To Wear Mascara or Not to Wear Mascara? That Is My Constant Summer (AKA Smudgy) Dilemma—Until Now
I found the white whale of smudge-free mascaras.
Horses and fashion seemingly go hand in hand. Just ask the leather riding boots you’ve had sitting in your closet since 2015. Or the Stetson cowboy hat you had to have on that girl’s trip you took to Jackson Hole (it’s a rite of passage, no judgment here). Not to mention the luxury fashion houses like Hermès and Yves Saint Laurent that make opulent accessories for horses and riders alike. Fancy!! The latest horsey trend to take over our social media feeds is arguably a bit more practical: the classic barn coat. Otherwise known as the “ranch jacket” or “chore coat”, the canvas barn coat is *the* coat of the season, according to many a TikToker. And if you’re along for the ride (heh), who better to make shopping recs than an actual horse girl herself?
Yes, hi, I am a loud and proud, grown-up horse girl here to tell you that barn coats are, indeed, pretty damn great. As someone who mucked stalls every Tuesday after school until she left for college, I’ve worn my fair share of chore jackets to keep me warm and horse-poop free. Because that’s what barn coats are for—manual labor—thanks to their heavyweight fabrics, large, tool-friendly pockets, and roomy silhouettes.
While you probably won’t be shoveling sawdust in your barn coat, it doesn’t mean you can’t wear one. They’re so cozy! So durable! So weather-resistant! And the pockets are so big, you can ditch your purse for the night! I promise you’ll get a lot more out of this equestrian trend than the metallic western boots you bought on that bachelorette party in Austin. Take it from me, a horse girl who will be *still* wearing her very own barn coat this fall, and probably every season after.
– Best overall: L.L. Bean Adirondack Barn Jacket, $129
– Runner up: Levi’s Men’s Cotton Canvas Chore Coat, $99
– Most stylish: We The Free Cori Waxed Jacket, $295
– Most classic: Barbour Beadnell Waxed Cotton Jacket, $398
– Most durable: Filson Tin Coat Work Jacket, $345
– Best for everyday wear: Everlane The Barn Jacket, $175
– Best budget: Old Navy Canvas Barn Jacket, $60
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Shop the 7 best barn coats to wear this fall
Sizes: XS-XL in regular, petite, and plus sizes
The L.L.Bean Adirondack Barn Coat is *the* workhorse of outerwear—it’s what I wore around the barn for close to a decade. This flannel-lined classic is almost a shacket given its lighter weight and roomy fit, but it’s still tough as nails. That’s thanks to the weather-resistant canvas that softens up a bit with every wear but still sloughs off moisture. And the flannel lining is so warm, it’s like a warm hug each time you slip it on.
For its reasonable pricepoint, incredible durability, and timeless style, I give it a 10/10, no notes. It’s a jacket worthy of a blue ribbon.
Colors: 2
Materials: 100% cotton
Pros:
- Durable
- Roomy and breathable, perfect for layering
- Warm flannel lining
- Spacious pockets
- Expansive size range
- Affordable price point
Cons:
- It’s on the lighter side and will require layers in the colder months
Sizes: S-XXL
Levi’s Chore Coat has all the practicality you need, from the roomy patch pockets to the sturdy construction. Whether you’re tackling a DIY project or just want to look like you could, this coat’s got you covered—literally and figuratively. The only reason it’s our runner-up is that it is on the bulkier side and only comes in men’s sizes. But for the price, you can’t go wrong; While I don’t have this exact jacket, I do have a canvas Levi’s Trucker Coat that’s about as hardy as they come and can attest to its made-for-anything quality.
Colors: 2
Materials: 100% cotton
Pros:
- Durable, sturdy canvas
- Ample spacious pockets
- Warm and weather-resistant
- Affordable
Cons:
- Canvas is on the bulkier side
- Only available in men’s sizes
Sizes: XS-XL
This jacket is for the cool girl who pretends she’s on a ranch, but really, she’s just headed to brunch. It’s durable enough to handle the elements—the canvas is weatherproofed with a wax treatment that wicks moisture instantly and softens with wear—while the oversized fit lets you layer up in style. Bonus points for the big pockets, adjustable hem, and two-way zipper with buttons to make sure you’re as warm and dry as possible.
