Barbour Jackets

Notice how I didn’t pick one? That’s because I can’t. If I had to pick an end of the world outfit (something that looks more likely with each passing day) it would undoubtedly be anchored by a Barbour jacket. The real question is which.
Birthed out of the UK in the late 19th century, Barbour instantly became synonymous with life in the British countryside. Like so many other products, what initially began as an essential piece of kit for adventurers and blue-collar workers alike eventually evolved into something more. Waxed cotton and tartan linings came to symbolize a life worth lusting after, and just like Burberry after the First World War, Barbour quickly found its way to city life.

I’ve personally owned three different models. The best and worst part about these jackets is just how hard it is to decide which one to go with. Whether you want a clean, modern Ashby, a Steve Mcqueen-esque Duke, or a rugged Corbridge is all dependent on your personal taste. Throw in their lightweight options and the decision only gets harder, as you are forced to decide between the perfect travel jacket and the perfect everyday one (maybe you’ll get both like me and break your credit card’s heart in the process). The waxed cotton is the game-changer. Unlike other fabrics, waxed cotton allows for each jacket to patina beautifully with age, and develop a character that makes each one unique. Additionally, it’s extremely versatile, somehow both refined enough to wear to an upscale bar
and weatherproof at the same time, able to keep you dry in storms that will have others reaching for their fishtail parkas. And models like the Corbridge, which includes a zip-away hood in the back of its corduroy collar, seriously make the case for a Barbour being the only jacket you’ll ever need.

Here’s the catch – they’re expensive. Vintage and new models alike can cost you a pretty penny, but if you know what you’re looking for and are patient (and I
mean patient), you can one in great condition for just under or around two hundred dollars. But that’s all a part of the fun. Spending hours scrolling through eBay and Instagram can show you all you have to choose from, inevitably making the decision both harder and more enjoyable.