Hi Muffy,
I’m looking to purchase a Barbour for my wife that she can use casually as well as upland bird hunting and the Beaufort fits the bill.
However, I’ve been looking and it seems all the women’s models are fashion styled now instead of functional.
Is the Beaufort unisex in your opinion? She’s about 5’ 6.5” and 115lbs, and I’m worried the smallest size of 34 will be too large.
Are you or others you know able to wear the “men’s” version or is there another option for the classic Barbour functional jackets?
Much appreciated.
Monday, October 17, 2022
Barbour Beaufort for Women?
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My wife and I both wear Barbour Beaufort jackets. I wouldn't worry about it being too large; it's raglan-sleeved so forgiving in the shoulders and designed to be worn oversized to allow for layering etc. The jacket also has notoriously short sleeves if you buy according to your usual chest size, so it's difficult to really look like you're swimming in it. In my opinion this jacket is a unisex garment.
ReplyDeleteIf I am not mistaken, the Beaufort was originally made for Queen Elizabeth. The specifications have not changed.
ReplyDeleteYou are mistaken. The original Beaufort was designed by Margaret Barbour in the 80s as part of a new range that also included the Bedale and Border. The specifications have changed over the years. The original Gordon tartan was dropped in favour of new ones when new waxed cotton fabrics, e.g. Sylkoil, that were introduced.
DeleteHM Queen Elizabeth II had two Beauforts but they were not made specifically for her. The first was an original sage that she wore until she died. The Queen received a new one, a gift from the company when the original was in for repair, a few years ago. She demanded that the old Beaufort was returned with the "replacement".
Here's Barbour's explanation of the differences - https://www.barbour.com/uk/blog/a-look-at-the-iconic-barbour-beaufort-jacket/. Just scroll down the page to find it.
DeleteI love and wear mine regularly (and have for almost twenty years, since I was a teenager!) I have two. I am not tall (5’4”) and am quite slim, but I find the fit very easy for me and I love the extra length compared to my Bedale.
ReplyDeleteI'd think twice about waxed canvas for upland hunting. It's probably great for driven pheasant hunting in a wet climate, but for American-style walk-up hunting it gets hot in a hurry.
ReplyDeleteBoth Orvis and a company from Michigan called Pyke make upland clothes that are a much better fit for the way we hunt in the US.
The Beaufort, Bedale and Border are made of a Thornproof 6oz waxed poplin, not canvas. They can be worn all year round in most parts. For pheasant and stag shooting in wet weather, I'd choose a waterproof clothing from hunting specialists such as Schoffel, Laksen, Harkila or Beretta which are superior to Orris and Pike.
DeleteWore orange tie with blue suit often when I lived in my native Virginia, being a huge Wahoo fan. Moved to Colorado and, the first time I wore the combo, someone said, “Bronco colors!” Have not worn it since. Nothing against the hometown team, just not interested in that conclusion. Orange was Sinatra’s favorite color, I read. -JDV
ReplyDeleteThey are all hard to beat! My wife has had many years of superb service from her Border, as well as her Beaufort!
ReplyDeleteBeaufort is as timeless as the hills. Impossible to go wrong
ReplyDelete