OROctober, time of Barbour. The English waxed jacket has always been one of the must-haves of the most autumnal month there is: thanks to its distinctive cut, the light and water-repellent fabric and that timeless country-chic style that has made it iconic, from 1894 to today. How to choose it? What are the cult models of the brand and the most beautiful alternative waxed jackets to bet on?
Here is one micro guide to the tarpaulin of the season, the piece to invest in that cannot be missing in the wardrobe today.
The best clothing for the worst weather
“The best clothing for the worst weather”, read an old advertising slogan dedicated to the famous jacket. And that’s right: the waterproof mantlebut opaque and chic, in the typical forest green and the like, is the feature that has made it so popular over time. Man or womanthere is no model of waxed jacket – as the British call it – that does not respect this essential canon, together with the corduroy collar in contrast. Two characteristics that every tarpaulin, to do its duty, must have: on the one hand the practical character, thanks to the insulating and waterproof material that protects from rain and cold, on the other hand that glamorous touch that makes it recognizable.
How to choose the Barbour?
For those who are approaching the purchase of their first waxed jacket, it is good to know that the models of women’s and men’s Barbour-style jackets are different. The fitting of the female pieces is rather slim. For this reason, those looking for a classic jacket will opt for the Beadnell, popularized by the most chic royal heads of the royal family, from Lady D. to Kate Middleton. But the king of the jackets is the straight, masculine modelalso worn by Charles of England: the mythical Beaufort. The alternatives to focus on for the woman who is looking for a masculine fit and more tending to oversize, Bedale And Ashby.
One of the classic models of the Barbour jacket, the Bedale.
The most beautiful alternative wax jackets
Of course, there is not only the Barbour. On the contrary: over time, its success has led several other brands to specialize in waxed jackets; moreover, its growing popularity has moved, on the one hand, low cost brands to supply very similar “copies”, and on the other hand, the great Maison to propose country jackets according to seasonal trends.
Speaking of reinterpretations, it is impossible not to mention the co-lab with Alexa Chung: the Queen of British influencers proposes different models she has signed for each season, and for Autumn 2022/2023 she focuses on new colors such as burgundy and cropped cuts. Gucci presents the beige cotton duster coat with leather details, Maison Margiela follows the original and makes it hyper luxury. The “competitors” of all time? The jackets waxed signed Schott, Polo Ralph Lauren, Filson, Mackintosh.
The women’s waxed jacket according to Polo Ralph Lauren.
From minimal to low cost models
For the more fashionable, a minimalist waxed jacket with a medium cut, signed by a research brand like Kassl Editions (which focuses on sustainable processing oil-coated) And Totême. For those who do not feel like spending high sums for a mid-season jacket, the low cost proposals signed Mango (with a woman jacket very similar to the Barbour) e Zara.
The tarpaulin from the Committed collection by Mango.
How to combine Barbour with style in AI22 / 23
Matching the waxed jacket in Autumn-Winter 2022/2023 is very simple: just focus on the trendy look at the moment, the equestrian one. Perfect with riding bootsmarries with white jeans and wraparound high-necked sweaters; and is the essential ally of urban rain outfits.
Alexa Chung in one of the Barbour jackets from her line (Photo: Darren Gerrish / WireImage for Alexa Chung).
Even if it is her biggest fan who provides the glam idea to wear it: on thesequin dress silver, in line with the climate and mood of the period, to say the least … dancer.
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