Barbour Beaufort Wax Jacket: Everything You Need to Know
Some clothes are more than just something to wear. They carry history, make a statement, and last beyond passing trends. The Barbour Beaufort Wax Jacket is one of those pieces. Since 1983, it has become a key part of the modern gentleman's wardrobe, combining practical country style with classic, refined looks.
But does the Beaufort still live up to its iconic status in today's modern world? Here at Michael Stewart Menswear, we’ve put this legendary piece through its paces. Get ready to discover why the Barbour Beaufort is a true investment piece.
Video Transcript:
Hi guys, Sam here from Michael Stewart Menswear, and welcome to another instalment of Barbour icons. This is the series where we take a deep dive into Barbour’s most timeless and iconic styles. Today, we're probably looking at one of the most iconic Barbour jackets, first introduced in 1983, which is, of course, the Beaufort. It's up there with the Bedale, it's up there with the Border, it's really a quintessential Barbour jacket. So let's take a look at the fit, the features, and all the details that you need to know about this fantastic piece of outerwear. Let's get into it.
What is The Barbour Beaufort Made From?
So, like any good Barbour jacket, let's begin with the materials, it is of course 100% wax cotton, available here as I'm wearing in the classic olive colour. You really can't get more Barbour than that, and of course it is adorned with this beautifully soft corduroy collar, which folds up, storm latch across, you are covered whatever the weather. A few other fantastic features, of course, you've got a press stud placket, you've got some nice little Velcro storm cuffs on there, keep out the drafts, definitely great for a bit of weather protection. And it is, of course, sealed nicely with Barbour’s hefty two-way brass zip. This thing is a workhorse; it's never going to get jammed, it's never going to get stuck, it just works and works and works, we absolutely love it.
How Practical is the Beaufort?
In terms of other practicalities, you've of course lovely hand warmer pockets, lined in moleskin, super soft, super warm. Two ginormous bellow pockets towards the bottom, great for keeping all the stuff close to hand, and nicely embroidered with the Barbour logo on the left side. Internally, pocket-wise wise there really isn't anything, but the reason being is that there is a big old poachers pocket on the back, a two-way brass zip on the back here. You can go all the way through, polyester lined, a great piece of practicality, and a pocket big enough to really take everything but the kitchen sink in.
Features of the Barbour Beaufort Wax Jacket
So this jacket has a few features like the slightly longer length, the slightly lower hand warmer pockets, and of course, that big poacher's pocket at the back for a reason, and it is purely for shooting. Now that was why it was designed, the use was to be out in the field, to be used. Hand pockets a little bit lower, so when the shotgun’s broken and it's over your arm, it's not getting in the way, it's not too cumbersome, it's more comfortable down here than if, say, something with the Bedale and the Ashby, where you find the hand warmers are a little bit higher. Just a little bit more of a comfortable, natural position to hold the gun, and on the back, the poacher's pocket, of course. It’s exactly what it’s for, if you've got something, a rabbit, a pheasant, whatever it might be, just go in the back here. Polyester line to be nice and clean.
Now, of course, I'm sure these jackets aren't being bought by everybody to go shooting in ,but nevertheless, don't let that put you off; it is a fantastic, useful, and practical jacket. It really, really does all the work of a Barbour jacket, but it just looks classic, it looks iconic, it really, really explains why it’s been a core piece in their collection and our collection since 1983.
How Does the Barbour Beaufort Fit?
So in terms of fit, I would recommend going down the same route as sort of the other Barbour jackets in this sort of similar-ish collection. The Bedale, The Border, for example, it's regular fits, it's true to size, and you keep to your normal size to get that nice classic fit. Now I'm a 38-inch chest, and in this one I'm wearing the size 38, which we equate to about a medium. It's got a nice regular fit, it's comfortable, it's spacious, but it's not too baggy, it’s not too oversized, so I think with this it really looks okay over a T-shirt as it does a piece of knitwear, maybe a shirt and jumper combo as well. There's plenty of room to move, it's comfortable, it's breathable, but it's not drowning me, and that's really what I'm looking for when it comes to fitting a jacket. So keep to your regular size and you should be right as rain.
Colourways of the Beaufort
So, like most Barbour jackets, the classic Beaufort does come in a plethora of colours, you can have it in black or navy, or of course, the one that we go for is the Olive. It is absolutely timeless, it's iconic Barbour, goes great with the brown corduroy collar, and with the classic olive, you get the classic tartan interior as well, so what's not to love about that? This is the one that we stock, it’s the one we love, and I think it's the one that should be in everybody's wardrobe.
Compatible Accessories for the Beaufort
Now, speaking of linings and interior, there is a zip there as well, which does make this jacket completely compatible with their zip-in liners, whether it’s the warm pile or the polarquilt. Zip in the liner, adds a bit of extra warmth, a bit of extra snugness. Great for the winter, great for when things get cold, but when things start to warm up again, you can whip that out, and you can use the jacket still. So that is what this jacket's all about, it's an Investment piece to be used every single season, no matter what, that is what you're after when you get one of these Barbour jackets.
And the further attachment as well, underneath the collar, there is a row of press studs, which means you can apply one of their sylkoil hoods in the matching colour, absolutely brilliant to add even more weather protection to an already fantastic jacket.
Things to Take Away
So there we have it, guys, that is everything you need to know about the Barbour Beaufort. It’s a fantastic jacket, it's one that we absolutely love and love having in the collection. It's probably taken us so long to do a video because we never have any 38s in stock; they just sell out so fast. I've not been able to get hold of one quick enough to actually jump in front of the camera and do a video review for you guys. So here we are, we’ve finally done it while I've had a spare five minutes, what do you think though? Let us know in the comments, any questions, any queries, let us know. If you enjoyed this video, of course, please do give us a like, give us a follow. It helps us out massively, and if you like anything you see, then head into the store or go to our website, and you can shop the full collection and much, much more. We'll catch up on the next one.
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