Updated March 2026.
The Barbour Beaufort Wax Jacket is one of the best-known pieces in British country clothing. First released in 1983, it has become a lasting part of Barbour’s outerwear story, combining field practicality with a shape that works well beyond the shooting season. For readers comparing current styles, the wider Barbour collection is the natural starting point.
The history of the Barbour Beaufort
Unlike many jackets that are redesigned every few years, the Beaufort has remained remarkably consistent for four decades. Dame Margaret Barbour developed it with inspiration from French shooting jackets, giving it a slightly shorter cut than the Border and making it easier to wear across different settings. That balance between country function and everyday use is what has helped make it one of the defining Barbour wax jackets.
It is also a good example of why Barbour jackets continue to hold their place. The Beaufort was built around practical details rather than passing trends, and those details still make sense now. Readers looking across the wider category can also browse the current men’s Barbour jackets collection.
40th anniversary features
To mark the Beaufort’s 40th anniversary, a limited-edition version was released with small commemorative details that acknowledge the original 1983 design while keeping the familiar shape intact. The appeal of this edition lies in its restraint. It does not reinvent the jacket. It simply highlights the design details that helped establish it in the first place.
Beaufort 40th anniversary stud
This edition includes a dedicated 40th Anniversary stud at the top of the storm placket, along with a Beaufort pin badge. These are modest additions, but they underline the significance of the jacket within Barbour’s history while leaving the core construction unchanged.
Commemorative inner patch
Inside the jacket, a limited-edition patch references the 1983 launch and adds another small link to the Beaufort’s history. The rest of the design remains rooted in the details that made the original so practical.
- Medium-weight 6oz Thornproof waxed cotton for dependable weather resistance.
- Two large bellow pockets and moleskin-lined handwarmer pockets.
- The signature full-width rear game pocket with wipe-clean lining.
- An interactive design compatible with detachable hoods and thermal liners.
Why the Beaufort still works
The Beaufort has lasted because it answers real needs without becoming overcomplicated. It offers weather protection, useful storage and a shape that suits both field use and broader day-to-day wear. That makes it one of the clearest examples of how Barbour outerwear bridges shooting heritage and general country dressing. Readers interested in that side of the brand may also want to explore the live Barbour shooting collection.
Choosing the right Barbour waxed jacket
While the Beaufort remains a strong all-round choice, the right Barbour wax jacket will always depend on how and where you plan to wear it. Some people want a jacket closely tied to shooting and field use, while others want something slightly easier to wear in town as well. The Beaufort sits comfortably between those two needs, which is a large part of its staying power.
To compare current options across the range, browse the Barbour collection and the full Barbour jackets range.
