The Barbour Ashby Casual Jacket was my first step into the Barbour world.
I’d admired the brand for years, but I never considered buying one until last year. I was heading to a family movie night and wanted something to pair with my ecru chinos, casual but elevated, ideally in olive. A quick Google search led me to the Ashby Casual, and it instantly stood out.
Classic, minimal, and versatile, it ticked all the right boxes. Lucky for me, Barbour is a British brand, so I popped into one of their London stores and picked it up the same day.
I’d admired the brand for years, but I never considered buying one until last year. I was heading to a family movie night and wanted something to pair with my ecru chinos, casual but elevated, ideally in olive. A quick Google search led me to the Ashby Casual, and it instantly stood out.
Classic, minimal, and versatile, it ticked all the right boxes. Lucky for me, Barbour is a British brand, so I popped into one of their London stores and picked it up the same day.
Now, after wearing it regularly for over a year, at least once every two weeks, I can share how it has held up. If you’re considering this jacket, here’s an honest breakdown of the fit, design, performance, and how it has aged in real time.
Straight away, the Ashby Casual feels different from the waxed Barbours the brand is most known for. There’s no oily finish or wax smell here. Instead, it’s made from 100% breathable cotton that’s been pre-washed, so it feels soft and broken-in from day one.
What stood out most at first:
For reference, I’m 6ft, 81kg, and wear a size Medium. The fit is true to size, slim without being restrictive. Compared to the Bedale, the Ashby has a more refined cut that leans smart-casual.
The pockets have been a highlight over the year. The lower bellows are spacious enough for keys, wallet, a London transport card, and even my phone; they've been instrumental in daily use.
The handwarmer pockets sit comfortably at chest height and are lined well enough for slipping your hands into on cooler days. The pocket structure hasn’t sagged, which is a good sign of quality.
Here’s the honest wear report after a year:
This is where the Ashby Casual shows its limits.
One of the big wins of the Ashby Casual is its low-maintenance nature. Unlike waxed cotton, there’s no need for re-waxing.
So far, I’ve:
This jacket has slotted perfectly into my wardrobe. Here’s how I’ve styled it most often:
First impressions & design details
Straight away, the Ashby Casual feels different from the waxed Barbours the brand is most known for. There’s no oily finish or wax smell here. Instead, it’s made from 100% breathable cotton that’s been pre-washed, so it feels soft and broken-in from day one.
What stood out most at first:
- Sit-down corduroy collar with a throat strap for structure
- Double YKK zip concealed by a studded placket
- Four practical pockets: two hand warmers, two spacious bellows
- Adjustable snap buttons at the cuffs and back for a tailored fit
- Subtle branding with Barbour’s embroidery on the lower pocket flap
- Signature tartan detail at the inner back yoke
It’s unlined, which keeps it lightweight and easy to layer.
Fit & comfort after one year
For reference, I’m 6ft, 81kg, and wear a size Medium. The fit is true to size, slim without being restrictive. Compared to the Bedale, the Ashby has a more refined cut that leans smart-casual.
Over the past year, I’ve worn it for everything from city commutes to weekend outings. It’s comfortable with a T-shirt in summer and layers well with a jumper in autumn. The only downside? With heavier knitwear, it starts to feel a little tight.
The length (around 78cm) gives it a balanced silhouette, not cropped, not long. Overall, it feels flattering and versatile.
The washed cotton fabric has softened further over the year, giving it a relaxed, broken-in feel. It’s breathable, lightweight, and requires almost no maintenance compared to a waxed jacket.
That said, the trade-off is clear:
The length (around 78cm) gives it a balanced silhouette, not cropped, not long. Overall, it feels flattering and versatile.
Fabric & build quality
The washed cotton fabric has softened further over the year, giving it a relaxed, broken-in feel. It’s breathable, lightweight, and requires almost no maintenance compared to a waxed jacket.
That said, the trade-off is clear:
- Not water-resistant. Fine for light drizzle, but it soaks quickly in steady rain.
- Not a winter jacket. It’s best suited to spring, summer, and autumn.
