner, lighter version of waxed cotton for transitional seasons. Less stiff, less "waxy" to the touch, but more wearable in warmer temperatures. Ideal for spring.

Quilt: Barbour quilted jackets often use a polyester outer layer with synthetic filling. Lightweight, warm, easy to care for – the simplest entry into the Barbour world because no wax care is needed.

Quality in general: Barbour still produces the Heritage line (Beaufort, Bedale, Ashby, etc.) in its own factory in Simonside, England. The craftsmanship is first-class: brass snap buttons, sturdy two-way zippers, properly attached cord collars, neatly sewn inner pockets. This is a jacket made to last generations.

Fit & Size Guide

Barbour offers different fits, and choosing the right fit is crucial:

Beaufort: The classic – hip-length, regular fit, with a large back pocket (originally designed for hunting ammunition). It fits a bit boxy, which is intentional – the Beaufort is a work jacket. Size recommendation: true to size (TTS). For thicker layers (fleece, sweaters), go one size up.

Bedale: Shorter than the Beaufort, also regular fit. Originally designed for riders (shorter cut so the jacket doesn’t interfere in the saddle). Ideal for smaller builds or if the Beaufort is too long for you. TTS recommended.

Ashby: Barbour’s modern slim fit – narrower cut than Beaufort and Bedale, slightly longer, with a more urban silhouette. The Ashby is Barbour for the city. TTS, but better to size up for layering.

General tip: Barbour wax jackets are delivered stiff and become softer and more supple with wear. The first try-on may feel "stiff" – this is normal and will ease after a few weeks.

Bestsellers & Buying Recommendations

The all-round classic: Barbour Beaufort in Olive or Navy (€399.00) – THE Barbour jacket par excellence. If you own only one wax jacket, it should be the Beaufort. Timeless, robust, repairable. You’ll still be wearing it in 20 years.

For the city: The Barbour Ashby (€349–379) is the more modern cut with a more urban fit. Ideal for anyone who wants the Barbour look but prefers a slimmer fit. The Ashby is our best-selling Barbour at The Smart Dresser.

Entry without wax: The Barbour Liddesdale quilted jacket (€179.00) is the easiest and most affordable entry into the Barbour world. Lightweight, warm, easy to care for, and available in many colors. No wax care needed – just wash and wear.

Accessory tip: Barbour scarves and hats (from around €40) make excellent gifts and perfectly complement the Barbour look. And don’t forget the Barbour wax – you’ll need it.

For a detailed buying guide comparing all models, visit our wax jacket advice page.

Styling Tips

Barbour is the bridge between country and city. The classic look: Barbour Beaufort over a lambswool sweater, paired with corduroy trousers and Chelsea boots or brogues. That’s British heritage in its purest form and works from countryside outings to dinner.

Urban-modern: Barbour Ashby over a hoodie or crewneck sweatshirt, paired with dark jeans and white sneakers. The wax jacket as a contrast to the streetwear base – that’s the modern Barbour look.

Casual heritage: Barbour over a Lyle & Scott polo, paired with chinos and Adidas Spezial or New Balance 991. The combination of Barbour with casual pieces is a look that works equally well in Berlin and Manchester.

Winter layering: Barbour Beaufort over a thick knit sweater or fleece jacket. The wax jacket is wind-resistant but not insulated – layering provides the warmth. Barbour offers matching quilted liners that can be zipped into the jacket.

Color recommendation: Olive is the classic and most versatile. Navy is more elegant and urban. Black is modern but has less Barbour character.

Why Buy from The Smart Dresser?

Barbour is the brand we probably provide the most advice on — and gladly so. Beaufort or Bedale? Ashby or International? Wax jacket or quilted jacket? These are questions you shouldn’t answer alone in front of a screen. The Smart Dresser is an authorized Barbour retailer in Berlin, and we have engaged so deeply with the topic that our wax jacket guide has become one of the most-read advice pages on the subject in Germany.

What You Get from Us — That You Won’t Find Elsewhere:

✓ Authorized retailer — 100% original goods directly from the distributor, no gray imports
✓ Berlin store — Try on Beaufort, Bedale, Ashby, and International side by side and compare different wax jacket models
✓ Personal advice — We know every fit and help you decide between Beaufort and Ashby based on your build and style
✓ Fast shipping
✓ 21-day returns — free and hassle-free, no fine print
✓ Rewaxing advice included — we explain how to properly care for your wax jacket, have Barbour wax on site, and give you tips to make the jacket last for decades

If you like Barbour, also check out Baracuta for the perfect Harrington and C.P. Company for the premium casual look — three brands, one wardrobe.