Are Barbour Coats Worth the Hype? Here Are My Honest Thoughts as a Fashion Editor and Outdoor Enthusiast

I’ll start with the aesthetics. Wearing this jacket makes me feel like a moody groundskeeper prowling the moors of Scotland in all the best ways. The dark olive hue is a fabulous neutral that goes with just about everything in my wardrobe, but has far more character than basic black or navy. (P.S. It also comes in black, navy and brown if you do prefer a more traditional neutral hue.) And the waxed cotton material has enough heft to feel sturdy and warm, without actually weighing me down. That, plus a flannel lining and wax coating on the outer shell, makes this coat a real all-star in inclement weather. I’ve worn it through torrential downpours, light drizzles and at least one freak hailstorm and found it kept me warm, dry and comfortable though it all.

The Beaufort was originally designed for men, but modern versions have more of a unisex appeal, with a slightly oversize fit that perfectly straddles the line between slouchy and frumpy. The silhouette achieves that effortlessly chic look I am constantly striving for, without any effort on my part. I will say, however, that this silhouette can be a bit overwhelming on petite frames. My sister, who is 5’4”, often laments having to roll up the sleeves, which runs the risk of catching rain inside the cuffs. If you want something with a slimmer fit, the Beadnell ($398) has many of the same impressive features, but is designed for women with a shorter length and torso that fits closer to the body for a more streamlined look.

Speaking of impressive features, buckle up, dear reader, because there are a lot of incredible specs and details built into each and every Barbour design, including the Beaufort.