Does Barbour Run Big? Your Complete Sizing Guide

Understanding Barbour's Heritage Sizing Philosophy

Barbour's sizing stems from their countryside heritage dating back to 1894. These weren't fashion pieces - they were functional outerwear designed for farmers, fishermen, and country folk who needed room to layer thick jumpers underneath. This practical approach remains embedded in their sizing today.

The brand deliberately cuts their garments with extra ease through the body and arms. Where most contemporary brands have moved towards fitted silhouettes, Barbour maintains that traditional, relaxed fit that allows for proper layering. It's brilliant once you know, but can result in looking swamped if you stick to your usual size.

Which Barbour Pieces Run Large?

Waxed Jackets: The Beadnell, Border, and Beaufort styles run the most generously. I always advise clients to size down one full size - sometimes two if you prefer a more fitted look.

Quilted Jackets: The Annandale and Deveron styles also run large, though slightly less so than the waxed range. One size down usually works perfectly.

Knitwear: More true to size, though still with a relaxed fit. Stick to your usual size here.

Casual Pieces: Shirts and casual trousers run moderately large - half a size to one size down works well.

My Professional Styling Tips

After years of dressing clients in Barbour, here's what I've learned works best:

For a traditional country look: Size down one from your usual UK size. This gives you that authentic countryside aesthetic with room for layering.

For a contemporary city look: Consider sizing down two sizes if you want a more fitted silhouette. The sleeves might need shortening, but you'll achieve a modern, tailored appearance.

Always check the sleeve length: Barbour sleeves tend to run long. Factor in potential alterations when budgeting.

Alternative Brands by Price Point

High Street Options:

Zara - Excellent wax-effect jackets with contemporary fits that run true to size. Great for younger customers wanting the Barbour look without the investment.

COS - Minimalist outerwear with quality construction. Their oversized pieces are intentionally generous, whilst their fitted styles run true to size.

Mango - Spanish brand offering affordable country-inspired outerwear. Sizing runs small compared to Barbour - stick to your usual size.

H&M - Budget-friendly quilted jackets and waxed-effect coats. Sizing varies by season, but generally true to size.

M&S - Reliable British sizing with excellent country-style coats. Their Autograph range offers premium alternatives to Barbour.

Next - Consistent UK sizing with good waxed jacket alternatives. Perfect for families wanting the country look on a budget.

ASOS - Huge range including vintage-inspired pieces. Check individual brand sizing as it varies widely.

Premium Options:

Belstaff - British heritage brand with a more fitted approach to country wear. Runs true to size with a contemporary cut.

Joules - Quintessentially British with a younger approach to country style. Runs slightly small - size up from your usual.

Luxury Alternatives:

Burberry - The ultimate British outerwear with precise UK sizing. Their trench coats offer similar functionality with luxury appeal.

Mackage - Canadian luxury outerwear with exceptional tailoring. Runs true to size with a more fitted silhouette than traditional country brands.

Getting Your Perfect Barbour Fit

The key to nailing your Barbour sizing lies in understanding your measurements and the specific style you're choosing. Rather than guessing or struggling with inconsistent size guides, I recommend using a sizing tool that can match your exact measurements to Barbour's unique fit.

This is where tellar.co.uk becomes invaluable. It's the UK's leading sizing tool that matches your body exactly to over 1500 brands instantly - including Barbour's full range.

How Tellar Solves the Barbour Sizing Puzzle

Here's how tellar.co.uk works:

1. Measure once - Simply input your bust, waist, and hip measurements, or use your existing brand size as a starting point.

2. Use their tellar.co.uk