A barn jacket is a loose fitting jacket that buttons down the front and hits at about mid hip. In its traditional sense, it really was intended for people performing rugged work outdoors, and still may be used in this manner. Lined jackets can take the chill out of performing outdoor chores, like mucking out stables or feeding animals, in early morning or evening hours.
In the 19th century, fisherman developed a few techniques that would be indispensable to the barn jacket. By using oils or wax, jackets and coats could be slightly waterproofed, making them more stain resistant and able to withstand a little rain or water spilled onto them. Many manufacturers still use waterproofing or stain resistant techniques to create a more utilitarian coat.
The barn jacket can be made in a variety of fabrics, including cotton twill, cotton flannel, wool flannel, and denim, and may be lined or unlined. A few newer styles are made with plush or microfibers. Typical linings include wool fleece, polyester fleece, quilted polyesters, and quilted flannel.
This jacket can be found in a variety of styles, some of which are certainly not intended for heavy-duty all-season work. Soft Italian leather ones with silk lining are popular, for example. One might feature a variety of designs, elaborate buttons, or patterned fabric. The less work-worthy coat still can make for a good extra layer or even a fashion statement for those who don’t perform a great deal of manual labor.
A lined barn jacket provides exceptional warmth, and many wearers also like its slightly longer length. Styles can be found for both men and women, and a few noted manufacturers always feature a few options. In department stores, this product may be harder to find if it is not currently thought in fashion. Many shoppers find that army surplus stores can be a great place to look, though the styles may tend toward the simpler, sturdier fashion.