Barbour , a British brand loved around the world, offers waxed cotton jackets that possess an eternal charm that makes you want to wear them again and again. Their perfect length and design make them suitable for both casual and formal occasions, and despite being a British Royal Warrant brand, they offer excellent value for money, starting at around 60,000 yen. With proper maintenance, they are durable enough to last a long time. Furthermore, their historical background appeals to men, and the charm they evoke varies from person to person. This article explores the enduring appeal of Barbour , a brand loved across time, borders, and genders. This time, we'll focus on two of their most popular models: the Bedale and the Beaufort.

The beginning of Barbour brand loved for nearly 130 years.

Founded in 1894 in South Shields, in the northeast of England, by John Barbour, Barbour originally began by providing warm, water-resistant clothing made from cotton fabric impregnated with wax for sailors and dockworkers working in harsh weather conditions.

These innovative waxed cotton jackets are highly durable, and their superior functionality led to their supply to the British military during both World War I and World War II. Their long-standing commitment to quality and dedication to craftsmanship earned them the prestigious Royal Warrant from the Duke of Edinburgh in 1974, from Queen Elizabeth II in 1982, and from His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales in 1987.

The timeless icons "Bedale" and "Beaufort" have been produced one after another!

Barbour, known for its water-repellent workwear, continues to supply workers and the military, while also producing classic items beloved by the general public. In the 1970s, Barbour began releasing outerwear for the British upper class who enjoyed field activities such as hunting, fishing, and horseback riding. The "Bedale," released in 1980, was introduced as a riding jacket, and in 1983, the "Beaufort" for hunting was launched. Not only was the quality exceptional, but the jackets also fit perfectly into the wearer's activities, and their popularity spread rapidly.

ISETAN MEN'S buyer talks about the appeal of Barbour and the arrival of the "Bedale SL" that completely changed its image!

Inami, the buyer who was previously in charge of the brand, told us the following during an interview.

"After I started wearing vintage clothing and learned more about the appeal of secondhand clothes, it was Barbour that made me realize that 'vintage isn't just about denim.' I was particularly struck by the sight of older men in London, England, wearing waxed cotton jackets in the rain without umbrellas, and realizing, 'Ah, that's it.' Seeing how jackets are passed down from father to son, and from son to grandson, repeatedly maintained and worn until they're almost falling apart, made me understand the true meaning of wearing good quality items for a long time."

This is precisely why it continues to be supported across generations. He also spoke about the impact the Bedale SL had when it was first released.

"About 10 to 20 years ago, the general perception of Barbour was that it was made of waxed cotton and had a 'heavy, smelly, and dark' image (laughs). But the Bedale SL, a modern fit version of the Bedale, completely changed that image. If I remember correctly, it was initially released in Japan in a limited run of 300 pieces... The Bedale SL, with its authentic raglan sleeve design and a refined, slim silhouette unlike previous models, quickly became popular and developed into a global model. It has evolved into a fashion item that can be worn elegantly. I think it's fair to say that the Japanese aesthetic sense that supported the Bedale SL was what completely changed the image of Barbour ."

"The smartly styled 'Bedale SL' has brought about a major change in the concept of 'outerwear worn over a suit.' While the Chesterfield coat is a classic choice, Barbour deserves much credit for making field jackets wearable over suits. Not only can it be worn over a suit, but it's also highly versatile and can be paired with any bottoms, making it feel like it's always been in your closet. It's a masterpiece of outerwear that you find yourself gravitating towards without even realizing it."

Before I knew it, it had become a staple in my wardrobe, a piece I could wear again and again. By retaining its timeless appeal while transforming it into a modern fit, it has come to suit the Japanese aesthetic and style, further enhancing its charm.

The allure of waxed cotton that takes on your own unique color.

One of Barbour 's greatest appeals is its "waxed cotton." Waxed cotton has undergone various improvements, resulting in a fabric that is "light, odorless, and durable." Like caring for leather shoes, with proper maintenance, it can be worn for a long time. While we take the aging process of jeans for granted, Barbour 's waxed cotton also requires care such as brushing after wear, and it is a garment that expects its users to do so.

The texture of a two-year-old Bedale. Even if bought at the same time, the texture changes differently depending on the person who wears it.

For something to last, it needs to have the quality to withstand the test of time; otherwise, the relationship wouldn't even begin. Barbour brilliantly achieves a balance between the best quality adhering to industrial standards, a good balance with design, and the authenticity of being an imported product. The more you maintain it, the more your Barbour will grow into something uniquely yours.

A thorough comparison of sizing and fit in Barbour 's two most popular models!

Now, let's take a look at the fit and feel of Barbour 's two most iconic models, the Bedale and the Beaufort, comparing the SL (Slim Fit) and Classic Fit (Regular Fit) versions.
This historic brand offers different fittings in addition to the model names: SL (Slim Fit), Classic Fit (Regular Fit), and OS (Oversize). (Note: Some models do not have an OS (Oversize) option.)

