Why Barn Jackets Are Excellent for Travel

A self-proclaimed light packer, I tend to allow myself one piece of outerwear per trip, as it’s often the bulkiest thing I carry. Historically, I’ve stood in front of my closet, doing a whole lot of mental gymnastics while packing—something that can be worn on the plane and go with many different outfits, I say to myself—while my small-but-mighty carry-on watches the drama unfold. But after a few years doing this thing we call travel writing, I think I’ve cracked the code. Unless I’m headed to the Arctic or the Caribbean, it always seems as though my Barbour barn jacket gets a seat on the plane.The other day, a relatable TikTok came across my desk: “When you only bring one coat with you on your trip,” it read, while a girl in a silk skirt and chic ballet flats descends a flight of stairs, her outfit topped with a waterproof sports jacket. “Ryanair out here creating fashionistas,” someone commented. I am positive that @lilymayb56’s night would’ve been saved had she packed a Barbour, and she wouldn’t have to sacrifice waterproof comfort on her hike the next day.BarbourAcorn waxed jacketI’ve always been enchanted by the way Barbour jackets are both a regal symbol of British craftsmanship yet, styled a certain way, can also look kind of grungy. They carry an allegiance to the crown (see Kate Middleton at literally any charity event), but are also a favorite amongst party girls (see Alexa Chung at literally any Glastonbury). You could also say these jackets capture the cottage-core aesthetic of wearers like Martha Stewart, or the status-driven spirit of fast-talking finance bros in New York. I can’t think of another fashion item that’s as multidimensional.Commerce writer Jessica Sulima is wearing her Barbour barn jacket on a trip to London Jessica SulimaI acquired my Barbour Acorn waxed jacket in the fateful year of 2020. I had just started my first job out of college and was in London visiting my boyfriend at the time; the jacket felt like my first designer, big-girl purchase. To this day, it’s one of my most cherished and memorable souvenirs, not least because it delayed my journey home. Despite getting to Heathrow exceptionally early, I underestimated how long the wait time was in the VAT refund line, and missed my flight for an $11 return on the Barbour (there were many lessons to be learned here, mainly that money comes and goes, but extra time spent with loved ones is priceless).My beloved barn jacket dates back to 19th-century France—referred to as a chore coat or bleu de travail—where it was worn among farmers and laborers who relied on its tough, moleskin fabric to get them through fieldwork. Historically, these jackets embody a very utilitarian look, with a long, boxy cut and oversized front patch pockets for holding tools. The contrasting collar, usually made of corduroy, is meant to provide soft comfort against the neck.Brands like Carhartt and L.L.Bean debuted their version of the coat in the early 20th century, but by the time we got to the ’80s, the workwear staple had started to turn aristocratic—yet another way it expresses shifting identities. Dame Margaret Barbour, Chairwoman of J Barbour & Sons, designed a shorter version of the barn jacket—the Bedale—in 1980, with horse riding in mind. It’s been an English countryside staple ever since.What I like about the Acorn is its slightly roomier, boyfriend-style fit. But it has the same waxed finish as the Bedale, as well as that ring zipper, which is meant to make it easier to zip with gloves on. I love the way I can wear it without a handbag; the pockets can fit so much, not just because they’re so big, but because there are separate slots to warm my hands. I’ve had my jacket for six years now, and it’s in desperate need of a re-wax, but I like to think the more broken-in, the better. Beyond the style versatility, what makes it such a practical travel item is its ability to withstand any type of terrain while still looking dressy. It looks just as good with hiking boots as it does with a pair of loafers.Women’s magazines have really done their job, preparing me for moments in which I’d have to take a look from day to night. My Barbour jacket has carried me across the world: I walked the length of Manhattan in it; I wore it on hikes throughout New England; It’s even come with me on safari rides through South Africa; On a recent trip to San Francisco, I used the detachable throat tab to shield myself from windy beaches. And then, I wore it out to dinner.More barn jackets I recommend:Levi'sBree barn jacketDescribed as a “western classic,” the Bree Barn jacket looks like something you could certainly take to the stables. Made from 100% cotton, it’ll last you a lifetime of trips.J. Crew2026 Barn JacketI love the unconventional, shorter crop on this barn jacket, and its ultra-wide sleeves. The subtle checked pattern is also really sweet, though I’d probably reserve this one for city walks rather than hikes.Alex MillChiltern cropped jacket in waxed canvasSimilar to J.Crew’s 2026 Barn Jacket, Alex Mill’s Chiltern also has that modern crop and comes in some delightful colorways. I love the contrast of the red shell with the brown corduroy collar. This one’s made with water-resistant waxed cotton, so I’d feel confident taking it to the great outdoors.GapDenim barn jacketOne of the more affordable—but expertly made—barn jackets on the market, this denim rendition from Gap is a nice hybrid, an elevated take on the classic jean jacket. The fit seems nice and roomy, so you can layer it over a chunky sweater in the fall.Ralph LaurenCotton utility jacketFor a barn jacket even more luxe than a Barbour, look no further than Ralph Lauren’s Cotton Utility jacket. It’s got all those practical details, like a throat latch, D-ring tab at the chest, and expansive pockets. The leather collar is maybe not as outdoorsy, but incredibly chic.L.L.BeanAdirondack barn coatOne of the original barn jacket makers, L.L.Bean is still doing things right with its flannel-lined Adirondack coat, featuring a 100% cotton canvas with a water-repellent finish. The material is pre-washed, too, so it feels broken-in from the start.