[SometimesAlwaysNever]

First time posting. I know this topic is a golden oldie - I've had a look through a fair few threads like this and this which have been very helpful. I'd welcome your thoughts please: specifically for a shorter gent (5'5") and looking at the proportions on me, does anyone have any further advice for which jacket may be the best option please? Some pics are below. I'm torn between the two. I can imagine the sneaky back pocket on the Beaufort being extremely useful, although it understandably adds a bit of bulk. However I prefer the knitted cuffs of the Bedale (as opposed to the Beaufort's Velcro) and wonder if the back vents may make it easier in and out of a car etc if needed.

The jacket is for general use in country and town and I'm looking for the most flexibility. I'd like the option of wearing a sports coat underneath but most of the time it'll be shirt, knitwear, etc. As my frame is short, I'm wondering if I can get away with the Bedale's length if it suited my proportions better, or if the Beaufort is a better all-round choice. I'm a 36 in suits and 34 in the Barbour jackets seems to do the trick - room for enough layering for my needs without being either constraining or like a bag.

I'd also welcome your thoughts please on if you think the sleeves should be adjusted to come up a bit too, and if so a guide to how much? The sleeves feel a bit too long for me, even for the howling rain.

Here's the Beaufort:

And the Bedale:

Thank you

 

[fishertw]

I have both and like you appreciate the knitted cuffs on the Bedale. I find the game pocket on the Beaufort to be not very much used. Regarding length, I have worn both with sport coats in the past but do find the Beaufort provides just a bit more coverage of the jacket. Really a toss up but the knitted cuffs are really nice.

 

[drpeter]

My advice would be to plump for the Bedale.

I own two Bedales and one Beaufort. I am 5'-7", not that much taller than you, and about 145-150lbs. I find that I wear the Bedales about twenty times as often as the Beaufort. Yes, the latter does cover a sports jacket better, but that is not a very important consideration for me. I own any number of topcoats and overcoats that will do the job of covering my sports jackets admirably well. And it seems you too are going to be wearing these jackets with more casual clothing. I use the Barbours exclusively with casual clothes.

Since I do not hunt, the game pocket is not of much use. I do collect first editions, so perhaps I could slip a book or two I've bagged into the pocket, in lieu of game, LOL.

For men at the shorter end of the height spectrum, like you and I, the longer Beaufort offers a less flattering silhouette or line than the shorter Bedale. And it is easier to manage when slipping into a car seat. So overall, the advantage is to the Bedale.

 

[New Old Stock]

I was in the same boat as you when I bought my Barbour. A few conclusions I came to….

Don’t size down. Standing still while looking in the mirror of a warm fitting room the smaller size feels perfect. But you lose both the ability to move comfortably & add warm layers when you size down. I know these things fit like a burlap sack, but it’s for a reason.

With todays suit lengths you might be able to get away with the Bedale, but if you dress more traditionally then the Beaufort is at the minimum length required.

Also, if you plan on wearing it with a sport coat / suit, the knitted cuffs on the Bedale aren’t very practical/comfortable.

Not sure what the story is across the pond, but Barbour does a variety of repairs/alterations in the US. I believe I posted a list of available alterations in another thread? I forget. Either way, I had a very good experience with them. I needed my sleeves lengthened and had two options; add the required length on the end of the existing sleeve or replace the whole sleeve. I chose the latter because I also wanted to change the cuff lining - and that required replacing the entire lining.

I bought the beaufort & was going to switch to the knit Bedale cuffs (i didnt like the velcro of the beaufort catching my sweaters). But when i tried on the Bedale i realized the issues with my sport coat. Luckily there was another Barbour there with a corduroy lining (for an example on this look up the LL Bean Barn Coat). I asked for that instead & got to keep the wide opening of the Beaufort cuff with a more refined finish than velcro-ed nylon.

You can also add or remove length from your jacket if you're concerned with proportions. Note the purchase date if you make alterations, they need it to match the fabric as it varies slightly from year to year, I guess. The sooner you make alterations the better since the patinas wont match if you wait.

good luck!

 

[David J. Cooper]

I find the game pocket very useful. Mine is full of dog poop bags, a bucket hat and on a rainy day it is great for keeping the mail dry.

 

[eagle2250]

I find the game pocket very useful. Mine is full of dog poop bags, a bucket hat and on a rainy day it is great for keeping the mail dry.

LOL, indeed we must roll with the punches life throws at us. It is good to hear your Barbour's game pocket is being put to good use. I'm hesitant to admit that it has been a few years since the wild game I have taken in the field has resided in mine for the trip to the larder!

