The Classic Bedale by Barbour
As part of our 'Barbour Icons' series, Sam reviews the Barbour Bedale, a classic and staple style since 1980. The Classic Bedale was Barbour's first short, lightweight waxed jacket and has been sported by pop icons, royalty and proper working folk alike. Designed with practicality and function in mind, the Barbour Bedale Jacket is made from a mediumweight 6oz waxed cotton and is fully interactional with optional zip in liners and hoods, making this jacket a go-to for all year wear. Watch the review below to find out everything you need to know about this fantastic jacket.
Video Transcript:
Hi, I'm Sam from Michael Stewart Menswear and welcome to Barbour Icons, the series that's going to take a deep dive on some of Barbour's most iconic and classic pieces of outerwear. First and foremost, we're going to start with the Barbour Bedale. This is the classic waxed jacket that I think everybody knows and instantly recognises. If I said to you picture a Barbour jacket, you're probably going to imagine something just like this...a nice dark green waxed cotton, brown corduroy collar and all the timeless style and class of the British countryside. So, let's talk about the features, the fit and give you all the information you need to know on the Barbour Bedale.
So the Bedale story begins in 1980, it was designed by Dame Margaret Barbour and her intended use for this jacket was for equestrian purposes and knowing that, you can see how the design clearly has an influence on the purpose that it was intended for. It's a little bit shorter, it's a little bit lighter, using the medium weight 6oz waxed cotton and as well, it has a few other little features such as pop vents towards the back there, as well as an internal lower nylon lining to stop moisture and weather getting up inside the jacket from below. As well it's littered with the classic and timeless features that you come to expect from a Barbour jacket. Of course, it comes with the corduroy collar which can flip up and be used as extra weather protection thanks to the throat latch which seals it around your neck, it has the hefty double brass zip down the middle and is all enclosed with a storm flap with press studs.
Two bellow pockets towards the bottom of course just above there, the hand-warmer pockets, these are fantastic. They are lined with moleskin and sit just above and they're great for when you're walking around and your hands are a little bit cold, they just keep you nice and toasty so there's plenty of space for your hands and all your belongings without them all getting jumbled up into one. As well as the nylon lining below, you also do have just above that the tartan lining which is obviously a staple for Barbour. No Jacket is complete without it. One of my favourite features is actually the elasticated cuffs just to the inside, these are built in and not only add a nice bit of weather protection but they really make the sleeves sit nice around your wrists. Now I was blessed or cursed with slightly smaller wrists so the fact that this just tuck round nicely really makes the jacket fit and finish beautifully around the wrist.
So the Bedale is a regular fit and we recommend you take your usual size, this gives you enough room to move as well as some extra space to adapt to the weather no matter what comes your way. So in winter, there's plenty of room under here to add in that bit of knitwear or perhaps one of Barbours optional zip in waistcoat liners, that gives you a bit of extra warmth, but in summer you can wear it just as is. I still think the fit looks pretty nice, it looks pretty neat, pretty tidy and doesn't look too big. I'm a size 38 chest or a medium and I wear a 38 in these jackets. If you're an extra large or a 42 chest, take an extra large and a 42. If you do prefer a slimmer fit you can size down if you wish.
And there you have it, the Barbour Bedale jacket, a true classic that we love but we'd love to know your feelings on it. Let us know in the comments below. Or if you are interested, head to michaelstewart.co.uk you can purchase one there, or pop into store and talk to our friendly staff. Until then we'll catch you on the next episode of Barbour Icons.
