Photo by Muffy Aldrich
The Modern Guide to The Thing Before Preppy

Sunday, October 18, 2020

Barbour Jackets: Bedale vs. Beaufort vs. Border

For Review, A Comparison of Size 36 Barbour Waxed Jackets in Three Styles - Photos by Salt Water New England
Barbour produces three classic styles, all extraordinary for their attention to detail and, when made in England, the quality of materials and construction.
What is so wonderful about these Barbour jackets is that they are never "wrong"... One can step from a stroll down 5th Ave out into the 'back 40', or vice versa, and still be in style. Just remember to remove any game from the pockets before hitting the City... (snowysailor, comment) 
 Many ask about the differences between the Barbour Bedale, Beaufort, and Border.

In the details:  The corduroy collar is designed to redirect rain away from the wearer's neck.

Overview 

One of the best ways to organize the differences is to understand that Dame Margaret Barbour designed, in the early 1980's:
  • The Bedale (in 1980) for equestrian purposes; 
  • The Beaufort (in 1983) for shooting; and 
  • The Border for extended walks, in often inclement weather, across uneven terrain including deep undergrowth. 
These original functions result in numerous differences, both broad and subtle.  Most obviously, the Bedale has the least material of the three, while the Border is the most protective. The Border is also the best choice for many tall men, and can be sized up to wear over a suit.
Although the brand has become fashionable and targets a wider demographic I am glad they continue to produce their core range such as the Beaufort and Bedale. At school we opted for navy beaufort jackets as the longer length covered our blazers. The pockets were large enough to be practical and the wax finish helped keep the wet Irish weather from ruining our uniforms. I have just ordered my first Bedale jacket in navy and look forward to wearing it in over the winter. (darkirishtweedboy, comment)
The Bedale is the slightest.

The Beaufort can be used as a workhorse.

The Border...

...is designed for long walks through all kinds of terrain.

Similarities 

All three can be used as protection in inclement weather, especially against, cool, damp weather.  They share:
  • Waxed Cotton: All are made of the same 6 oz waxed cotton (as opposed to the Classic, which is 6 oz Sylkoil)
All are made of waxed cotton (Beaufort  shown).

Border

  • Collars: All have the corduroy collar, designed and attached so that rain is redirected away from the wearer's neck and down the front of the jacket.  

All have the corduroy collar, shown here on a Beaufort.

  • Moleskin lined handwarmer pockets: All have deep, Moleskin lined handwarmer pockets, located high enough to enable the carrying of a shotgun.
  • Liners: The same liners (available separately) fit all three.  

 The zip in liners (available separately) fit all three of the same size.

The liners add a considerable amount of warmth, but also bulk.

  • Hoods:  All have studs for optional hoods (also bought separately).  The hoods are now manufactured outside of the UK

Studs for an Optional Hood

  • Two-Way YKK Zipper and Double Storm-Flap

Two-Way YKK Zippers (Shown Here on the Border)


Differences in Length and Fit

The most obvious difference between the three is in length.  However, there are some nuances.
  • The garment chest measurements differ slightly.  At size 36, the Beaufort has a tighter chest measurement of 43.5", while Bedale and Border of 45". 
  •  A Border on a 6'3" male fits more like a Beaufort would on a male of average height. 

A Border on a 6'3" Male

  • The longer Beaufort has the cotton tartan lining to the hem.  The shorter Bedale has nylon on the bottom portion, as does the longer Border.

The longer Beaufort has the cotton tartan lining to the hem.  The shorter Bedale has nylon on the bottom third.  (Both of these jackets are a size 36.)

The inside of the Border also has drainage holes.

And when trying them on for fit, do so with any appropriate layers (sweaters, liners, suits).
  • While if a Beaufort in a 36 fits perfectly over just a shirt, a 38 or 40 may be better over a thicker sweater or jumper.  One may have Beauforts in four different sizes, say 36, 38, 40 and a 42.  All would get worn but just in different circumstances.

Barbour Over Sweaters

I have three Border jackets upstairs in the closet right now, sort of one every 12 years or so since the 1980's. I am 6'3" and do wear mine over a suit or jacket, thus I buy the size 50-52.  For the coldest weather here on Nantucket or in Boston, I wear mine over one of the Barbour quilted jackets. In Richmond, where I spend Jan-April, the basic jacket is fine. The oldest, rattiest Border is for working in the garden, the two newer ones alternate yearly for reproofing. I love to wear them for winter travel because the pockets are so big as to be like an extra carryon. As someone notes, you can wear them into any restaurant or store, and before I retired, I could fit a file folder in the game pockets if I took the liners out. (Comment)

Differences in Back of the Garment

The Bedale has two snap studded gusseted side vents to accommodate a saddle. This also makes it more flexible around hips.

