Barbour Bedale vs Beaufort: 7 Key Differences Before You Choose

Choosing between the Barbour Bedale and Beaufort comes down to length, pocket layout and how you plan to wear it. Pick the Barbour Bedale if you want a shorter, easier everyday waxed jacket that works well for driving, town wear and country walks. Pick the Barbour Beaufort if you want more coverage, a traditional country look and the useful full-width rear game pocket.

Both are classic Barbour waxed jackets. Both suit British weather. Both can be layered, cared for and re-waxed over time. The difference is that the Bedale feels more compact and casual, while the Beaufort feels more like a proper field jacket.

In this article

• What is the main difference between the Bedale and Beaufort?
• Barbour Bedale vs Beaufort comparison table
• 7 key differences before you choose
• Which Barbour jacket should you buy?
• Frequently asked questions

What is the main difference between the Barbour Bedale and Beaufort?

That makes the Bedale a strong choice if you want one jacket for town, travel, driving and weekend wear. The Beaufort is better if you want a more country-style jacket for dog walks, outdoor use and layering through colder months.

Barbour’s own jacket guide describes the Beaufort as having a slightly longer body than the Bedale, plus a large rear pocket and adjustable storm cuffs. You can read more in the official Barbour waxed jacket style guide.

AT A GLANCE: THE MAIN DIFFERENCES

What are the 7 key differences between the Barbour Bedale and Beaufort?

1. Is the Bedale shorter than the Beaufort?

Yes. The Bedale is the shorter jacket of the two, and that is the first difference most people notice.

The shorter cut gives the Bedale a neater, more casual feel. It tends to sit around the hip, which makes it practical for getting in and out of the car, walking around town or wearing over jeans and knitwear. It also suits people who do not want their jacket to feel too long or coat-like.

The Beaufort gives more coverage. It has a slightly longer body, which can feel more protective in wind and rain, especially on country walks. If you are taller, or you prefer a jacket that looks more traditional and substantial, the Beaufort will usually feel more natural.

2. Was the Bedale designed for riding and the Beaufort for fieldwear?

Yes, and that heritage still shapes how they feel today.

The Bedale was originally created with equestrian use in mind. That explains its shorter length, rear vents, easy movement and practical two-way zip. It is not only for riding now, of course. Today it is one of the easiest Barbour jackets to wear casually because that shorter shape works well for daily life.

The Beaufort has stronger fieldwear roots. Its design is inspired by shooting jackets, and the rear game pocket is the clearest sign of that. Even if you are not using it for field sports, the Beaufort still has that practical countryside character.

3. Does the Beaufort have more pocket space?

Yes. The Beaufort has the advantage for storage because of its full-width rear game pocket.

Both jackets have the classic Barbour front pocket arrangement, with handwarmer pockets and lower bellow pockets. For most everyday use, the Bedale has plenty of storage for keys, gloves, a dog lead or a phone.

The Beaufort goes further. The rear game pocket gives you extra space across the back of the jacket. It is useful for country walks, carrying gloves, a hat, dog bags or small outdoor essentials. It is also one of the details that gives the Beaufort its traditional look.

4. Which jacket has better cuffs?

The answer depends on what you prefer. The Bedale uses knitted inner cuffs, while the Beaufort uses hook and loop adjustable storm cuffs.

The Bedale’s knitted cuffs feel comfortable and help keep draughts away. They also add to the jacket’s everyday feel. If you like the cuff to sit close around your wrist without adjusting anything, the Bedale is very easy to live with.

The Beaufort’s adjustable cuffs are more practical if you want to seal the sleeve over gloves or fine-tune the fit. They also suit wet and windy country use, where stopping draughts matters more.

5. Which is better for layering?

Both can be layered, but the Beaufort has the edge if you want a more coat-like feel over chunky knitwear.

The Bedale has a regular heritage fit, but because it is shorter, it feels more compact. It layers well over shirts, lighter jumpers and gilets, but it still keeps a casual shape.