Pockets & everyday use
The pockets have been a highlight over the year. The lower bellows are spacious enough for keys, wallet, a London transport card, and even my phone; they've been instrumental in daily use.
The handwarmer pockets sit comfortably at chest height and are lined well enough for slipping your hands into on cooler days. The pocket structure hasn’t sagged, which is a good sign of quality.
How it’s aged
Here’s the honest wear report after a year:
- Collar wear: The corduroy collar has started to fade, especially around the edges (see photo). I’m not bothered, this is typical with corduroy and adds character.
- Fabric softening: The cotton has developed natural creases along the sleeves and torso, giving it a lived-in charm without feeling worn out.
- Shape: The jacket has held its structure. It hasn’t stretched, sagged, or lost its tailored look.
No repairs have been needed so far, which speaks to its durability.
Weather performance
This is where the Ashby Casual shows its limits.
- Rain: Fine in drizzle, but don’t rely on it in a downpour.
- Wind: Blocks light breeze, but isn’t built for harsh gusts.
- Cold: Best for 10–18°C. Not warm enough for deep winter.
Care & maintenance
One of the big wins of the Ashby Casual is its low-maintenance nature. Unlike waxed cotton, there’s no need for re-waxing.
So far, I’ve:
- Done simple spot cleans (when there are no stains or major marks)
- Machine washed it a few times separately, sticking to Barbour’s care guidance
- Needed no repairs at all
Style versatility
This jacket has slotted perfectly into my wardrobe. Here’s how I’ve styled it most often:
- With jeans and penny loafers for instance, for evening outings
- Over chinos and sneakers for weekend get-togethers
- With a fine-knit jumper and Oxford shirt for smart casual looks
Because of the matte cotton fabric, which doesn’t have the glossy finish of a waxed jacket, the Ashby Casual feels more understated and adaptable. It pairs naturally with city outfits, yet still looks the part if you’re dressing for a relaxed countryside weekend.
Who this jacket is for
- Urban professionals: Works with smart casual office looks.
- Country weekend wear: Pair it with boots and cords, and it fits right in.
- Minimalist wardrobes: Neutral, timeless, and pairs with almost everything.
If you want a heritage jacket with easy wearability, this one’s a safe bet.
Value for money
At retail, the Ashby Casual is cheaper than the waxed Ashby but still firmly premium. Considering I’ve worn it at least once every two weeks for over a year, the cost per wear makes sense.
It’s not a forever jacket like the waxed version, but it’s durable, practical, and stylish enough to last for years if cared for properly.
Pros
It’s not a forever jacket like the waxed version, but it’s durable, practical, and stylish enough to last for years if cared for properly.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Lightweight and breathable
- Easy to care for (no waxing)
- Slim, modern fit
- Versatile styling
- Spacious, practical pockets
- Well-stitched with no loose threads
Cons
Absolutely. The Barbour Ashby Casual Jacket has proven itself as a reliable, versatile piece in my wardrobe. Even after a year of regular wear, it’s held up beautifully, with only minor fading on the collar to show for it. It’s not a heavy-duty jacket for rain or cold, but for mild climates, city life, and smart casual dressing, it’s hard to beat. Stylish, practical, and distinctly Barbour, without the upkeep of waxed cotton.
Would I buy it again? Yes. In fact, I’ve recently added a few more colours to my collection; Navy, Mint, and Sand, offering sharper, more formal options as well as versatile neutrals that pair with almost anything.
- Not waterproof
- Not suitable for winter layering
- Collar shows wear fairly quickly
Final verdict: Do I still recommend it?
Absolutely. The Barbour Ashby Casual Jacket has proven itself as a reliable, versatile piece in my wardrobe. Even after a year of regular wear, it’s held up beautifully, with only minor fading on the collar to show for it. It’s not a heavy-duty jacket for rain or cold, but for mild climates, city life, and smart casual dressing, it’s hard to beat. Stylish, practical, and distinctly Barbour, without the upkeep of waxed cotton.
Would I buy it again? Yes. In fact, I’ve recently added a few more colours to my collection; Navy, Mint, and Sand, offering sharper, more formal options as well as versatile neutrals that pair with almost anything.
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