Does the Brand Barbour Run Big or Small on Clothes Sizing?

About Barbour: Iconic British Heritage Meets Modern Utility

Founded in 1894, Barbour is a hallmark of British countryside fashion, famed for its waxed jackets, quilted coats, and classic tweeds. Worn by royals, farmers, and city-dwellers alike, Barbour blends function with enduring style—producing pieces that can last decades with proper care.

While Barbour’s quality and heritage are beyond question, its sizing can be confusing—especially for first-time buyers unfamiliar with Classic Fit vs Modern Fit vs Slim Fit cuts.

So, does Barbour run big or small?

Let’s break down how Barbour fits—across jackets, shirts, knitwear, and trousers—so you can buy with confidence.

General Overview: Does Barbour Run True to Size?

Barbour is known for generous, traditional sizing, especially in their Classic Fit jackets. Their newer Modern and Slim Fit collections offer closer cuts, but confusion arises because the sizing label (e.g. Medium, UK 12) doesn't always reflect how the garment feels when worn.

Barbour Fit Types:

Classic Fit: Generous and boxy — ideal for layering
Modern Fit: More tailored but still relaxed
Slim Fit: Fitted and contemporary — may require sizing up

Fit Style	Tendency	Best For
Classic Fit	Runs large	Layering over knitwear or suit jackets
Modern Fit	True to size	Everyday wear with a tailored silhouette
Slim Fit	Runs small	Fashion-forward wear — size up if unsure

Barbour Jackets: The Core of the Brand

Barbour’s outerwear is world-renowned, especially their waxed jackets like the Bedale, Beaufort, Ashby, and International styles. Understanding your jacket’s fit type is key.

Waxed Jackets

Beaufort (Classic Fit): Generous, boxy — ideal for country wear
Ashby (Modern Fit): Slightly slimmer, popular with urban buyers
Bedale (Classic Fit): Cropped and roomy — perfect for equestrian use

Sizing Tip:
Classic waxed jackets are designed to fit over bulky layers. If you're not layering, size down one full size.

“I’m a UK 10 but wear an 8 in the Bedale. It’s roomy enough for a jumper underneath.”

Quilted Jackets

Tend to follow Modern Fit
Lightweight and slightly tapered
Less padding than you might expect

“Barbour quilted jackets run true to size, but slim in the shoulders. I sized up for comfort when driving.”

Barbour International

Barbour’s more fashion-focused line, International, features biker-style jackets, tighter silhouettes, and more street-style detailing.

Often Slim Fit
Zipped cuffs, tapered waists, tighter arms
Includes both men’s and women’s versions

Recommendation:
If you’re buying Barbour International for the first time, consider sizing up, especially if you have broader shoulders or plan to wear a thick knit underneath.

Barbour Shirts and Knitwear

Barbour shirts—especially in the Tartan and Countrywear ranges—generally follow standard UK sizing, with a relaxed fit around the shoulders and chest.

Button-down shirts: True to size with a bit of room
Tartan flannels: Slightly generous cut for layering
Knitwear (Jumpers and Cardigans): Often classic fit, with ribbed hems and cuffs

Tip: If you prefer a more modern, fitted look, size down in knitwear and tartan shirts.

Barbour Trousers and Dresses

Though outerwear remains Barbour’s core offering, the brand also produces:

Women’s Trousers:

Jeans, chinos, and leggings
Generally true to size, though some country styles run large at the waist

Dresses:

Fit tends to follow M&S sizing conventions
True to size across most ranges, especially casual shirt dresses

Size Chart: Barbour UK to International Sizing

UK Size	EU Size	US Size	Chest (inches)	Notes
6	34	2	31–32	Slim fits may be tight
8	36	4	33–34	True to size in most styles
10	38	6	35–36	Size down for Classic Fit coats
12	40	8	37–38	Check shoulder width
14	42	10	39–40	Slim fits may require sizing up
16	44	12	41–42	Roomy in Classic Fit

Pro Tip: Always check which fit model your jacket uses—Classic, Modern or Slim—as this changes everything.

Real Feedback from Barbour Customers

“I’m 5’7 and usually a 12, but the Classic Beaufort in 12 was massive. Swapped for a 10 and it’s perfect even over a jumper.”
– Trustpilot UK

“Barbour International Ashby fits more snugly than the Bedale. Looks amazing but I had to size up to avoid restriction in the arms.”
– Reddit, r/malefashionadvice

“Barbour sizing is all over the place until you know which fit family you're dealing with. I only shop Barbour now through Tellar.”
– Online fashion forum comment

Why Barbour Sizing Still Confuses Even Regular Shoppers

Barbour’s sizing isn’t inconsistent—but it is highly dependent on cut, heritage style, and garment purpose. A Medium in the Ashby may not fit the same as a Medium in the International Duke or the Classic Beaufort.

This confusion often leads to:

Ordering multiple sizes “just in case”
Unnecessary returns
Frustration over shoulder width, arm length, or layering room

Tellar.co.uk exists to eliminate all of that.

Tellar.co.uk: Get the Right Barbour Size Instantly

Tellar.co.uk is the UK’s free sizing tool that matches your body measurements—or your fit in another brand—to your best size in Barbour and 1,500+ other brands.

Why Use Tellar for Barbour?

Knows how Barbour's fits differ across Classic, Modern, and Slim
Matches your layering preferences and measurements to the right jacket size
Suggests precise sizes by garment, not just “M” or “UK 12”
Avoids guesswork and unnecessary returns

And yes—it’s completely free, and comes with a free measuring tape.

Example: Using Tellar to Find Your Size in Barbour

Say you usually wear a UK 12 in M&S and prefer tailored fits. You want to buy a Barbour Ashby jacket.

At Tellar.co.uk, you:

Enter your measurements or select your known fit in M&S
Choose “Barbour” and select “Ashby Wax Jacket”
Get a personalised result like:

“We recommend UK 12 for a tailored look with a thin jumper, or UK 14 for extra room.”

Try it now via our Store Size Lookup tool.

Final Verdict: Does Barbour Run Big or Small?

Garment Type	Fit Type	Sizing Recommendation
Waxed Jackets	Classic Fit	Size down unless layering
Waxed Jackets	Modern Fit	True to size
Waxed Jackets	Slim Fit	Size up for comfort
Quilted Jackets	Modern Fit	True to size
International Line	Slim Fit	Size up or check shoulder room
Knitwear & Shirts	Relaxed	Size down for fitted silhouette
Trousers & Dresses	Standard	True to size

Shop Smarter with Tellar – It's Free & Accurate

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