There's one jacket I'm keeping at arm's reach and that's my barn jacket. It's perfect for this type of weather - you know the kind - sometimes sunny, sometimes cold, but not winter coat-freezing.
Before I share with you my go-to barn jackets, I need to tell you that I wasn't a barn jacket kind of girl. In fact, rewind back to around this time last year when I spotted all the cool girls wearing barn jackets and I was so confused I had to Google what a barn jacket was! According to the stylish Instagram and TikTok stars, it was the jacket of the season. And now, well, it's the midlife jacket of the season - it must be the practical pockets.
So I went shopping for one. It was a struggle because I don't really do beige, I don't do utility coats, and I don't have a wardrobe that suits owning a barn coat. So, why then, do I now own one? In the name of research for this article, I decided to try on the trending barn jacket from Mango - and well, I was instantly sold and took it straight to the cash till to pay. This job actually costs me money - and no, sadly, I can't expense my lack of willpower. The style instantly sold out but I've found the NEW version for the new season which is pretty much identical and I've included plenty of other options, below.
- Trending: M&S parka with contrasting collar, £65 / $129
- Spring-ready barn jacket: FatFace Harriet Barn Jacket, £85 / $171
- Pink option: Monsoon 'Rosie' Barn Jacket In Pink, £99 / $190
- Denim blue option: M&S Denim Barn Jacket, £65 / $129
- Waterproof option: Timberland Barn Jacket, £180 / $165
- Royal approved: Barbour Black Beadnell Polar Jacket, £169 / $295
- Designer inspired: Nobody's Child Red Barn Jacket, £145 / $280
- Oversized style: Toteme Oversized Barn Jacket, £670 / $930
I filmed a little video of me in the trending Mango barn jacket - watch it below. Side note: Mango has the best fitting rooms out of the entire high-street.
As you can hopefully see, the barn jacket gave me the cool factor, and elevated my outfit that consisted of a pair of straight-leg jeans, Arket heavyweight T-shirt and Adidas trainers. Pretty boring, really. But as soon as I had on the barn jacket I looked ready for action. Some might say I look ready for a shift down the farm, but those people just don't understand fashion, ok.
I felt like a cross between Beth Dutton from Yellowstone (the barn jacket would look very cool over one of her floral mini dresses) and Claudia Winkleman from The Traitors. We all know how popular Claudia's fashion is on the show, and I could totally see her roaming around the castle grounds wearing this barn jacket.
GET THE LOOK: M&S Barn Coat
Editor's Note:
This looks the closest to the one I tried on in Mango and it's such a good find - and the price point is good. I love the deep sandy medium brown colour - mine goes with a lot more than I expected it to.
What exactly is a barn jacket?
A barn jacket is a type of rugged, durable outerwear originally designed for use in farming or outdoor work. By design it usually has a boxy, relaxed fit and is made from heavy materials like canvas, cotton, or twill, often with a quilted or flannel lining for warmth.
It's all about the collar on a barn jacket, as they usually feature a corduroy or leather collar, large front pockets, and sometimes button or snap closures.
© GC ImagesWhere did the barn jacket trend come from?
Well, some might say they've never gone out of style! But in fact, this is a trend that's come from the runway, but of course. Miuccia Prada sent models down the Prada spring/summer 24 catwalks wearing barn jackets with evening wear. Will I wear mine with sequins? I'll certainly give it a try. The Row's 'Frank' style turned out to be quite the hit, with Zara doing a lookalike at the speed of light.
Celebrities wearing the barn jacket
Look at how Alexa Chung styled her barn jacket while at Glastonbury - she looks cool in everything! I'll definitely be trying out this look while the sun's still out.
© Dave BenettRoyals wearing a barn jacket
Seeing this photo of Princess Kate's barn jacket made me realise how similar it was with my version.
© Getty ImagesMy barn jacket verdict
Let's talk sizing. I'm typically a size 12/14 in a jacket with this kind of fit. Or a size large, if that helps. I had heard on one of the many Instagram videos I'd seen about this jacket that it came oversized, so I decided to try on a small. I don't really like super oversized fits on me as I'm only 5ft3, and I don't like to look like I'm drowning in material.
I am super happy with the size small on me. I decided to take it home because I love wearing trainers these days and this kind of casual, functional fashion item suits styling with trainers or flat boots.
I really like the colour of this barn jacket, beige can be a little draining on some skin colours, but I thought it was quite flattering, especially with my blonde hair. If money were no object I'd be shopping Ralph Lauren's country-esque barn jacket.
© Leanne BayleyBest barn jackets to shop right now
Marks & Spencer Lyocell Blend Denim Collared Barn Jacket
© M&SEditor's Note:
Marks & Spencer has given us what we all need - a throw on jacket ideal for spring. It fastens via a zip and popper fastening.
