Barbour jackets - are they worth £250?

[Saurus72]

I'm thinking of getting a black, belted Barbour waxed cotton jacket - I can't post a picture as I don't know his to on my iPad Anyway, I think it is really lovely. But it is £250 which would be the most I've ever spent on a single garment. Does anyone have one and if so would you say it is worth it? The quilted polyester ones cost much less, but I hate polyester and I think they would be all sweaty.

TIA.

[margaretofsavoy]

On the one hand they do last a long time. I had my mother's and it was about 25 by the time it gave up the ghost. In terms of using them for their designed purpose i.e. country pursuits, I would say they are worth it (although it's possible that the new ones aren't as hardy as the old ones).

On the other hand, they are quite popular these days, especially the more tailored, prettily-lined ones, so you may feel it gets dated and be fed up with it in a couple of years.

As you've probably noticed, they're not that warm so in the winter you will want to wear another layer underneath it.

[Saurus72]

Yes, I would be buying it to wear Spring and Autumn, I definitely don't think it would be warm enough in Winter.

[bonvivant]

No they're not worth it - you know you are paying for the label!

[Saurus72]

What would be similar but cheaper though? I really like the shorter belted ones, navy or black. Definitely open to suggestion!

[bonvivant]

If you search for belted waxed cotton jacket, you will find lots on the web. Also, I don't know what size you are, but if you are petite, you might find you can fit into a Barbour girls largest size - you'll save a lot of £££

[carrielou2007]

I love all of mine!! I have hawkstone or is it Hawkshead or something wax, waterproof/breathable parka snd flyweight summer force for spring. We do have an outlet nearby though I did pay full price for my wax. Do live in Somerset though no shooting parties here just want to stay warm and dry on school run

[imustbepatient]

I love mine. It is one of the polyester ones though, but it has still been keeping me snug and warm during the walking part of my commute / nursery run / walks / park visits etc, all through this bloody awful winter.

[capet]

I got a winter force waterproof parka from outdoor and country in their sale a few weeks ago and I love it. ( not a waxed jacket). it's one of my best buys ever! It was half price at the time. Bargain!

[RonaldMcDonald]

Nope

[Snowdown]

I hate the big yellow logo! And don't they smell bad when wet?

[OddFodd]

I have a big proper one but I live in the cuntry.

It's lasted years and is warm, waterproof and windproof but it's not exactly stylish :o

I suspect their 'stylish' ones are neither one thing nor tother tbh

[SorrelForbes]

I bought a Jack Murphy one instead. Much better value.

[NigellasDealer]

they smell bad if they get wet and you smoke.
on the other hand do they not have a lifetime guarantee?

[margaretofsavoy]

OddFodd, mine's not fashionable either - it's old school. I do think they're worth the price simply because I can't find another that is baggy enough to go over loads of layers, massive deep pockets for cartridges/some string/whatever and also poachers' pockets plus the little handwarmers. But yes, it is practical rather than stylish.

Places like M&S used to do their own brand wax jackets but I couldn't find any when I needed to replace my old Barbour (about 4 years ago)

[Philoslothy]

Mine don't have a big yellow logo on.

[MedusaIsHavingaBadHairday]

I just bought mine from the Outdoor and Country store..half price in the sale ( a Beadnell) and love it. My last one lasted 20 years!

My DD2 has a Jack Murphy one as she walks miles in all weathers at Uni and I do think hers is warmer and more solid however.

I'm hoping to get another 20 years out of mine!

[Floisme]

They may keep you warm and dry but it is my personal opinion that they look hideous.

[Cheesyslice]

I think they look awful. No idea why anyone would pay £250 for one.

[jumperooo]

DP has one of the special edition "fashion" ones from John Lewis. It is nice but had to be sent off to be rewaxed after only a year and after two years I do think it looks a bit tatty. I wouldn't be pleased with it. I used to have a proper Barbour for horseriding as a kid and I think they are completely different now.

[aurorasky]

I've just thrown out my one that I bought in 1988 (it was £80 then I think).

[Vickiyumyum]

I wouldn't get a waxed one for fashion purposes, they aren't easily cleaned. If you want one for warmth and to look nice go for the quilted or fleece ones.

if you're a size 10 this is a good option john lewis

[Felix90]

'I think they look awful' is a bit of a generalisation when Barbour make hundreds of different styles of jackets Why does everyone only think they do the quilted ones with the yellow logo and belt?

I have a waxed winter force parka which is almost 4 years old and still good as new. My MIL's friend has only just had to replace her waxed jacket after 26 years of constant wear. Their customer service is brilliant too - I needed my zip replaced and lining stitched up (because I tried to squeeze myself in when I gained too much weight ) and it was collected and delivered back to me within 7 days.

OP where do you live? It's definitely worth a trip to the factory shop next to the actual factory in South Shields. It's huge and has racks and racks of stuff. A couple of years ago DP got a light parka which was reduced from £360 to £70. We went a couple of weeks ago and I got a thin dark grey denim type material military style jacket for £70 and DP got a lovely blue/red jacket for £100. His was a ltd edition one which was a collaboration with some Japanese designer and we looked on eBay where they are going for ££££.

[thereisnoeleventeen]

Mine doesn't smell when it rains... It doesn't particularly look like a traditional Barbour either, I chose one on purpose that didn't have the barbour badge on the outside. I would say it's worth the money but then I like Barbours, most of the people I know who own them have had then last 20 years.

I have a gore-tex which also keeps me dry but the the rain runs off it more for some reason which is annoying when you go back inside.

I think you are either into them or not..frankly with the weather that we have been having I've been very glad to have mine.

[Cheesyslice]

Sorry felix to clarify when I said they look awful that was indeed a generalisation; I think every single style they make looks awful.

[Saurus72]

Felix - unfortunately I live hundreds of miles from South Shields otherwise that sounds right up my street cos I love a factory outlet and hate paying full price for anything. Bit wary about people saying they smell bad when wet though . Will take a look at the Jack Murphy alternative, thanks very much for the suggestion Sorrel.

I have a £50 Liberty gift card, plus Liberty are doing the £30 discount when you spend £150. So if I bought the £250 jacket, it would 'only' cost £170 actual cash money. If I don't buy a Barbour jacket, I'm planning on buying an Ally Capellino navy tote (£150). Either way, I want something that is going to last a long time and be loved for years.