If there’s one British brand that knows its way around bad weather, it’s Barbour. The name is practically synonymous with the classic waxed jacket — but Barbour’s waterproof womenswear range deserves just as much attention, especially if you want something genuinely rain-ready rather than just rain-resistant. Whether you’re after a longline option for the school run or something cropped for city days, we’ve rounded up ten of the best Barbour waterproof jackets for women right now, plus everything you need to know about the brand before you buy.
A quick history of Barbour
Barbour was founded in 1894 in South Shields, in the northeast of England, by Scottish-born John Barbour, originally as an importer of oilcloth for sailors, fishermen and dockworkers facing brutal North Sea conditions. The brand went on to perfect waxed cotton, and by the 1980s, under designer Dame Margaret Barbour, had launched the Beaufort and Bedale jackets that are still instantly recognisable today. Barbour holds three Royal Warrants and has been a fixture on the British countryside (and, increasingly, the British high street) for well over a century.
While the heritage wax jacket remains the brand’s calling card, Barbour’s waterproof range takes a more technical approach — built using fully taped seams and modern waterproof-breathable fabrics rather than wax, designed for genuinely wet weather rather than just drizzle. If you’re weighing up Barbour against other heritage and outdoor labels, our guide to brands like Barbour is worth a read before you commit.
The best Barbour waterproof jackets for women
Here’s our edit, from everyday city styles to longer, more countryside-ready options.
1. Thorpe Waterproof Jacket
A brilliant everyday option that doesn’t scream “technical jacket” — clean lines, a flattering fit and proper waterproof performance underneath. If you want one jacket that works for the school run and a city weekend alike, start here.
2. Short Kyra Waterproof Jacket
A cropped take on the popular Kyra silhouette, ideal if you find longer jackets bulky or you want something easier to layer under a coat in transitional weather. Practical without sacrificing shape.
3. Heron Waterproof Jacket
A sleek, lightly structured style that works just as well over tailoring as it does over weekend layers. One of the more versatile options in the range if you split your time between office and outdoors.
4. Devlin Waterproof Jacket
A classic Barbour silhouette with all the countryside DNA you’d expect — think corduroy collar detailing alongside fully waterproof, taped-seam construction. A strong middle ground between heritage looks and proper performance.
5. Barbour x GANNI Leopard Print Waterproof Parka
For when you want the function but absolutely not the boring bit. This Barbour x GANNI collaboration trades classic country colours for a bold leopard print parka — proof Barbour’s waterproof range isn’t just about playing it safe.
6. Baythorpe Waterproof Jacket
A relaxed, slightly longer style with a real outdoorsy edge — ideal if you spend more time in fields and on dog walks than on pavements. Built to actually handle the elements, not just look like it can.
7. Bronagh Waterproof Jacket
Smart, fitted and easy to dress up or down, the Bronagh leans more towards everyday city wear without losing any of the technical waterproofing Barbour’s known for in this range.
8. Maple Waterproof Jacket
A simple, no-fuss waterproof shell that’s easy to throw on over absolutely anything. If you want a reliable workhorse jacket rather than a statement piece, this is the one to add to cart.
9. Dovecragg Waterproof Jacket
A more technical, performance-leaning option for anyone who wants their Barbour jacket to genuinely earn its keep on muddy walks and unpredictable weather, without compromising on that recognisable Barbour silhouette.
10. Kyra Longline Waterproof Jacket
The longer sibling to the Short Kyra above — full coverage, proper protection against the wind and rain, and a flattering, elongating silhouette. A great pick if you want maximum coverage on the wettest days.
Barbour waterproof jacket FAQs
What’s the difference between a Barbour waxed jacket and a Barbour waterproof jacket?
It comes down to fabric and finish. The classic Barbour wax jacket uses cotton treated with paraffin wax — water-resistant, breathable and famous for ageing beautifully, but it needs regular re-waxing to stay fully weatherproof, and it’s not designed for torrential rain. A Barbour waterproof jacket, on the other hand, uses technical, fully taped waterproof-breathable fabric — closer to what you’d find in a proper outdoor or hiking shell — built specifically to keep heavy rain out without any maintenance required. If you want low-fuss, genuinely waterproof performance, the waterproof range is the one to go for over the wax.
Are Barbour waterproof jackets actually waterproof?
Yes — unlike the wax range, Barbour’s dedicated waterproof jackets are built with technical, fully taped seams and waterproof-breathable membranes designed to keep you properly dry in sustained rain, not just light showers. They’re a genuinely different product to the wax jackets, even if some styles borrow familiar Barbour design details like corduroy collars and quilted linings.
Are Barbour jackets worth the money?
For most people, yes — you’re paying for over 130 years of expertise in British weather, genuine technical performance, and a jacket built to last years rather than one season. Barbour also offers re-waxing and repair services on its wax range, which extends the life of a jacket well beyond what you’d expect from most outerwear. If you’re still weighing up where to buy and want to compare prices and stockists, our guide to where to buy a Barbour jacket online rounds up the best places to shop.
How do I choose the right fit for a Barbour waterproof jacket?
Barbour’s waterproof styles range from cropped and fitted (great for everyday city wear) to longline and relaxed (better for layering over knitwear or for proper countryside use). If you plan to wear it over jumpers regularly, size up or check the brand’s size guide for room to layer. Most styles also come in petite or regular lengths, so check the product description before you buy.
Final thoughts
Whichever style you go for, a Barbour waterproof jacket is the kind of investment piece that earns its keep through years of genuinely grim British weather. If you’re still comparing options, take a look at our roundups of brands like Barbour and where to buy a Barbour jacket online before you check out.