The Bedale's snap studded gusseted side vents can be left unsnapped, a helpful quality in a unisex item.

The Beaufort has a rear nylon-lined game pocket (aka poacher's pocket) with zippered access on both sides. 
The game pocket in the back of the Beaufort is very handy for tucking away a book, newspaper, or small package to keep it dry while walking home in the rain. (Comment)
The Beaufort (in Navy) has a rear nylon-lined game pocket.

This can be used for game or simply to keep the post dry.

The Border has neither vents nor a rear game pocket.


Other Differences in Pockets 

The Bedale has:
  • Two bellows pockets with drainage holes.
  • An interior Velcro-fastened chest pocket.
The Bedale has this inner pocket.

The Beaufort, in addition to the poacher pocket, has:
  • Two bellows pockets with drainage holes.
  • A Zippered Wallet/Phone Pocket.
I have the Beaufort and have found it a very worthy jacket. I do not hunt but use the hunt pouch for my bird books and glasses and some lunch. It's a fantastic jacket and lasts forever! (Jane Keller)

The Beaufort has this zipped pocket.

The Border has:
  • Two very large bellows pockets with drainage holes, 
  • A Zippered Wallet/Phone Pocket, Deep and Lined
  • It has two interior game pockets with removable, washable nylon liners.
  • An Interior Velcro-Fastened Chest Pocket

Barbour Border


The Border's Wallet/Phone Zip Pocket, Deep and Lined

The Border has two interior game pockets....

...with removable, washable nylon liners.


The Border's Interior Velcro-Fastened Chest Pocket

Differences in Sleeves and Cuffs

The Bedale and Beaufort have raglan sleeves, and the Border does not.  The Border's wider arm openings make it easier to fit over a thick sweater.

The Border is the only of the three that does not have raglan sleeves.

The Border's Sleeve
The Bedale has woolen knitted inner storm cuffs, originally designed to keep the rain from running down your arms as you hold the reins.

The Bedale has woolen knitted inner storm cuffs

 The Bedale's knitted cuffs are warmer but fit less well over a thick cuff of a heavier sweater.

The Beaufort and Border have Velcro fastening nylon inner cuffs, originally designed to break away when lifting arms quickly to shoot.


Other Questions about Barbours 

A Bedale has 160 parts, including 49 cut fabric pieces, 103 trims and findings and eight items of packaging, and the jacket takes 36 people in the Barbour factory in South Shields to construct. (Barbour.com)

1. Which Barbours are the most timeless, both in cut and color? 

Which coat would you recommend? I'm a woman but I'd like a traditional "country fit", not a "fashion fit". Will be used for walking - in the country... Hate to have to say that feel I have to clarify that it's for function not fashion.
The Bedale, Beaufort or Border (all unisex) qualify for the "country fit". 
I found that what I liked about Barbour - the knitted cuff, the double zip and the back flap (Bedale style) had been removed from the women's versions in the name of style and fashion. Barbour's are meant to be practical and are ideal for changeable Fall and Spring weather which generally requires a sweater underneath. (Melanie)
Many believe the best colors are Sage and Navy.   "Classic" Wax jackets are Olive, denoted by their unique style numbers.

2. How do you wax Barbours, and how often do you have to do it?

The conventional wisdom is every year.  Surprisingly, a new Barbour may sometimes need it after just a few months.

Wax the Barbours when they get dull (on left side).



3. When is the correct time of year to wear Barbours? How do liners work? What is the lowest temperature appropriate for a waxed cotton jacket?

Barbours are built for raw, windy, damp weather, rather than freezing temperatures.  In New England, at some point, most are going to switch to a full winter coat.