Colors: 3
Materials: 100% waxed cotton
Pros:
- Stylish
- Roomy and layer-friendly
- Spacious pockets
- Weather-resistant
- Adjustable hem
Cons:
- Pricey
- Waxed cotton should be spot-cleaned only and will need to be touched up from time to time
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Sizes: 0-16
Barbour’s Wax Jacket is an icon for good reason. Made from Barbour’s signature waxed cotton, it’s designed to brave the elements while keeping you looking effortlessly polished. The tartan lining and corduroy collar give it that British countryside charm, whether you’re actually in the countryside or just pretending. It’s water-resistant, windproof, and has enough pockets to stash everything from your gloves to your dog treats. While I don’t recommend wearing this to an actual horse farm (sorry! too nice!) it is the epitome of equestrian chic.
Colors: 1
Materials: 100% waxed cotton, cotton flannel lining, nylon sleeve lining
Pros:
- Incredibly durable
- Weather-resistant
- Warm flannel lining
- Versatile
- Spacious pockets
Cons:
- Waxed cotton should be spot-cleaned only and will need to be touched up from time to time
- Pricey
Sizes: XS-XL in regular and long lengths
If you are planning on getting your hands dirty this fall, the Filson Tin Cloth Work Jacket is the rugged legend your wardrobe needs. Filson’s known for its rugged workwear built to handle whatever you throw at it, and the Tin Coat Work Jacket does just that. My Filson jacket and flannels (which this jacket is lined with) are my go-to for my outdoor adventures when I need protection—they’re worth every penny.
It’s tough, durable, and, dare we say, the perfect mix of function and fashion. The boxy fit and classic style make it a staple for anyone who takes their outdoor aesthetic seriously—even if your “outdoors” is just the patio. Plus, they come in regular and long lengths so you can find a more custom fit.
Colors: 1
Materials: Oil-finish tin cloth, 100% cotton dry finish cover cloth, 100% cotton flannel, wool, polyester twill
Pros:
- Incredibly durable
- Warm flannel lining and wool-lined collar
- Weather-resistant tin cloth outer
- Spacious pockets
Cons:
- Pricey
- Oil cloth should be spot-cleaned only and will need to be touched up from time to time
- A bit stiff and bulky
Sizes: XXS-XXL
Everlane’s Barn Jacket is your minimalist dream with a side of utility chic. It’s not trying too hard, but it’s doing all the heavy lifting when it comes to style and function. Made from durable cotton twill, this jacket’s sleek, unlined design keeps things light and easy, while the oversized pockets are ready to stash everything from your phone to that granola bar you always forget about. It’s the jacket for when you need to look put-together, but also like you didn’t spend the whole morning agonizing over what to wear.
Colors: 3
Materials: 100% organic cotton
Pros:
- Roomy and layer-friendly
- Spacious pockets
- Simple, timeless design
- 100% organic cotton
- Versatile colorways
Cons:
- Unlined and on the lighter side
- Button-front closure might not be as warm as a zipper
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Sizes: S-3XL
Don’t feel like breaking the bank? You don’t have to—this Old Navy staple is just $60. From the boxy canvas silhouette down to the corduroy collar, it’s got everything you want from a trendy barn coat, and with its water-resistant finish and cozy lining, is ready for autumn’s inevitable ups and downs. And with a price tag that’s easy on your wallet, it’s proof that looking good and staying warm doesn’t have to cost a fortune.
Colors: 1
Materials: 98% cotton, 2% spandex
Pros:
- Affordable
- Weather-resistant canvas
- Roomy and layer-friendly
- Spacious pockets
Cons:
- Might not be as durable as others