Black Friday 2026 Barbour Jackets UK: What to Check Before You Buy

Before buying a Barbour jacket, choose between waxed cotton and a quilted style, then decide on length and fit. The Bedale is short and made for riding, while the Beaufort is longer with a large rear pocket. Check the care label too, because a waxed jacket needs hand cleaning and regular rewaxing.

Waxed or quilted Barbour jackets

Waxed and quilted Barbour jackets suit different weather and different owners. Waxed cotton is the classic choice for wet days. Barbour’s Bedale guide calls both the Bedale and the Beaufort waterproof and durable, but it also describes the fabric as naturally water-repellent, and its Beaufort guide speaks of a showerproof wax finish, so read the product details if you need a jacket for heavy rain. Waxed jackets also ask more of you in care.

Quilted jackets are usually the simpler everyday layer. They need no wax, and they suit mild days or wearing under a heavier coat. Check the description for what the outer fabric is, since a quilted style will not handle rain in the way waxed cotton does unless the listing says it is waterproof.

Bedale and Beaufort compared

The Bedale and Beaufort are the two styles most buyers weigh up, and the differences come from what each was designed to do.

Both have a tartan lining, and Barbour sells zip-in liners and hoods as accessories for the Beaufort. Those extras matter if you want one jacket to cover colder months, so check whether a listing includes them.

Barbour jackets to compare

Decide between a waxed and a quilted jacket first, then check the size chart for the model you want. Listings by model are below.

Shop barbour Jackets→

Opens eBay in a new tab. Check condition, seller feedback and returns.

• BedaleBrowse →
• BeaufortBrowse →
• AshbyBrowse →
• QuiltedBrowse →
• WaxedBrowse →
• InternationalBrowse →

Sizing a Barbour jacket for layers

Barbour sizing is worth checking against a jacket you already own. Think about what you will wear under it, because a jacket bought to fit over a shirt can feel tight over a thick jumper. The Beaufort’s relaxed fit gives more room than a slimmer cut.

Lay a well-fitting coat flat and measure the chest, shoulders, sleeve and back length. Compare those figures with the seller’s measurements rather than relying on the size label alone, especially on older jackets.

Caring for and rewaxing waxed cotton

Care is where waxed Barbour jackets differ most from ordinary coats. Barbour says to check the care label and clean waxed cotton by hand, since a washing machine can strip the wax and it cannot be reapplied afterwards. Wipe the jacket with cold water and a cloth or sponge, with no soap or detergent.

Rewaxing is a normal part of owning one. Barbour recommends sponge cleaning and reproofing a waxed jacket about once a year, depending on how often it is worn, using its Thornproof dressing on classic 6oz styles. Routine reproofing is not a cure for machine washing, since Barbour says the coating stripped by a washing machine cannot be reapplied. Quilted or non-waxed waterproof jackets are different, and Barbour suggests a product such as Nikwax Tech Wash for those, which is unsuitable for waxed cotton.

Buying a second-hand Barbour jacket

Second-hand Barbour jackets are common, and clear photos do most of the work. Ask for the label, lining, cuffs, collar, pockets and zip. Ask when the jacket was last rewaxed and whether it has ever been machine washed. Check the seller’s feedback and read the returns terms before you pay, because Citizens Advice says the 14-day cooling-off right does not cover items from private individuals.

More in the clothing department.