 

[GeorgiatoJapan]

I’m a Beaufort fan myself. Mine is almost 30 years old and I‘ve used the game pocket for quail, maps, hats, and other things. Both look to fit you well.

 

[challer]

These jackets were never meant to tailored fashion. Go up at least one size. Think more baggy than fitted. Plan on having several. In our house, we have all three in at least two sizes. Longer length for worse weather. Bigger for sweaters. Please don’t mind the blood stains on the game pocket nor the patches put on during rewaxing. And we have Filson trench coats for particularly wet days. Very long and worth it.

 

[Flairball]

I find the game pocket very useful. Mine is full of dog poop bags, a bucket hat and on a rainy day it is great for keeping the mail dry.

Same here, dried blood, loose feathers, and the occasional twig. My coat is also so worn, and discoloured that it will never see a city street.

Vertically challenged, or not, get the one that best suits all your other needs.

 

[SometimesAlwaysNever]

Thanks everyone for your responses - most appreciated. I’ve enjoyed your observations and experiences. You’ve helped me decide on the Bedale, which I think will be best for me at the moment. Maybe one day in a hopeful future, the option of a Beaufort!

 

[drpeter]

Congratulations in advance on your incipient Bedale! I hope you will get as much enjoyment as I do wearing it. It's a great outer garment, no question.

You might do well to keep an eye out for online sales of Barbours, eBay and such, and see if you can snag a second-hand, or even NOS Beaufort. At a lower price, it is not too much of a gamble to try one and see if you like it. As many of our friends here on AAAC have remarked, the Beaufort has its uses and its advantages. But a Bedale seems a good choice for you, for starters.

Some time ago, I posted a picture of the Prince of Wales in a patched-up, bedraggled John Partridge field coat he uses for gardening. I'm sure you could find a Beaufort in slightly better condition online, LOL. Here is the POW:

 

[fishertw]

Congratulations in advance on your incipient Bedale! I hope you will get as much enjoyment as I do wearing it. It's a great outer garment, no question.

You might do well to keep an eye out for online sales of Barbours, eBay and such, and see if you can snag a second-hand, or even NOS Beaufort. At a lower price, it is not too much of a gamble to try one and see if you like it. As many of our friends here on AAAC have remarked, the Beaufort has its uses and its advantages. But a Bedale seems a good choice for you, for starters.

Some time ago, I posted a picture of the Prince of Wales in a patched-up, bedraggled John Partridge field coat he uses for gardening. I'm sure you could find a Beaufort in slightly better condition online, LOL. Here is the POW:

View attachment 52457

Actually my first was a Bedale and now looks something like this one.

 

[drpeter]

Haha. You're in good company, old chap!

 

[Doctor Damage]

These jackets were never meant to tailored fashion. Go up at least one size. Think more baggy than fitted.

This is 100% the correct approach. Ignore the style bloggers and Pitti Crapoli poseurs who prefer slim slim slim fit.

 

[Doctor Damage]

First time posting. I know this topic is a golden oldie - I've had a look through a fair few threads like this and this which have been very helpful. I'd welcome your thoughts please: specifically for a shorter gent (5'5") and looking at the proportions on me, does anyone have any further advice for which jacket may be the best option please? Some pics are below. I'm torn between the two. I can imagine the sneaky back pocket on the Beaufort being extremely useful, although it understandably adds a bit of bulk. However I prefer the knitted cuffs of the Bedale (as opposed to the Beaufort's Velcro) and wonder if the back vents may make it easier in and out of a car etc if needed.

The jacket is for general use in country and town and I'm looking for the most flexibility. I'd like the option of wearing a sports coat underneath but most of the time it'll be shirt, knitwear, etc. As my frame is short, I'm wondering if I can get away with the Bedale's length if it suited my proportions better, or if the Beaufort is a better all-round choice. I'm a 36 in suits and 34 in the Barbour jackets seems to do the trick - room for enough layering for my needs without being either constraining or like a bag.

I'd also welcome your thoughts please on if you think the sleeves should be adjusted to come up a bit too, and if so a guide to how much? The sleeves feel a bit too long for me, even for the howling rain.

I know we're supposed to be supportive in this forum, but c'mon, dude, don't overthink this. Both jackets fit you exactly the same in those photos. Choose the one with the pocket config you prefer. Also, don't wear these things over a sports jacket (get a trench coat or something) but if you can't stop yourself then get one or two sizes larger to give yourself some room to get it on over the sports jacket without stuffing and to prevent the sleeves from hiking up.

 

[Danny]

I like the Bedale myself [Beaufort seems like overkill on me]. And I agree that they shouldn't be too snug, but that is personal preference. A looser coat can fit over sweaters, gives you room to move and be active. I dislike the feeling of tight clothing, but that's me.