A barn coat is a classic countryside staple, but wear it in the city and you have instant British street style. I’d been longing for a good waxed barn coat since I watched season four of The Crown. You may recall the episode where Diana shows everyone what a great catch she is by helping Prince Phillip bag a stag. It seemed like the entire cast was wearing a version of the classic British coat (except, infamously, Margaret Thatcher). The Cut basically called it “Barbour-jacket porn.” And yes, I’m all for it. But at the time, I didn’t know about the cult brand.
Barbour has been around since 1894 and was originally designed as waterproof clothing for British fishermen, miners and farmers. Their classic waxed-cotton jacket is still made in Britain. The real-life Royal family has even put their stamp of approval on it by offering the company the official Royal Warrant (granted to companies and tradespeople who supply goods to the British Royal Family), since 1974.
Sometimes, when you long for something, the stars align to bring that very thing to you. Earlier this year, Boutique White Horse in Magog reached out to see if I would be interested in collaborating with them because they thought I would like their country chic boutique and the European brands they carry, including Barbour.
The timing was right, as I was also in need of a new pair of rubber boots and I discovered they carried Le Chameau, another iconic outdoor brand. A pair of Le Chameau wellies are an investment, but they are handmade, high-quality rubber boots that stand the test of time and travail. I left the store with a pair of their plaid jersey-lined boots. They are more supple than other brands and I’ve been wearing them on repeat ever since. On rainy days to walk the dog, or for puttering in my little garden.
The boutique gifted me this Barbour Classic Beadnell Wax Jacket in olive green as well as a gorgeous pair of House of Cheviot merino wool knee high socks (which I wore with my Scottish kilt for Tartan Day and I will share that look soon). Plus, they gave Dapper a beautiful lead, collar and bowtie set in the classic Barbour plaid. Now when we go for our walks, he and I make quite the pair!
Note that a Barbour waxed-cotton jacket needs to be re-waxed once every 2-3 years (depending on how often you wear it) in order to retain its waterproof seal. The boutique White Horse sells the wax and the brand explains how to re-wax in this video.
Details: Barbour Classic Beadnell Wax Jacket (a gift from Boutique White Horse), Rachel Jeans (a gift from YOGA Jeans), Le Chameau Vierzon Jersey Lined Wellington Boots (purchased at Boutique White Horse with a media discount) Dapper is wearing a Barbour collar, bow tie and lead (all gifts from Boutique White Horse)
White Horse Boutique
499 Rue Principale Ouest, Magog
