Barbour Bedale vs Beaufort vs Ashby: What’s the Difference?
The Barbour Bedale, Beaufort and Ashby share the same waxed-cotton country-jacket DNA, but their proportions, fit and practical details make them quite different to wear. The Bedale was originally designed for horse riding, the Beaufort for country pursuits, and the Ashby as a slimmer, more modern jacket suited to urban wear. The Beaufort also stands out for its large rear pocket.
Key differences:
Barbour Bedale
The shorter, more practical classic
Length: The shortest of the three, originally designed to allow freedom of movement when riding.
Fit: Relaxed, boxy body with room for movement and layering.
Pockets: Two large bellows-style lower pockets, two angled, moleskin-lined handwarmer pockets and one internal pocket.
Sleeves: Elasticated inner cuffs that fit snugly around the wrists, helping keep out wind and rain.
Back: Two side vents with snap closures.
Lining: Traditional cotton tartan lining, with a polyester drip strip inside the back to help protect against moisture.
Elasticated inner cuffs that fit snugly around the wrists, helping keep out wind and rain.
Side vent with snap closure.
Barbour Beaufort
The longer, more traditional country jacket
Length: About 8 cm longer than the Bedale, offering more coverage over the seat and making it easier to wear over a sport coat.
Fit: Relaxed, boxy body with room for movement and layering.
Pockets: Two large bellows-style lower pockets, two handwarmer pockets and a large rear game pocket.
Sleeves: Adjustable cuffs with Velcro fastenings to help keep out rain.
Back: The full-width rear game pocket, accessed from the sides.
Lining: Traditional cotton tartan lining, with polyester inserts at the inner cuffs to help keep out rain.
Adjustable cuffs with Velcro fastenings to help keep out rain.
The full-width rear game pocket, accessed from the sides.
Barbour Ashby
The slimmer, more contemporary option
Length: Generally a little longer in the body than the Bedale, although the difference is relatively small.
Fit: Trimmer through the body and sleeves, with less room for bulky layers.
Pockets: The same basic layout as the Bedale, with two large bellows-style lower pockets, two angled, moleskin-lined handwarmer pockets and one internal pocket.
Sleeves: Slimmer sleeves with corduroy-lined cuffs that can be turned back. The polyester sleeve lining is less breathable than cotton and can feel warmer during activity or in mild weather.
Back: Two side vents with snap closures.
Lining: Tartan body lining with polyester-lined sleeves.
Slimmer sleeves with corduroy-lined cuffs that can be turned back. The polyester sleeve lining is less breathable than cotton and can feel warmer during activity or in mild weather.
The zipper guard helps prevent the zipper from catching on your clothing, which is useful given the Ashby's closer fit.
The differences in everyday wear
The Beaufort's extra length is its main advantage if you regularly wear a sport coat or heavier winter layers. The Bedale sits higher on the body and works particularly well with jeans, chinos and higher-rise trousers. The Ashby offers a more elongated, fitted silhouette, but its slimmer sleeves can make layering less comfortable.
The back and cuffs also differ. The Bedale's side vents allow greater freedom of movement when riding or sitting, while its knitted inner storm cuffs help keep cold air out. The Beaufort has a large rear game pocket for carrying gloves, a hat or other small items, along with adjustable cuffs. The Ashby has a more contemporary collar and slimmer sleeves, with corduroy-lined cuffs that can be turned back.
Waxed cotton and lining
The standard Bedale and Beaufort use 6 oz Thornproof waxed cotton, which has a smoother, slightly shinier finish. The Ashby, Classic Bedale and Classic Beaufort use 6 oz Sylkoil waxed cotton, which has a softer, more matte appearance.
The three jackets also differ in their lining. The Bedale and Beaufort have traditional cotton tartan linings, while the Ashby has a tartan-lined body with polyester-lined sleeves. If you tend to get warm when walking or plan to wear your jacket in milder weather, the Ashby's sleeve lining is worth considering.
None of these jackets has built-in insulation comparable to a dedicated winter coat. All three are designed to provide weather resistance through waxed cotton rather than the fully waterproof protection of a modern technical rain shell. Their condition and regular re-waxing also affect how well they perform in wet weather.
The drip strip is a narrow strip of water-resistant synthetic fabric sewn inside the back of the Bedale.
Which one makes the most sense for you?
Choose the Bedale if…
You want a versatile everyday jacket that works particularly well with jeans, chinos and casual clothing. Its shorter length makes it easy to wear, especially with higher-rise trousers and a tucked-in shirt.
Choose the Beaufort if…
You want a more substantial country jacket with enough length to cover a sport coat. The extra room and longer body also make it a good option for heavier winter clothing and layering.
Choose the Ashby if…
You prefer a cleaner, slimmer silhouette and generally wear your jacket over a shirt or lightweight knit. Its modern fit is appealing, but it is less suitable if traditional proportions and substantial layering are your priorities.
My recommendation: I'd choose the Bedale for everyday wear and the Beaufort as the more versatile outer layer over tailoring and winter clothing. I wouldn't choose the Ashby over either unless I specifically wanted its slimmer fit.
Sizing: The Bedale and Beaufort can look intentionally relaxed without looking too big. The Ashby is more fitted, particularly through the sleeves, so sizing up may not solve the problem if you find the arms restrictive.
If you're still deciding which Barbour to buy, check out my Barbour color guide to see the differences between Classic Olive, Sage, Archive Olive, Bark, Rustic and Navy. Or if you're interested in alternatives to Barbour, I've also put together a guide to waxed jackets and hunting jackets from other brands worth considering.
*I’m 180cm tall, weigh 83kg, and on the photos I’m wearing size 40 in the Bedale and Beaufort, and size L in the Ashby.
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