Even with our standard models, we offer variations in length, and because these garments are made to be worn for a long time, we offer options such as removable liners, sizing designed for wearing over suits or jackets, and relaxed, looser fits to accommodate various styles. Therefore, we encourage you to try on different models and fits to find the perfect style for you.

The hood is sold separately and can be added later to suit your style. A liner can also be attached, so you can enjoy it for three seasons: autumn, winter, and spring.

The era of the Barbour girl has arrived!

One trend that's emerged recently is the presence of women wearing Barbour jackets. While menswear-inspired styling is popular, women wearing men's Barbour is also becoming an established style in itself. So, this time, we had men and women try on the representative Bedale models in 'Classic Fit (Regular Fit) ' and 'SL (Slim Fit)' to compare them.

What exactly is the difference between 'SL (Slim Fit)' and 'Classic Fit (Regular Fit)'?

As the name "Classic Fit (Regular Fit) " suggests, this is a standard sizing that has been offered for a long time, and most secondhand and vintage clothing on the market has this fit.

The 'SL (Slim Fit)' model features a modern sizing with compact and slimmer details throughout.
While the shoulder width and body are slimmer, subtle adjustments have been made, such as making the length and sleeve length slightly longer than the regular fit. Also, because the overall silhouette is slimmer, the collar is slightly smaller compared to the regular fit. Let's take a look at how each model looks when worn, keeping these points in mind.

(Left) Classic fit (Right) Slim fit The collar width is also narrower in the slim fit (right).

I. The "Bedale" jacket, originally developed for horseback riding.

The "Bedale" jacket is designed for horseback riding, so it features a balanced fit while riding and specially designed sleeves to accommodate riding in windy conditions. The shoulder area has a raglan design for ease of movement, and the design is tailored to suit various movements.

The back of the jacket features side vents with slits on both sides and snap buttons for opening and closing (top photo). This model is now worn not only for horseback riding but also for motorcycle touring, and the sleeves have ribbed cuffs to protect against the wind (bottom photo).

I tried on both the slim fit and classic fit versions of the "Bedale" jacket!

 "The classic fit (regular fit) pairs well with loose-fitting pants and is easy to balance. The slim fit has a slender, feminine silhouette and will likely be useful in the spring and autumn seasons when tops are lighter." (Yokoyama)

Model (Isetan Category Specialist Yokoyama): Height 165cm
Size worn (Left: Slim Fit 36 / Right: Classic Fit 36)

"The Bedale's perfected design and exquisite length are unique to the model. It pairs exceptionally well with various bottoms, and while I've paired it with slightly tapered chinos here, I also recommend wearing the Bedale instead of a tailored jacket. The silhouette has comfortably generous armholes and a body width that allows you to wear thick knitwear over it without feeling restricted, perfect for the coming winter, while still feeling the tradition of the brand. It's a recommended model even for those wearing Barbour for the first time." (Kakimoto)

Model (Barbour staff member Kakimoto): Height 170cm
Size worn (Left: Slim Fit 36 / Right: Classic Fit 36)

"The classic fit (regular fit) has ample room around the arms and body, making it comfortable to wear even over bulky knits or tops. For the slim fit, we recommend choosing your exact size and wearing it like a leather jacket." (Kojima)

Model (Barbour staff member Kojima): Height 180cm
Size worn (Left: Slim Fit 38 / Right: Classic Fit 38)

II. The "Beaufort" was developed as a hunting jacket.

(Right) This is the classic fit cuff specification.

Another difference from the Bedale is the cuffs. Unlike the Bedale, which has ribbed cuffs, the Classic Fit has hook-and-loop fasteners, while the Slim Fit has snap buttons (photo on the right). We encourage you to try it on and see how the cuffs fit over a suit or jacket.

I tried on the classic fit of the "Beaufort"!

"It's longer than the Bedale, so you can wear it like a mid-length coat." (Yokoyama)

Model (Isetan Category Specialist Yokoyama): Height 165cm
Wearing size (Classic Fit 36)

Celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, the Beaufort has a more streamlined fit than the Bedale, and features windstopper in the sleeves. This hidden detail makes it easy to put on and take off without stress, even when layering in the coming seasons, while also preventing wind from getting in. While it has a strong image as a jacket for adults, it is often seen in various styles overseas, from street casual to Italian classic. It's a model that looks great even when you just throw it on and head out! (Kakimoto)

 "The length is long enough to completely cover the hem of the jacket, making it highly versatile and easy to coordinate with both on- and off-duty styles. The game pocket and zippered pocket on the inside of the placket provide plenty of storage, which is a great feature." (Kojima)

Left: Model (Barbour staff member Kakimoto): Height 170cm
Wearing size (Classic Fit 36)

Model on the right (Barbour staff member Kojima): Height 180cm
Wearing size (Classic Fit 38)

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Related article: New collection from Barbour ! Introducing the Fall/Winter 2023 collection, including classic models.

Photograph: Yusuke Iida
Text: Mitsukoshi Isetan

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＊The information in this article is current as of the time of publication. Product information may be revised or changed without notice.