There are ways of extending the Barbour season, including by using liners and increasingly thicker sweaters. Those who have bought a Barbour with a close fit may find it hard to add layer, while those who have sized up can more comfortably accommodate some bulk.
The thing about Barbour's zip-in liners is they don't line the sleeves, so your arms will still get cold if it's below 50 or so. A wool sweater or a fleece jacket/pullover will do underneath.(Comment)
30 degrees. That is my cutoff. (Comment) 
Here's a trick! When it's "below freezing in cold conditions" go outside in your jacket. If you are cold, then no, you can't wear it. If you are not cold, then yes, you can! You're welcome ;)  (Patsy)
Mine is a 38" across the bust and I always bulk it up (till I'm fit to pop!)with fleeces and/or jumpers. Most British winters get pretty cold - as well as wet - so you do have to put the layers on in order to stay warm as well as dry. I do love my battered old jacket though. (Comment) 
The liner for the Beaufort is poorly designed. It doesn't conform neatly with the jacket. It can cause bunch ups near in the back and around the sides. Slightly annoying. However, it's surprisingly warm. Zipping in the layer will puff up the interior so it will leave you with little room for layering if you're concerned about your arms. A quick fix is wearing Patagonia Capilene under your outfit if you plan on being outdoors for an extended amount of time. So to answer your question, I think the Beaufort is ideal for temps between 40-60 degrees. You should consider wearing a wool jacket or perhaps a technical winter jacket if temps dip below 30. (Comment)
Add linings...

...or cardigans and jumpers when it gets cooler.

4. How can you tell how old a Barbour is? How have they changed?

Styles and names of styles have changed.  The Border is virtually identical to the Northumbria in style, but the Northumbria is made of heavier weight 8oz Sylkoil material. 
I have a Barbour Gamefair jacket that is probably older than you and still going strong. It has been worn everywhere from pheasant hunting in Nebraska to monthly board meetings. (G R Stokes)
Lining:  Older Barbours can have the Dress Gordon lining.  Newer ones may have the new (but not as good as the Dress Gordon) official Barbour tartan lining. Barbour uses 11 registered Tartans to line jackets.

Lining for the Navy

Royal Warrants: The number of Royal Warrants can help date a garment:
  • The first was added in 1974 from H.R.H The Duke of Edinburgh;
  • The second was added in 1982 from Her Majesty The Queen;
  • The third (and final) was added in for 'Waterproof and Protective Clothing' by H.R.H Prince Charles in 1987.

5. What about other Barbour products? 

Barbour continues to experiment with other products.  One should approach these cautiously, and as a general rule stay away from anything not made in England, which is most everything these days.

6.  Where can one buy a Barbour?

52 comments:

  1. SOLD! With your discerning and discriminating knowledge of all that is WELL MADE, SUITABLE, FUNCTIONAL and just plain good looking, I am sold on all three!

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  2. You really are thorough. Great information.

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  3. I've always kept with the Border ( since '79 )for rain protection of trousers , although I did get a sand Sylkoil Beauchamp back in 2003 from my mother for Christmas . Barbour didn't make it for long because it was too expensive ( twice the Border ) . Leather trim , red Tartan wool lining with quilted arms and seat , shotshell pockets with tab-strips ,thermal cuffs : I could go on and on ............. Lots of button too : oh so classy ! Good car coat or for bright , cold , dry days around town/city . If you can find a nice one second hand , I strongly recommend it .

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  4. I agree....SOLD. I just have to find one that fits me. I'm a tall woman with long arms, and some I have tried on have too short an arm length. I may try a men's size. Thanks for your detailed post and especially where to buy.

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    1. Ebay UK is your best chance , as many Brits wear Barbour .
      The waxed cotton garment style had a renaissance in the late nineties for a decade . I remember counting 41 Barbour jackets amongst 62 travellers on my train carriage from Watford to Euston the week mother gave me the Beauchamp . They were the days !

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    2. Thank you. I will definitely look into that.

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    3. You've got me thinking Barbour again , with all this chat and Muffy's excellent article :-) . We're all disciples on this thread , so please indulge me for a moment . Some Barbour models have recently been discontinued , so we're stuck with secondhand for those . I've just found an unused ( looks like it was folded in a cupboard for a decade or so ) Northumbria original . That's the green Thornproof and green/red tartan wool Mackinnon model ( not the recently discontinued olive Sylkoil and brown-yellow cotton lining ) that was around since before I was born . Some fool let me have it for USD50 . I'm happy : oh yes I'm happy . It'll be rubbing wax off on the Range Rover drivers seat very soon and for a long time .

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  5. Great post. I wear the Beadnell because it fits me better as I'm a short and relatively small woman. I went up one size to wear the liner and/or a heavy sweater. I wore it all of last winter here in NYC, with the exception of a few very cold days. Mine is the Classic, 6 oz. Sylkoil, made in England. It has developed a wonderful patina.

    On another note, what brand is the cotton turtleneck with the narrow navy stripes that you're wearing with the oatmeal crew neck sweater? Looks great!

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  6. Thanks for this post. It reminded me that I forgot to get my 10 year-old Beaufort Classic refinished back in May. I usually make the short trip to the Milford, NH location every other spring. They refinish the jacket and ship it back, usually within 10 days, along with a personalized note. Great service! I know they are busy this time of year so hopefully I can get it back before fall.