FatFace Harriet Stone Regular Wax Barn Jacket
© FatFaceEditor's Note:
The Harriet wax jacket features a wax finish with a button-up front, flap pockets, and a contrast check collar for a touch of character. This is perfect for crisp mornings, countryside wanders, or throwing on over your favourite knit.
TK Maxx X Stoosh Sage Green Barn Jacket
© TK MaxxEditor's Note:
If you're after something a little bit different, TK Maxx has plenty of options for barn jackets. The sage green hue feels spring-like - and ideal for the warmer temperatures. This classic barn jacket is designed with a button-up front and has multiple pockets. The aged faux leather collar adds a premium touch, while the quilted lining brings a touch of warmth and comfort. It's one of those easy throw-on pieces to keep reaching for.
Toteme Oversized Corduroy-Trimmed Waxed Organic Cotton Jacket
© TotemeEditor's Note:
Toteme is always a popular choice with the fashion folk and this jacket is seriously trending. Made from waxed organic cotton, it has a plush corduroy collar and matching elbow patches - I love the elbow patches. The generous oversized shape means it'll layer nicely over chunky sweaters, so you can stay cosy on walks along the countryside or city.
Timberland Waterproof Barn Jacket
© TimberlandEditor's Note:
Protect yourself from the elements in the Timberland waterproof barn coat, made with waterproof technology with fully sealed seams to help you stay dry. It features a blend of 72% cotton and 28% nylon, and double access pockets and adjustable cuffs that come in handy when you’ve got places to go.
Barbour Black Beadnell Polar Jacket
© BarbourEditor's Note:
Barbour's barn jacket is your ultimate style-meets-function companion. With styling based on the iconic Barbour Beadnell, this luxuriously warm jacket is constructed with a diamond-quilted outer and a super-soft fleece lining. Dreamy!
What's more, there's even hand-warmer pockets.
Barbour Icons Bedale Showerproof Barn Jacket
Editor's Note:
If you're looking for timeless Barbour jacket for high right now the 'Bedale' casual jacket is lightweight, stylish and features a distinctive cord collar, multi-entry pockets and branded stud fastening.
Nobody's Child Red Cord Detail Barn Jacket
© Nobody's ChildEditor's Note:
How chic is this barn jacket from Nobody's Child? It's very 'The Row'. I love that it comes in lots of different wearable shades as well - just in case the red shade isn't for you. I would advise sizing down on this barn jacket.
Alo Twill Barn Jacket
© AloEditor's Note:
The fit of this Alo barn jacket is designed to have a boxy, oversized fit so I would recommend sizing down if you prefer a closer fit. It's crafted from a structured cotton blend with a soft hand feel. The contrast corduroy collar adds a little texture, and because it's quilted, it adds a little warmth.
H&M Barn Jacket
© H&MEditor's Note:
If you're after a cropped barn jacket, this is just the thing! With a corduroy collar and buttons down the front, this loose fit jacket will be the 'cool girl' item you need in your wardrobe.
Karen Millen Quilted Contrast Collar Barn Jacket
© Karen MillenEditor's Note:
Karen Millen's classic barn jacket comes in olive, camel or chocolate brown with a contrasting collar. The cosy quilted texture hits two trends in one while the front patch pockets keep it practical.
Whistles Barn Jacket
© WhistlesEditor's Note:
The Whistles Fern Waxed Jacket is a timeless, utilitarian piece you’ll reach for now and for seasons to come. The neutral shade will go with so many pieces in your wardrobe and it features a contrasting corduroy collar, perfectly blending classic and contemporary.
Free People We The Free Sweet Talk Denim Barn Coat
© Free PeopleEditor's Note:
This simple denim blue ranch jacket from Free People comes in a medium blue shade for a cool look, and has a contrasting collar to get the barn jacket look.
With fireman style hooks and two large pockets, this is a great jacket to try the trend and layer over your favourite white high summer dress.
New Look Off White Barn Jacket
© New LookEditor's Note:
This is the other barn jacket that may well go viral on TikTok. New Look is always great at taking trends and making them look cool. This one is affordable, too.
Mint Velvet Tan Suede Barn Jacket
© Mint VelvetEditor's Note:
If you're on the hunt for more of a spring-friendly barn jacket, I absolutely love this suede option from Mint Velvet.
Topshop Super Oversized Barn Jacket
© TopshopEditor's Note:
Ideal for in-between weather, this khaki Topshop jacket is a real winner for low-key dressing.
Monsoon 'Rosie' Barn Jacket In Pink
Editor's Note:
This loose-fit pink barn jacket has been designed with a corduroy collar and dual side pockets. Super stylish, and a nice take on the barn jacket trend for high summer or if pink is really your thing.
