The MilanStyle.co.uk Guide to Barbour Outerwear
Background:
Barbour – for town and country
J. Barbour & Sons is one of the Great British brands. Founded in 1894 by John Barbour in the port of South Shields (in the North of England), they supplied much needed oilskins to sailors who needed quality garments to brave the North Sea.
Today they continue to provide classic waterproof coats & jackets in fabrics from waxed cotton (with that iconic smell!) to more technical materials, that are famed the world over. They also happen to hold three Royal Warrants, and the Royal family knows a thing or two about hard-wearing country attire.
There are many different Barbour jacket models. What is the difference between the main styles?
The Barbour Bedale Jacket
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By far the most recognizable of Barbour’s jackets, the waxed cotton Bedale is the very definition of hard-wearing. Introduced as a riding jacket (hence it being shorter in the length than the Beaufort allowing the horse rider a greater degree of movement) these still look great when worn with a pair of jeans and trainers, for that dressed down look. Available in several fabrics, including the variations on the classic waxed cotton (Thornproof and sylkoil wax) as well a lighter Duralinen version. Barbour also supply a variety of hoods that can be matched to your Bedale allowing even greater protection against the elements.
The Barbour Beaufort Jacket
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The Bedale’s longer brother, this is another Barbour staple. Longer than the Bedale, it’s a another classic country coat. This can be worn over your tweed jacket to give you an extra layer of protection when braving the bramble filled bridleways of the Great British countryside. Available in several fabrics, including the variations on the classic waxed cotton (Thornproof and sylkoil wax) as well a lighter Duralinen version. Barbour also supply a variety of hoods that can be matched to your Beaufort allowing even greater protection against inclement weather.
The Barbour International Jacket
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The quintessential motorcycle jacket. Worn by one of Milan Style’s very own style icons, Steve McQueen, the International is based upon the Barbour two-piece submariners suit, designed for the crew of HMS Ursula, which in turn was based upon the original Barbour motorcycle one-piece suit!
The original International is still in production today, made from heavyweight waxed cotton it has been partnered by the recent arrival of more lightweight versions made from both nylon and Barbour’s very own Duralinen fabric as well as vintage leather. Internationals are still very much a functional item and they sport plenty of pockets for you to stash much-needed items during your weekend jaunts on your pristine Triumph motorbike.
The Barbour Liddesdale Jacket
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Once the preserve of mud splattered farmers trekking across their estates in equally mud spattered Land Rover Defenders, these lightweight quilted jackets can now be seen from the scenic walks of The Peak District to the city streets of Pimlico, London. They are an ideal answer to fending off the autumnal chill and because they are lightweight, they can be layered up underneath your favourite waterproof outerwear.
The Barbour Sapper Jacket
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Named after military engineers known as “Sappers” the Barbour Sapper is a waxed variation of the classic US Military M65 field jacket. This jacket is typical of Barbour’s functional aesthetic. It could easily see action out in the fields in foul weather or on the suburban streets taking your dog for a walk.
Special thanks to Barbour™