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  7. Great article. I have a Border that I have worn for 30 years over a suit. I have had it reproofed and repaired. I looked at the others but the Border swings both ways, for casual and for the office.

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  8. I can only dream of wear my Barbour...95F here yesterday....

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  9. Muffy, can you kindly share any advice on where you find your khakis? It's become so increasingly difficult these days to locate any. Thank you for this informative post.

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    1. There is currently no reliable source of Women's khakis of which I am aware.

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  10. We were in London recently and found Barbours at two vintage shops in Camden Market. We got great deals and everyone loves their jacket!

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  11. The Northumbria (with liner, gaiters and hood) is my choice for colder and wet weather. It's perfect for wearing over tweed jackets. I was fortunate to purchase one of the last 8oz hoods for my Northumbria. If you spot one, snap it up immediately.

    The Beaufort is fine for the rest of the year except, obviously, when it's warm or hot. Country Attire (.co.uk) often has Barbours on offer with discounts of 20% on the classic ranges and bigger savings on other jackets.

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  12. Thank you for this well written review

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  13. Any chance on adding information about the Ashby? It is a little different from the other three!

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    1. The Ashby is a slimmer version of the Bedale with nylon sleeve linings. A lightweight 4oz version was launched this summer. Some can be found with substantial discounts in the online sales. I believe that the Ashby is not made in England, probably in eastern Europe or China.

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  14. So happy to find this article! I've always dreamed of having a Barbour jacket, but couldn't bring myself to buy one at retail prices :-( And then last weekend, in Newcastle (UK), I stumbled upon a table at a street fair/flea market (Quayside Sunday Market) offering DOZENS of vintage Barbour jackets for just 30 pounds (about USD$39)! The very first one I tried on (a sage Border) was PERFECT, so of course I snatched it up :-)

    And now my husband's convinced I'm completely mad :-D

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  15. Excellent article. On the subject of dating one's Barbour, the underside of the white name/barcode label shows a series of numbers immediately below the barcode: the first two digits indicate the year of manufacture. In the case of my Bedale, the number is 9502474 - 003-0328. So,it was made in 1995.

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  16. A word of advice: purchase the men's version. I was shopping for a Barbour in Dublin a few years ago and found all the classic styles in the menswear department. When I went to the Ladies wear section, the fashionable versions were the only ones available. These included lovely floral linings and pretty details but none of the practical details such as the knitted cuffs and vents (Bedale version). They were also sized for Thumbelinas who didn't need to wear sweaters underneath or walk the dogs in rain and snow.

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  17. I own an old Barbour Moorland. Can't remember when or where I bought it, but the label has the old Barbour logo in cursive script. As near as I can tell the jacket is (effectively) the same as the Beaufort.

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  18. BTW- When I sent my Barbour earlier this summer, for a reproof, the "turn-around" time was 18 days.

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    1. I get mine done by the local Orvis and the turnaround time is about the same.

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    2. Did my own (and my daughter's - she found a perfectly fitting Bedale at an Edinburgh thrift store) in about two hour. Best on a sunny and hot August day - the sun heats the fabric as good as a hot stove or warming table. Melt the dressing in hot water and use a simple (and clean) cellulose sponge to apply it generously (especially around pockets and on seams. Then hang in a coll spot to dry.

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  19. Muffy - In response to your the reader question "Where can one buy a Barbour?", I'm surprised you didn't mention any of the numerous Barbour outlets, especially their Milford, NH outlet. As a frugal New Englander, it took me a while to come around to paying $400 or more for a jacket. I wasn't particularly interested in Barbour jackets, mainly because of their price, until my wife convinced me they were a good "investment." That said, I still didn't want to pay full retail, and I've had very good luck at the Barbour outlets, especially the one in Milford, NH. My first purchase was a Beaufort, off their red-tag rack. It needed a small repair, but even after that and a waxing, it was still 60% less than a new one. Whattah Bahgain!

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  20. I own a total of four very different Barbour coats, including an Ashby in the classic sage color that I sized up to allow for a suit underneath. Of course, as I no longer wear suits to work (who does, nowadays?), I'm in the market for a more fitted Bedale. The Ashby may find a new home with my father, or I may give the polar lining a go and see how the Ashby compares to my LL Bean Parka once the temperatures dip to near freezing. In either case, I absolutely love the durable, thornproof exterior that renders these coats so versatile. I own a quilted Barbour jacket that, after countless wears on hikes in the woods, has not held up all too well I'm afraid (but looked fantastic as a winter coat in the city). The Ashby, on the other hand, could pass for new after a re-wax.

