The Only Coat a Man Needs for Fall

Certain garments improve with age.  Raw denim is one, since every fade and patch tells a story.  Shoes are another, and a well-loved, broken-in pair of leather or suede oxfords beat a brand new pair any day of the week.  Barbour jackets belong in this realm as well, especially their classic Bedale.

When people think of Barbour, the Bedale is the first jacket to come to mind.  Founded in 1894, Barbour jackets have become as synonymous with Britain as Land Rovers and high tea.  They’re the sort of jacket that both nobility and everymen wear; thanks to their utilitarian design, they’re perfect for both a weekend hunting in the woods or as an extra layer of warmth over a tweed jacket or knit sweater when trotting around the city.  Though the Barbour line has expanded with a line of less expensive quilted jackets, their waxed cotton jackets remain their calling card, and are still made in Britain (their cheaper jackets are outsourced, but nevertheless offer good quality and substantial style for the price). 

There’s something ever so charming about the Bedale’s slightly boxy design.  While not anti-fit, the Bedale is a tad more generous than many of today’s too-snug jackets.  Some might find its corduroy collar fusty, but it’s a quirk that works and lends the jacket a touch of intellectual subversiveness.   Yet it flatters the form when worn with merino knits and chunky sweaters; it’s a coat meant for layering and feels a bit too chunky when worn over a standalone button down or t-shirt.

Unfortunately, my sage green Bedale is not better for the wear yet.  Until it reaches that point, I’ll enjoy the pristine waxed cotton of its current condition.  The pointed collar frames turtlenecks well, and the Bedale lends them an extra dose of swagger and panache when worn over them.  To get away from the English country house look (which the Bedale is one of the defining garments of), throw it on with a tailored suit and a sharp pair of Chelsea boots for an ensemble that’s at once urbane and tough.  

Regardless of how it’s worn, the Bedale is one of those garments that signals the arrival of fall.  The Earth tones it comes in look dashing against the changing colors of the leaves, and the warm, plaid lining keeps the nippy breeze from chilling the bone.  Since it can be worn with almost anything on any occasion, it’s the most integral investment piece a man can get for his cold weather wardrobe.  If a man owns only one fall coat, it should be the Bedale.

Coat: Barbour, Turtleneck: Uniqlo, Chinos: Club Monaco, Boots: Red Wing Heritage, Sunglasses: Warby Parker