The fashion industry has never shied away from drawing inspiration from the working class. Blue collar workers have provided the style set with all manner of covetable hardwearing staples, including chore coats, workwear jeans, and heavy duty boots. Another formerly utilitarian item that has been liberated from its practical origins to be juxtaposed against gauzy dresses or toughen up everyday ‘fits? The barn jacket.
Related: Blue Collar Chic; How To Style The Men’s Workwear Trend
A sartorial staple for farm hands and stable boys, the barn jacket has long been co-opted by subsets of the community who’ve likely never carried a bale of hay or mucked a stall in their lives. The term ‘barn jacket’ is now more linked to affluent members of the United Kingdom than it is to farmers and stable workers. Heritage English luxury lifestyle brand Barbour’s barn jacket-adjacent waxed cotton jackets have been sported by the British royal family—including Princess Diana, Kate Middleton, and Queen Elizabeth II—and are a staple in the wardrobe of pretty much every well-heeled inhabitant of a country manor in a cold, wet climate. This is a somewhat protracted way of saying that barn jackets have been part of the old money aesthetic before the old money aesthetic was a thing.
The barn jacket trend has been swirling for some time now. Chore coats have been a thing for a long while now and the barn jacket was set to emerge as a potential microtrend when an endorsement from Miuccia Prada courtesy of the Prada spring/summer 2024 show propelled it into the mainstream. Since then, Katie Holmes has worn a striped barn jacket, Hailey Bieber has teamed one with micro mini shorts, and Kendall Jenner donned a Carhartt version to a festival. Naturally, the barn jacket trend has received the nod of approval courtesy of a bevy of street style personnel and influencers.
Why are barn jackets popular now?
As for why the barn jacket is so popular? Well, the style set is constantly trying to cosplay as being more carefree than they actually are (see also: the enduring fascination with French girl style). The barn jacket trend marries this ‘effortlessness’ with the old money obsession that simply doesn’t seem to die, giving off that insouciant, devil may care, quasi-relatable “I can get down and dirty and muck a stall with the best of them, but I’ll be jetting off to Cannes tomorrow. Oh, and my daddy pays your wages” vibe.
Aside from the barn jacket’s old money style credentials, when paired with non-utilitarian items, they work to create visual tension. Visual tension is one of the most important elements for constructing interesting and captivating outfits. When paired with denim jeans and boots, barn jackets make for a cohesive topper that lends outfits a certain heritage appeal, albeit in a more traditional and expected way. While these outfits are undeniably stylish and a foolproof way to style the barn jacket—and tie into both the old money and quiet luxury aesthetics—they lack visual tension.
When it comes to the street style set—and we’re talking about the ones not cosplaying holders of generational wealth—the barn jacket is instead teamed with juxtaposing pieces. Rather than visually similar items in comparable fabrics (think hardy denim and heavyweight sweaters), barn jackets are teamed with unexpected garments such as gauzy floral dresses, sheer pencil skirts (the contrast between the heft of the barn jacket and the lightness of the skirt is *chef’s kiss*), slightly twee voluminous skirts, a bias-cut silk slip dress, or micro mini shorts (here, it’s about playing with proportions) to create visual tension, and consequently, visual interest.
What is a barn jacket?
We’ve talked about their newfound popularity, but what actually constitutes a barn jacket? Originally designed to keep manual labourers working in farms and stables warm and dry, a barn jacket is a durable overcoat crafted from hardwearing fabrics such as moleskin, cotton twill, canvas, or waxed canvas, and typically feature a water-resistant wax coating. Designed to be layered over other garments, barn jackets are cut loose with a boxy silhouette and feature multiple roomy pockets, zip and/or snap button closure (although some contemporary iterations use buttonhole closure), and a contrasting collar in either leather or corduroy. Barn jackets typically come in neutral tones of tan, beige, hunter green, and khaki.
