It seems that every time fall or winter comes around, there’s a hot new coat or jacket that every men’s fashion outlet insists you absolutely need.
And if you’ve been paying any attention to rumblings in the men’s fashion community, the hot ticket this year is hardly anything new or innovative. In fact, it’s a certified classic that chances are, if you don’t own one already, then your dad probably does.
We’re talking about the barn coat. And yeah, we’re telling you right now that you don’t just need one for this upcoming fall and winter – you’re gonna want one to last you for many years to come.
Barn coats are timeless, they’re versatile, and incredibly easy to style with a variety of existing wardrobe aesthetics.
Here’s why they’re the ultimate secret weapon for fall fashion this year, and the next (and the next).
The Origins of the Barn Coat
People often mistake barn coats for chore coats and use the terms interchangeably, and in all honesty, we can see why. They do look similar at a glance, and the modern barn coat is somewhat derived from the chore coat – also known as a chore jacket (yeah, we know, big difference).
Chore coats were popularized in 19th-century France, which is why you’ll often see vintage and modern versions of this jacket dubbed “French chore jackets.” Their style is utilitarian to be sure, but oddly sophisticated in some ways.
Typically made from moleskin, cotton, or a similar mid-weight fabric, classic chore coats are less structured garments that share a similar length to a standard sport coat. Generally, they feature a sturdy button-up enclosure and casual features like patch pockets on the front.
Sometimes, they’ll include tons of extra pockets for all of your various knicknacks. Lastly, a common feature is the addition of buttons on the mid-sleeve, to attach to a rolled cuff – perfect for more laborious tasks.
Now, the barn coat is a bit more of an American invention which owes a lot to the chore coat for its basic look and concept. However, when it was popularized by famed New England clothier L.L. Bean in 1924 as their “field coat,” it quickly became steeped in Americana and classic stateside workwear aesthetics.
In general, this take on the classic french chore coat differed in a few ways. In most iterations, it’s a thicker garment, able to be worn into the winter months, save for absolutely frigid temperatures. Additionally, it hangs a bit lower, coming down to about the upper-mid thigh region.
Constructed from high quality canvas cotton, yet often treated for water resistance, these jackets have since been replicated and reiterated by countless brands in both America and abroad, and is often associated with classic New England style.
With large pockets on the front, they’re quite a handy piece of layering, but they look pretty darn great, too. Most barn coats have a contrasting corduroy collar and sometimes corduroy cuffs.
They also come in some pretty vibrant colors. The classic tan canvas is perhaps the most iconic, but shades of green, red, and blue can be found in both new and vintage options from popular retailers.
The Magic of the Barn Coat
Now that you have a good sense on what defines a barn coat, you’re probably wondering why it’s getting so much hype.
Aside from its status in the American style legacy, it’s arguably one of the best layering pieces you can own for cooler months. In general, any outfit can benefit from an additional layer. A sweater over an oxford, for example. Or a sport coat over a piece of knitwear.
But a barn coat works pretty damn well over just about everything. Despite being a more rugged look, it somehow looks right at home over anything from lumberjack to business casual, and instantly makes any outfit ten times more interesting. Seriously, trust us.
You can pair it with work boots, jeans, and a plaid flannel shirt. Or in the opposite direction, you can pop it over your most academic tweed suit and look like a history professor right out of a New England boarding school. Which, for our money, is a great look.
Or, you can go for something in between. Draw from the corduroy collar of your barn coat by pairing it with some trusty corduroy pants, and add a textured wool sweater for a great, layered effect.
But you definitely don’t need to be so calculated about it. That’s the magic of the barn coat – it really does look great with almost everything. So even if your fall wardrobe isn’t all that spectacular just yet, tossing a barn coat into the mix is guaranteed to up your game.
Where to Buy a Barn Coat
Convinced yet? We bet. A piece this classic has a certain allure to it, and thankfully, they’re not hard to find! Here are some of our recommendations for barn coat options you can buy today.
Men’s Original Field Coat, Cotton-Lined by L.L. Bean
It’s hard not to want the original! L.L. Bean’s current version of their classic field coat comes in two colors, saddle and olive, and features a sewn-in cotton lining that makes this a great pick for seasonal wear.
Their signature heavy-duty Nor’Easter cotton canvas feels comfortable and broken in from the very first wear, yet still provides excellent protection against wind, rain, and snow.
For $169, you’re getting a real original piece of American workwear here.
Classic Barn Coat by Orvis
For another excellent option, turn to Orvis, another storied Americana and sportswear clothier. This jacket is garment washed, lined with flannel, and gusseted for extra movement. Not to mention – it comes in three great colors. We love the vibrant red of currant, but dark pine and field khaki are classics in their own right.
This one also comes in at $169, and is an equally solid choice.
Limited-edition waxed 1983 heritage Barn Jacket by J.Crew
J.Crew has long offered some well-priced American classics, and are known for their barn coats in particular. This limited edition take on the garment brings a lot to the table with a unique look.
A replica of their 1983 catalog design, this jacket is made from 100% cotton and sports an eye-catching, dark tartan pattern in hues of blue and green. Its ample pockets are true to the spirit of the barn jacket, as is the contrasting corduroy collar. Oh, and it’s water-resistant, which is always a win.
Not bad for $198!
Canvas Barn Coat by Brooks Brothers
You can always rely on good ol’ Brooks Brothers to come out swinging when it comes to classic style pieces. This barn coat is made from 100% cotton canvas, with a sturdy construction and contrasting details. We love the vibrant green corduroy collar and placket lining – it really adds a lot of fun to an otherwise traditional garment.
At $498, this one’s pricier, but the quality is highly impressive.
Men’s 1924 Field Coat by L.L. Bean
The OGs are on this list twice! That’s because of their 1924 Field Coat, a more premium option that’s inspired by the original design and constructed using a premium British Millerain wax cotton shell and a chamois lining.
A piece like this looks great paired with a pair of L.L. Bean Boots – or anything else, really! It comes in four colors, including a classic saddle (khaki), faded black, coastal dune camo, and even a vibrant canyon rust (orange)!
For $229, you get a lot here. And we dig it.