A Guide to Quilted Jackets

A quilted jacket is an outer layer made from two pieces of fabric stitched together with padding sandwiched in between. The stitching forms the pattern – most often diamond, sometimes box or stripe – which holds the insulation evenly and gives the jacket its distinctive look.

The result is something warm but light. The padding retains body heat and hangs close to your body, far slimmer than the average winter coat. Cord collars and snap fastenings are signature features that trace back to the jacket's original use: practical outerwear for country sports and riding.

Today, quilted jackets sit just as comfortably on a city street as they do on a dog walk. They pair well with knitwear, denim, dresses and chinos, and move easily between casual and smart-casual pieces. They layer well, they wear well, and they've outlived most fashion cycles by not chasing any of them.

The classic quilted jacket – slim profile, diamond stitching, hip-length – is the version most people picture when they hear the name. It's the place to start if you're choosing one for the first time. But the range has grown over the years, and there are now several variations worth knowing about.

Longline quilted jackets

A longer cut covers the hips and lower back, where heat usually escapes first. Longline styles suit colder weather and longer days outdoors when you want warmth that lasts from morning through to evening.

Layer one over knitwear with jeans and boots, adding a scarf and gloves as temperatures fall. For something smarter, pair it with a dress, or trousers and a smart jumper. The extra length keeps the proportions balanced and brings a considered feel to the outfit.

Lightweight quilted jackets

Lightweight quilted jackets are made for transitional weather – those weeks in March or September when the forecast changes by the hour. Light padding and a softer build keep them comfortable as conditions shift through the day, while still feeling easy to carry. Packable enough to stash in a bag, warm enough to take the edge off a cool morning.

Wear one over a shirt, fine knit, sweatshirt or lightweight blouse for everyday wear, or slip it beneath a heavier coat when colder weather returns. Breathable and easy to wear, lightweight quilted jackets are a reliable companion for travel, commuting and weekends away.

Quilted gilets

A gilet keeps warmth centred through the core while leaving the arms free to move. Useful when you're active outdoors, and just as good over a jumper for colder mornings on the school run or running errands in town.

The simplicity is the point. Layer it over knitwear or a shirt for an extra layer when the weather can’t make up its mind, and you've got a versatile piece that works harder than its size suggests.

Everyday layers that move between town and country with minimal adjustment. Classic cuts, practical detailing, and reliable warmth for commuting, weekends, and everything in between.

Lightweight layers and longer cuts designed for changing conditions and shifting plans. Easy over dresses, knits, or denim, with the same focus on comfort, practicality, and structure.

A quilted jacket gives you plenty to work with. It dresses up, dresses down, layers under heavier outerwear in winter, and holds its own through spring and autumn – all while keeping the rest of the outfit straightforward.

For everyday wear, a quilted jacket over a knit and jeans is hard to beat. They look just as good over skirts and dresses, too. Add boots or boat shoes depending on the day, or sandals in warmer months. For smarter settings, try a slim-cut quilted jacket over a shirt and tailored trousers, or layer it over an A-line dress – the cut is sharp enough to land somewhere between casual and considered.

On colder days, layer a longline quilt over a chunky jumper and finish with sturdy boots. In spring, swap the heavy knit for a T-shirt or an overshirt. Neutral tones – olive, navy, brown, slate – work with most things in the wardrobe and keep the outfit feeling timeless rather than trend-led.

Tartan linings and contrast collars add character to Barbour quilts. A small detail that reveals itself when the jacket comes off. 

Always check the care label first – different fabrics and padding need different treatment. As a general rule, quilted jackets prefer cool washes and a gentle touch.

For day-to-day cleaning, spot-clean any marks with a soft cloth and a small amount of mild detergent. For a fuller wash, Barbour quilted jackets can go through a delicate 30-degree cycle, but always double-check the inner care label first. 

Use a mild detergent and skip the fabric softener, which can dampen and flatten the padding. If you tumble dry, keep it low and add a couple of dryer balls to help the filling settle back into shape. Air drying also works; it just takes a little longer.

Don't store your quilted jacket in plastic or anywhere damp. Hang it on a broad hanger somewhere with airflow, brush it down between wears, and it'll keep its shape and warmth for years to come – as it should.

Barbour quilted jackets carry over a century of design thinking – practical construction, durable fabrics, and finishing details that prove themselves with regular wear. From classic diamond-quilt styles to longline cuts and gilets, the range covers the changing demands of a British year.

They sit comfortably alongside the wider Barbour collection, from warmer outerwear and knitwear to boots and accessories, all designed with the same care and made to last.