The barn jackets of today pair the heritage details of their forebears with contemporary twists. Quilted barn jackets are a fun alternative to classic waxed canvas or moleskin and add more textural interest to the style while still retaining heritage appeal. Elsewhere, denim barn jackets offer a modern take on the style, while switching up the colour palette (black, sky blue, even pink?!) allow them to be worn in a manner that doesn’t necessarily fall into the wealthy country chic archetype.
History of the barn jacket
The exact origin of the barn jacket is a bit iffy, particularly in regards to which country it stems from. Some say the barn jacket originated in France in the late 19th century, with farmers and manual labourers the first to use the garment. This attribution may be due to the barn jacket’s sibling, the chore coat, having its origins in late 19th-century France.
However, others claim the barn jacket hails from 1920s North America; more specifically, midwestern workmen. Indeed the earliest known branded example of the barn jacket is a Carhartt iteration which debuted in 1917 (and iterated upon the following decade), with the American workwear company said to be responsible for adding the signature corduroy collar to the style, as well as introducing triple-stitched seams and pockets reinforced with copper rivets.
In 1924, L.L. Bean launched its Maine Duck Hunting Coat (later named the Field Coat). Founder Leon Leonwood Bean was an avid duck hunter and the style was made with him in mind; the corduroy collar could be flipped up to protect the neck in windy conditions while still being comfortable on the skin, the waterproof waxed cotton fabrication was able to hold up against inclement weather, and the oversized rounded pockets were able to hold ducks or shotgun shells.
What is the difference between a chore coat and a barn jacket?
Some people use the terms chore coat and barn jacket interchangeably, however each style is markedly different. Both jacket styles have their origins in manual labour, however the chore coat was designed for industrial labourers and places an emphasis on durability and functionality, while barn jackets were geared towards outdoor agricultural labourers and prioritise weatherproofing, often featuring insulation and made of waterproof materials.
Related: The Chore Coat Is The Transitional Style Staple You Need To Steal From The Boys
That said, there are several similarities between the two — chore coats are also a boxy style and cut from durable fabrics such as denim, heavy twill, and canvas, they feature a set amount of pockets (two oversized breast pockets and two hip pockets), and exposed buttonhole closure. Chore coats don’t have a weatherproof wax finish and tend to be a touch heavier and more structured than a barn jacket.
The easiest way to differentiate a chore coat from a barn jacket is in the finish and the collar. Barn jackets have a contrasting collar (usually leather or corduroy) and a water-resistant finish. They also usually have a snap button and/or zip closure rather than buttonhole closure.
How to style a barn jacket (and, the best barn jacket outfit formulas to try)
When it comes to styling a barn jacket, the best outfits fall into two categories: those that are cohesive and those that create visual tension. The former is likely what springs to mind when you think of old money or country chic style. These outfits pair the barn jacket with pieces that match it in terms of fabric weight and function; think dark denim, cable knit sweaters, turtleneck skivvies, pleated trousers, and sturdy boots. Basically, look to the royals for inspiration. The late Queen Elizabeth II was an early proponent of the barn jacket and is a worthy source of inspiration when it comes to styling the piece, often pairing it with a tartan or tweed skirt and a headscarf.
Alternatively, cohesive barn jacket outfits more suited to the city slicker can entail pairing a black barn jacket with black cigarette trousers or split hem leggings, a turtleneck sweater in a statement colour (red, mustard, or rust orange work well, or play it safe with cream), and heeled ankle boots. For a chic take on a beige barn jacket, pair it with a tweed pencil skirt, mock neck skivvy, and knee-high heeled boots.
Barn jacket outfits that create visual tension work to juxtapose the barn jacket’s boxy shape and heavyweight nature with feminine pieces in lighter fabrics or play with proportions by contrasting its heft with differing proportions. The former can be achieved by sheer dresses and skirts, finger details, silk or satin dresses and skirts, and floaty summer dresses. For the latter, opt for micro mini shorts or a skirt, perhaps paired with a dainty silk camisole with scalloped lace edging.
