Barbour Beaufort vs Classic Beaufort Jackets | What Are The Differences?
Welcome, outdoor enthusiasts and lovers of timeless British fashion! Today, we embark on a journey through the captivating world of Barbour jackets, where we’ll delve into the nuanced differences between two iconic pieces: the Barbour Beaufort Jacket and the Barbour Beaufort Classic Jacket. At first glance, the Barbour Beaufort Wax Jacket and the Barbour Classic Beaufort Jacket may appear quite similar. However, a closer examination reveals intriguing distinctions that cater to diverse tastes. As connoisseurs of refined outdoor and country attire, it’s essential to understand the unique features that set these two apart, so you can make an informed choice that suits both your personal style and practical needs.
The Barbour Beaufort jacket style is one of Barbour’s most long-standing jacket styles, sitting alongside the Bedale and the Border. This trio of styles form the foundation of the Barbour waxed jacket range we see today. The Beaufort is a mid-length style, with the Bedale being shorter and the Border being longer.
Barbour Heritage
First produced back in 1983, the Barbour Beaufort Original Jacket recently celebrated 50 years in the Barbour range. The original was produced with a timeless, country sage green outer and a Dress Gordon tartan lining and had press studs to accommodate a snap-in warm pile lining. Today’s available models have the same cut as the original but are teamed with new Barbour tartan linings and have a secondary zip for the addition of a zip-in liner.
Originally designed as a country sports jacket, the Men’s Barbour Beaufort Jacket comes equipped with a rear full width game pocket, which as the name suggests was originally designed for carrying game, plus raglan sleeves, two cosy handwarmer pockets and two voluminous bellow pockets, complete with drainage eyelets.
The Barbour Beaufort Wax Jacket is available in a choice of colours, including Black, Sage, Bark and Navy, each being teamed with an appropriate complimentary Barbour tartan and crucially is crafted from Barbour’s hardwearing 6oz waxed cotton. While the Barbour Classic Beaufort Jacket is produced only in the classic Olive colour and in a softer sylkoil waxed cotton, which has a slightly brushed appearance.
Both jackets have the same fit, which itself is generous as it was designed to accommodate layering as well as the optional lining. They are both also equipped with a detachable storm throat flap and studded corduroy collar to accommodate an detachable hood. Both the hoods and liners are available in a choice of colours and have Barbour tartan linings which match the various Beaufort jacket colours.
Choosing Your Barbour Beaufort Adventure
Ultimately, the choice between the Barbour Beaufort Jacket and the Beaufort Classic Jacket boils down to your individual taste and lifestyle preferences.
The choice may well come down to your colour preference. Both models of jacket are hardwearing and can last a lifetime if properly cared for, being regularly reproofed with Barbour’s own thornproof dressing. The Olive Sykoil of the Barbour Beaufort Classic Jacket is slightly softer in feel and its brushed “unshorn” finish may appeal to those looking for a more relaxed look.
Sylkoil and 6oz Waxed Cotton are essentially the same, starting out life as the same fabric, but being finished with a slightly different process. The ‘standard’ Beaufort in traditional 6oz waxed cotton does tend to have a slightly shinier appearance and is often the preferred choice for traditionalists searching for a current model as close as possible to the original.
The Barbour Beaufort Men’s Wax Jacket and the Barbour Beaufort Classic Jacket are two sides of the same distinguished coin. Each captures the essence of the Barbour brand, channelling its rich heritage into a garment that suits your unique style and needs. So, whether you are strolling along cobblestone streets or traversing through the untamed countryside, your Barbour jacket will not only keep you comfortably shielded from the elements but will also stand as a testament to your impeccable taste in outdoor fashion.
If you want to find out the differences between the Beaufort and some other iconic Barbour jackets you can read our blogs: Barbour Beaufort vs Barbour Ashby or Barbour Beaufort vs Barbour Bedale.