The Only Jacket You Need This Fall

Of all the pieces in my fall/winter wardrobe, my Barbour jacket is certainly the most versatile. 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 article 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!

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*

*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! 

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 (the perfect places to wear your new Barbour Beadnell Jacket!).