NON-STOCK Waxed Jacket Review: Barbour Bedale and Ashby Compared
How does the NON-STOCK waxed canvas jacket compare with the Barbour Bedale and Ashby? For me, the biggest difference is the fit. The NON-STOCK sits between my roomy Bedale and close-fitting Ashby, with heavier canvas and a striped wool-blend lining.
I've made a full video review showing all three jackets. I cover the fabric, pockets, zips, cuffs and fit, then explain which one I would choose for everyday wear.
Watch the NON-STOCK vs Barbour review
I'm Mark, the owner of Hidden Stitch Supply, where I sell the NON-STOCK jacket. This is my personal comparison with the Bedale and Ashby I have owned and worn for years.
Watch the full review on YouTube.
Want to jump to a section? Fabric and wax: 2:16; sleeves and cuffs: 9:12; fit and sizing: 10:12; my choice: 14:20.
Heavier canvas with a lighter wax finish
The NON-STOCK shell is 100% cotton canvas weighing 11 oz, or about 373 grams per square metre. That figure describes the fabric weight, not the weight of the whole jacket.
The cloth has a firm feel and a clear weave. Its light wax finish feels less sticky to me than my Barbours did when new. I also like the contrast between the black canvas and brown corduroy collar.
Heavier cloth does not mean better rain protection. The NON-STOCK has less wax and no knitted inner cuffs to seal around the wrists. I would choose it for everyday wear rather than rely on it as a raincoat.
Wool-blend lining and corduroy pockets
The striped upper-body lining is 50% wool and 50% polyester. I would prefer all wool, but I like having a wool blend in an affordable jacket. My two Barbours have cotton tartan body linings, so the inside of the NON-STOCK has a different feel as well as a different look.
Both the hand-warmer pockets and the large lower pockets are lined with corduroy. Its soft ribs feel good against my hands. The lower pockets have folded sides that open out, giving more room for bulky items.
The two-way YKK zip can open from the bottom. That gives the jacket more room when I sit down. The zips on my Barbours are larger and heavier, but I am happy with the NON-STOCK zip for daily use.
How the NON-STOCK fits beside the Bedale and Ashby
On me, the Bedale is the boxiest of the three. The Ashby is very slim, especially when I reach forward. The NON-STOCK gives me a neater shape than the Bedale while leaving more room than my Ashby.
I'm 173 cm tall, weigh about 73 kg and have a 98 cm chest. In the review, my Bedale is a size 36 and my Ashby is XS. I mainly wear the NON-STOCK in XS (US), with S (US) also shown so you can see the difference.
The NON-STOCK sleeves suit my shorter arms. If you have long arms, pay close attention to sleeve length. Going up a size also adds room in the body. Going down a size makes the body shorter as well as narrower.
The cuffs have a snap adjustment and corduroy on the inside. Turning them back shows the brown fabric and shortens the sleeve. They do not have the Bedale's knitted inner cuffs.
Our website sizes differ from the sewn garment labels. Open the NON-STOCK size guide for the label mapping, garment measurements in inches and centimetres, and advice on comparing a jacket you already like.
Which jacket would I choose?
For my everyday use, I would choose the NON-STOCK. I like the fit, the substantial canvas, the corduroy details and the wool-blend lining. The lighter wax finish also feels nicer to handle.
That is a personal choice. My Barbours have given me years of wear, and their history is part of their appeal. The NON-STOCK offers its own mix of fabric, fit and details. Shorter sleeves and less protection around the wrists may make it a poorer choice for someone with different needs.
See the NON-STOCK 11 oz Waxed Canvas Hunting Jacket for the current price, available sizes and more photographs.
For the story behind this style, read the history of waxed jackets, from oilskins to the Bedale and Beaufort.