When it comes to choosing an iconic piece of British outerwear, two names constantly top the list: the Barbour Bedale and the Barbour Ashby.
At first glance, these two waxed jackets look remarkably similar. They both feature the classic corduroy collar, signature Barbour tartan lining, and practical two-way zip with a storm flap. However, beneath the surface, they are built very differently.
Whether you are looking for a rugged country companion or a sharper everyday jacket for town and travel, this comparison will help you choose the right Barbour waxed jacket for your wardrobe.
In Simple Terms
The Bedale is the traditional choice: roomier, more practical, made in England, and better for layering. The Ashby is the modern choice: slimmer, sharper, and better suited to smart-casual everyday wear.
At a Glance: The Key Differences
| Feature | Barbour Bedale | Barbour Ashby |
|---|---|---|
| Fit | Traditional / relaxed fit | Tailored / contemporary fit |
| Sleeve Lining | 100% breathable cotton | Polyester / polyamide sleeve lining |
| Cuffs | Internal ribbed storm cuffs | Open cuffs with corduroy trim inside |
| Best For | Layering, heritage style and country life | Smart-casual wear, slimmer builds and urban commuting |
Both jackets are Barbour icons, but they suit different customers. The Bedale keeps closer to the traditional countrywear formula, while the Ashby offers a more modern, tailored silhouette.
The Barbour Bedale: The Heritage Icon
The Barbour Bedale Waxed Jacket is a true Barbour legend. Originally released in 1980 as a short equestrian jacket, it remains one of the brand’s most recognisable waxed jackets.
To this day, the Bedale is still made at Barbour’s factory in South Shields, England, making it the natural choice for customers who want the most traditional option.
Because it was designed with horse riding in mind, the Bedale has a shorter, practical length, dual rear vents with stud fastenings, and a comfortable regular fit. This classic shape offers generous room through the body and shoulders, making it ideal for layering chunky knitwear underneath.
The Bedale’s Hidden Practicality
- The cuffs: The Bedale features hidden, elasticated ribbed storm cuffs inside the sleeves. These form a seal around your wrists, helping to block out cold wind and rain.
- The sleeve lining: The Bedale features a 100% cotton lining throughout the sleeves. This makes the jacket breathable and comfortable to wear over short-sleeved shirts or light layers.
Shop the Barbour Bedale Range at Allweathers
The Barbour Ashby: The Contemporary Alternative
The Barbour Ashby Waxed Jacket is a modern rework of the Bedale formula, designed for contemporary everyday wear. It takes the best design elements of classic countrywear and reimagines them in a much sleeker, tailored silhouette.
If you want a jacket that looks sharp with chinos, jeans or a button-down shirt, the Ashby is the standout choice. It cuts a cleaner line through the body, doing away with the boxier look of traditional country jackets.
Important Technical Details to Know
While the Ashby looks incredibly smart, its modern updates come with a couple of practical differences that buyers should note.
- The sleeve lining: Unlike the Bedale, the Ashby is constructed with polyester / polyamide lining inside the sleeves. This makes the jacket easy to slide on and off over clothing, but it is less breathable than cotton. If you run hot or wear it on a mild day, you may notice your arms feeling warmer.
- The cuffs: The Ashby does away with the Bedale’s ribbed storm cuffs, opting instead for a standard open cuff. The inside of the cuff is lined with corduroy, allowing you to turn the sleeves up for a stylish contrast look, although it lets in more wind than the Bedale.
Shop the Barbour Ashby Range at Allweathers
Lifestyle: Urban Commuting vs Country Pursuits
Your choice between these two jackets should ultimately depend on where and how you plan to wear it.
For the City and Smart-Casual Wear: Choose the Ashby
The Ashby bridges the gap between town and country very well. Because of its tailored fit and slightly longer length, it pairs beautifully with modern outfits, office attire and casual weekend wear. It feels right at home in a city café, on a morning commute or worn casually at the weekend.
For the Countryside and Traditional Utility: Choose the Bedale
If your weekends involve dog walking, rural walks or standing on a touchline in unpredictable British weather, the Bedale is hard to beat. Its relaxed fit is better suited to active outdoor movement, and the ribbed storm cuffs are extremely useful when the wind picks up.
Because it is still made in the UK and stays close to Barbour’s original countrywear design, many customers see the Bedale as the more traditional long-term choice.
Upgrading Your Jacket: Liners and Hoods
Both the Ashby and the Bedale are versatile multi-season jackets, but they require optional accessories to turn them into warmer winter coats.
Both jackets feature internal zips designed to accept Barbour Zip-In Liners, allowing you to add an insulating fleece or quilted layer when the temperature drops. You can also attach a matching Barbour Hood to the collar of either jacket for extra protection in wet weather.
Always check the sizing guide to match the correct liner or hood size to your specific jacket size.
Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?
The choice between these two Barbour icons comes down to a simple trade-off between modern style and traditional utility.
- Buy the Barbour Ashby if: You want a sleek, modern, tailored look for everyday city or smart-casual wear, you have a slimmer build, and you do not mind sacrificing a little arm breathability for a sharper silhouette.
- Buy the Barbour Bedale if: You want a traditional, relaxed-fitting heritage jacket made in England, you like to layer thick knitwear, and you want maximum breathability and wind protection for outdoor use.
Explore Barbour Ashby and Bedale Jackets at Allweathers
Find your perfect fit and choice of colours, including classic Sage, Olive, Navy and Black, available today at Allweathers.
Browse the Barbour Ashby Waxed Jacket Browse the Barbour Bedale Waxed Jacket
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Barbour Ashby waterproof?
Both the Ashby and Bedale are made from medium-weight waxed cotton, which provides excellent water resistance against everyday British rain and wind. However, they are not fully waterproof technical jackets. To keep them rain-resistant, they should be re-waxed regularly using Barbour Thornproof Dressing.
Should I size down in the Bedale?
Because the Bedale features a traditional, generous fit, some customers who prefer a slimmer look choose to go down one size from their usual jacket size. If you plan on layering heavy knitwear underneath, your normal size is usually the safer choice.
Why do my arms feel sweaty in the Barbour Ashby?
The Ashby uses a synthetic lining in the sleeves rather than the breathable cotton used in the Bedale. If you wear the jacket over a t-shirt or light layer on a mild day, this synthetic sleeve lining can trap more warmth and moisture, making your arms feel warmer or damp.