The Beaufort’s slightly longer body makes it feel more natural over heavier knitwear. If you are buying a waxed jacket for autumn and winter country wear, the Beaufort may feel more practical. It is the one to consider if you often wear thicker mid-layers or want the jacket to feel more protective.

6. Which looks better for everyday wear?

The Bedale is usually the easier everyday jacket.

Its shorter length makes it feel less formal and less bulky. It works well with jeans, chinos, boots, trainers and casual knitwear. For commuting, travelling, shopping, weekends and light country use, the Bedale is hard to beat.

The Beaufort is still very wearable day to day, but it has a more traditional country look. That is part of its appeal. If you want a jacket that looks like classic Barbour fieldwear, the Beaufort has the stronger identity.

7. Which Barbour jacket is better value?

The best value is the jacket you will wear most.

If you want a shorter waxed jacket for regular everyday use, the Bedale is likely the better value. It is practical, comfortable and versatile enough for town, country and travel. It also costs slightly less than the Beaufort at the time of writing.

If you want extra coverage and the rear game pocket, the Beaufort justifies the higher price. Those details are not decorative. They change how the jacket works, especially if you walk the dog, spend more time outdoors or prefer a traditional country fit.

Both jackets are designed to last when cared for properly. The key is not to buy the one that looks best in isolation. Buy the one that fits your lifestyle.

Which should you choose: Bedale or Beaufort?

Choose the Barbour Bedale if you want the most versatile everyday jacket. It is shorter, easier to sit in and simple to style. It is the better choice for town wear, driving, casual weekends and anyone who wants a classic Barbour without too much length.

Choose the Barbour Beaufort if you want a more traditional country jacket. It gives more coverage, has adjustable cuffs and includes the rear game pocket. It is the better choice for dog walking, countryside use, heavier layering and anyone who wants the most field-ready option.

For most first-time Barbour buyers, the Bedale is the safer everyday choice. For customers who already know they want a proper country jacket with more storage, the Beaufort is the stronger pick.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Barbour Bedale warmer than the Beaufort?

Not by itself. Both are waxed cotton jackets rather than insulated winter coats. Warmth comes mainly from what you layer underneath. The Beaufort’s longer body may feel more protective in colder weather, but both jackets are best worn with knitwear or an optional compatible liner when temperatures drop.

Is the Barbour Beaufort too long for everyday wear?

No, but it does feel more traditional than the Bedale. If you are used to shorter jackets, the Beaufort may feel more like a coat. If you want extra coverage for walking, commuting or outdoor use, that extra length is a benefit.

Can you wear a Barbour Bedale in the rain?

Yes, the Bedale’s waxed cotton outer is water-resistant and suitable for typical British showers. It is not the same as a fully waterproof technical shell, and the wax finish needs care over time. Re-waxing helps maintain its weather resistance.

Does the Beaufort fit bigger than the Bedale?

Both have a regular heritage-style fit, but they feel different because of the cut. The Beaufort’s longer body can feel roomier and more coat-like, while the Bedale feels shorter and neater. Try your usual size first, then consider how much layering room you need.

Which Barbour jacket is better for dog walking?

The Beaufort is the better choice for dog walking if you want more coverage and extra pocket space. The rear game pocket is useful for small walking essentials. The Bedale still works well for shorter walks, especially if you prefer a lighter, shorter feel.

Which is more classic: Bedale or Beaufort?

Both are classic Barbour jackets. The Bedale is the classic shorter everyday waxed jacket, while the Beaufort is the classic country and fieldwear option. Neither is the wrong choice. They simply suit different uses.

Final verdict

The Bedale and Beaufort are both proper Barbour classics, but they are not interchangeable. The Bedale is shorter, easier and more casual. The Beaufort is longer, more practical and more traditional.

For a first Barbour jacket that you can wear almost anywhere, choose the Barbour Bedale Men’s Waxed Jacket in Sage. For a country jacket with more coverage and useful storage, choose the Barbour Beaufort Men’s Waxed Jacket in Navy.