One of the Most Iconic Jackets Ever Made Just Got a Major Update

A new ‘Modified’ version of Barbour’s classic Beaufort waxed jacket features several design tweaks that’ll inevitably spark style debates.

Barbour

By Ben Bowers

Published September 3, 2024

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Barbour’s Beaufort waxed jacket, initially introduced in 1983, is a category-defining piece of outerwear. It’s also arguably the most recognizable piece of hunting apparel ever created. Even modern versions still sport a sizeable rear pocket intended to hold small game.

And while a few subtle variations have appeared over the years, the newly released Modified Beaufort Jacket introduces several functional tweaks that are bound to be aesthetically divisive, at least for menswear nerds.

A white male with long blonde hair wearing a beanie and Barbour’s Modified Beaufort waxed canvas jacket while staring into the distance standing in a field of long green grass in front of a sloping green hill. — The tweaks made to the original Barbour Beaufort jacket might not be readily apparent to a casual onlooker, but Barbour fans should spot the differences in the Modified Beaufort jacket immediately.

The front pocket are more functional, but also more technical looking

The most prominent design differences between the classic Barbour Beaufort and the Modified version revolves around the front pockets.

A new set of double-entry handwarmer pockets let wearers of the Modified version slide their hands in from the side and above via a new zippered opening.

A close up of the redesigned pockets on Barbour’s Modified Beaufort waxed canvas jacket being worn on a male model. — The new front pocket design of the Modified Barbour Beaufort jacket.

Close up of Barbou’sr Beaufort waxed canvas jacket’s front pockets with a hand inside — The front pocket design of the classic Barbour Beaufort Jacket

The prominent button snaps that seal the classic Beaufort’s bellow pockets have been swapped for a new strap system on the Modified Beaufort.

Aesthetically, the change looks admittedly busier and more technical, but the new closure method also seems to serve a functional purpose. The switch gives the front pocket flaps more wiggle room to stay down even when the bellow pockets are stuffed and expanded.

New hem adjusters are arguably the bigger deal

A Modified Beaufort Waxed Jacket being worn on a male model against a light grey background — The Modified Beaufort’s new hem adjustment system may address one of the longest standing gripes with the iconic waxed canvas jacket.

Threads asking for advice on tailoring Barbour jackets have peppered style forums for years.

That’s because the original Beaufort features an intentionally roomy fit. The functional upside is that it leaves space for additional insulating layers like chunky sweaters, not to mention room for dead pheasants and shotgun shells in the pockets.

The downside is that the Beaufort can also swallow wearers with thinner body shapes, especially when worn alone.

Given this backstory, the adjustable hem system on the Modified Beaufort feels like a big win for fans wanting a slightly trimmer look.

To be clear, this isn’t a slim take on the jacket. The Modified Beaufort still features on oversized fit, but at least tightening down the hem can make the base of the jacket hug the body more body. Cinching it down will also help the jacket feel warmer on windy days.

The Modified Beaufort version is now available for immediate purchase, although it’s only currently offered in a classic sage color.