Rothco Vintage Lightweight M-65 Field Jacket vs Barbour Bedale Waxed Cotton Jacket

The Rothco Vintage Lightweight M-65 is the pick for a casual, low-commitment field jacket you can wear in mild weather and not worry about. The Barbour Bedale is the better jacket: waxed cotton sheds rain, the corduroy collar and raglan sleeves wear well, and owners say it ages into a favorite over years of use. The trade-off is care and weight: wax needs re-proofing and the Bedale is a heavier, warmer layer. Buy the Rothco for a light everyday beater; buy the Bedale if you want one jacket to keep for a decade.

• Choose the Rothco M-65 if you want a soft, lightweight cotton field jacket for spring and fall layering and don't want to fuss over fabric care.
• Choose the Barbour Bedale if you want a water-resistant waxed jacket that handles drizzle, looks better with age and is built to last years.