    Regarding where to find one, I'm surprised by how many stores actually carry Barbour coats nowadays. If buying new, I'd highly recommend steering clear of the corporate "me-too" stockists like J. Crew or Club Monaco, and buying directly from the source, an outfitter like Orvis, or from a local shop. Luckily, my town has a clothing store that has been around for the past 50 years or so, with a knowledgeable staff that carries a nice selection of Barbour jackets. Since the price is identical across the board on the classics, this shop will get my dollars (and support).

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    1. I wear a suit to work every day. Even going into town for lunch I wear a blazer with slacks. All worn with ties.
      It is of no importance that very few people do. Its nice to not fit in and look good to boot!

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    2. Agree, I call it self respect.

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  21. The answer is...Buy a few different types!

    I keep a Bedale {Quick runs around town, great for the car]...Beaufort [Walks to the village or woods] and a Northumbria [Out for an extended time] ...In the mud room at all times.

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  22. I bought my last Barbour at Royal Male in Newport. Saved $100 over NY.

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  23. Have a nearly 20 year-old Mark Phillips, which appears to be a Border with the addition of a front flap to cover the pommel when riding in the rain. Love these jackets for casual wear, but they don't breath and the cotton does not hold up well. Had to have leather trim added to the cuffs and hem after one year. Still my favorite for the fall.

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  24. Superb review Muffy . People paid to make articles on products often can't achieve this level of practical detail . I'm glad I got two Beauchamps in sylkoil before they were discontinued due to high production cost and low sales . They are however for colder days , being wool lined and quilted .

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  25. Farmer/Sailor sighting in flat cap above.

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  26. My winter mainstay jacket for over 30 years! You can even buy a previously owned one and can’t go wrong! A must have jacket for your wardrobe!

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  27. Beaufort all the way! Thank you!

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  28. I have my old Bedale in the trusty sage/olive green, and a more recent/modern Beadnell (purchased a decade ago only for its pretty Liberty floral lining but have since passed it down to my niece). I also have a Carter, which is a toasty warm wool field jacket for when the temperature drops. I am aware that, apart from the classic wax jackets that are still made in the UK, newer and more colourful Barbour clothing (like the quilted jackets) is sourced elsewhere (like Portugal and Turkey, to name a few), however I will always have a default wax jacket because of its capacious pockets (that at various times I have filled with acorns, stones or seashells), its wearability, roominess, and the deliciously warm side warmer pockets. It's the perfect jacket for country pursuits.

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  29. I know olive is the classic colour but Barbours look so much better in navy.

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  30. Great post! The beadnell, beadale and beaufort are on 25% discount at Gretna Green if anybody is looking for a new wax jacket https://www.gretnagreen.com/barbour-m49

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  31. Ah, but one item has been overlooked. It is needed to complement the wardrobe of the Upper Class Twit. It is the Barbour International motorcycle jacket, equally at home at Laconia, at the Isle of Man, or in the Porcellian Club.

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  32. Where can I get the chinos in the top pic of x3 jacket compared

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  33. Thank you for this extensive and comprehensive guide. I recently picked up one of these jackets, I wanted something a little longer for wetter conditions so I went for the Border and it's fantastic! Thank you for the info.

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  34. Hoping to find a snap in liners for a pre barcode border.

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  35. I've recently purchased two snap in Acrylic liners (brown furry looking things) from Oxfam online charity shops UK, both liners were 'as new' one with tags and cost including overseas delivery from the UK to the island of Cyprus where I've lived for 20 yrs was reasonable. One liner has gone into a 1994 Moorland and the other into a 2000 Gamefair, this liner is a size C50/127cm and the jacket is C42/107cm, I took a chance on the size and although 20cm too large it fits in the jacket very well with the surplus material lost in the folds of the jacket.

    If you've not found liners yet good luck with your search.


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  36. Thank you very much for all the info, and the great photos!
    This was very helpful for deciding on which model to get as my first Barbour 👍

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  37. Hi I own 2 Beaufort one from Early 90s and a new one the old one is much better quality but both are amazing my first Barbour's were solways and they were fantastic coats,

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  38. That next-to-the-last photo with the flannel shirt, wool sweater, Liddesdale coat and Barbour coat...you are ready for any weather!

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  39. Barbour is one of the scant few brands left that can still be trusted. I consider them second-skin in the shoulder seasons. And I will fight to keep them on through winter

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