Shoes are also an important factor when it comes to the best barn jacket outfits. Cohesive barn jacket outfits will usually be anchored by sturdy boots (either flat or with a block heel) or chunky loafers. Meanwhile, the right footwear choice can be used to create visual tension — employ the wrong shoe theory and team your barn jacket with kitten heel slingbacks, Mary Janes, backless loafers, or ballet flats.
The best barn jackets to buy in 2024
Plot twist: most of the best barn jackets to buy in 2024 are the same as the best barn jackets to buy in 1924. That said, there are a few contemporary takes on the style that are worth a look in. From the staples of yesteryear courtesy of heritage brands like Barbour, L.L. Bean, and J. Crew to fresh takes from Prada, Toteme, and Nili Lohan—and a few budget-friendly styles from the likes of Arket and Zara thrown in for good measure—these are the best barn jackets to shop.
1. Alex Mill Chiltern Street Jacket
Burgundy is something of a new neutral, going with everything that khaki and beige do. Cut from waxed cotton, the Alex Mill Chiltern Street Jacket is oversized enough to fit over your favourite sweater, while the matching corduroy collar and rolled cuffs make for an intentional look.
Price: $700AUD
2. Toteme Quilted Barn Jacket
The quilted finish lends this barn jacket a more contemporary feel while still retaining the water repellent properties of its predecessors, while the black shade allows it to be paired with outfits that are more city slicker than country chic.
Price: $1380AUD
3. J. Crew Waxed 1983 Heritage Barn Jacket
Tartan isn’t a typical finish for barn jackets, but there’s no denying the preppy vibe it lends this iteration. J. Crew has been making solid barn jackets for just over four decades now, with the American brand looking to its archives with the design of the Waxed 1983 Heritage Barn Jacket. Crafted from water repellent waxed cotton canvas, it features ludicrously capacious pockets, button closure, and a dark brown corduroy collar.
Price: $401UD
4. Everlane The Barn Jacket
Everlane is always quick to proffer its own take on trending styles and the barn jacket is no exception. The American clothing brand’s aptly named iteration is more akin to a chore coat with a corduroy collar than a true barn jacket; it’s crafted from cotton canvas (not waxed and not waterproof) and features a relaxed but not oversized fit. We’d recommend this one to those who don’t have stall mucking on their agendas.
Price: $293AUD
5. Arket Waxed Cotton Jacket
Available in navy or chocolate brown, the Arket Waxed Cotton Jacket offers a minimalist take on the heritage style.
Price: approx. $321AUD ($209USD)
6. Barbour Reeth Patchwork Quilted Jacket
One does not simply write about barn jackets without mentioning Barbour. The heritage British outdoor brand is a go-to for chic waxed canvas jackets that can hold up against the elements. While Barbour has any number of viable barn jackets on offer, if there’s one brand that has permission to break the rules, it’s this one. Hence, our pick of the bunch is the Reeth Patchwork Quilted Jacket which sees the style elongated, rendered in quilted fabric, and adorned with tonal corduroy patchwork detailing.
Price: approx. $520AUD ($340USD)
7. Nili Lotan Brinley Parka
We’re very taken with Nili Lotan’s take on the barn jacket, which retains the key design codes of the style (think: waxed cotton construction, oversized pockets, corduroy collar, and relaxed fit) and pairs them with elevated design details in the form of gold snap buttons and a chic plaid lining.
Price: $1850AUD
8. Burberry Qulited Nylon Barn Jacket
British luxury fashion house Burberry puts its own spin on the barn jacket, courtesy of a quilted finish, black corduroy collar, and its signature checked lining which peeks through at the sleeves.
Price: $2550AUD
9. Drake’s Green Waxed Coverall Jacket
British menswear label Drake’s interprets the barn coat in a striking shade of emerald green, with its waxed cotton fabrication designed to patinate over time. Oversized patch pockets, tab collar detailing that can be upturned and fastened, and sturdy construction make for a jacket that’s able to weather any storm, while a certain louche charm also allows it to be thrown over a suit for smart casual city days.
Price: $1450AUD
Words by Arabella Johnson
