Are Barbour jackets worth the price?

[countrylassie]

Ok so I know they are very cliche nowadays and people tend to only have them because they want to be 'in fashion' or because they are 'horsey' people but I really want one. My jacket of choice is the 'Kate Utility jacket' in olive. www.barbourbymail.co.uk/Barbour-Ladies-Kate-Jacket.html Ever since I saw it I have been captivated by it but it is just soo expensive. I have hunted high and low for a 'replica' or 'similar' jacket that's cheaper to no avail. So have come here for some advice from you lovely ladies about the best course of action. Are they worth it? After all, I DO live in Scotland deep in the countryside where the winters are like the Arctic. What makes things worse is that I keep seeing numerous Barbour jackets on the t.v. which makes me want it even more! Please give me some advice ladies before I go insane! Thanks.

I love Barbours and have a few. I go to the outlet at Gunwharf Quays Portsmouth. You could try ringing them to see if they have the coat you like as they will post it to you if you are not near them.

Even my newish Barbour has gone a bit skanky, they have that distinctive smell! I think I might try a Drizabone this year, never had a truly waterproof barbour yet.

drizabone are they a bit cheaper too?

They are very slim fitting and if you have big boobs they are not very comfy imo. I hate mine.

Mine is 25 years old and still going strong. It replaced one of similar vintage which got nicked from my car (it was handed down to me, I'm not (quite) that old). I am porky with big boobs and mine is fine - just make sure you get one that is cut to fit you properly before you buy it.

If it goes skanky, you need to have it rewaxed.

My mum's must be over 20 years old. You need to look after them - reproof every so often, but they do seem to last. She (and I) are norky too.

I have two, one 27 years old and still perfect condition, and one I got last year which is more fitted. Not real bad weather wear but I did wear mine nearly every day last winter. They are really good value on a cost per weear basis. DH has two old ones and I generally TWOC one of his if I'm going somewhere muddy/doggy /horsey.

I forgot to add as well as hating mine, i feel i look like Camilla Parker Bowels when im wearing it.

I have the Kate jacket. I love it. I am a country girl though and I think they warm, practical, hard wearing (if looked after) and age well.....

I'm well aware it wont be the same quality but Ive just bought this from ebay and I kid you not I am over the moon with it. Looks fantastic on. Bargain

Honestly, i don't like it. Its not worth it for me.
check out
ow.ly/5IZxS -Banana Republic
ow.ly/5IZHg -Debenhams
ow.ly/5IZZR -TUCCI

What do you all think of the quality of the zips? I've tried several different styles on over the last year and each one of them had a really crappy zip that didn't want to latch.

It's really put me off and I really need something like a Barbour, as I'm always out in the forest etc with the dog.

Oh! i never had such a problem though

I love mine. I'm norky too and it fits beautifully. I got mine from the outlet in Gunwharf.

I have a quilted one and it is fab, works well on an hourglass shape and machine washable.

Has already been worth the money for me, wore it loads last winter.

Never had a problem with the zips on mine.

Thanks everyone. Your help has been wonderful. Glad to see that most of you are pleased with your Barbour purchases and that a few of you are more towards the 'normal' spectrum size wise. It puts my mind at ease that the jackets are a worthwhile purchase and that you don't have to be a 'skinny minnie' to pull them off with style. I will definitly be considering one for the Winter season. :)

Gillybobs I saw that jacket on Ebay and seriously considered it but was worried about whether it may be a scam or very low quality product despite looking great...just seemed too good to be true for the price. Which colour is it you have? Does it fit nicely?

archanat10 I was interested to see the links that you posted but they dont seem to be working. I might be doing something wrong??? i just copied and pasted them into the url. If it's not me could you perhaps post them again or give me product description or something. Any ideas for alternatives to the Barbour are very welcome. :)

TeacupTempest Great to hear that you have the Kate jacket. I have scoured the internet for reviews on it but cannot find any. Did you just order your normal size or a size up/down? I am not sure of the fit of the jackets and I am in between a size 10 and 12 so not sure what to go for. I'm a D cup so shouldnt have too much problem with the boob area. Just thought I'd ask as the Kate is one of the more 'fitted' Barbours.

Hey, they just work fine for me. You copy them and paste them on the address bar.
Or otherwise just check-
Heritage hooded utility jacket @BANANA REPUBLIC
Light cream short petite parka jacket @DEBENHAMS
Firetrap Womens Attack Black Trench Jacket @TUCCI

I've got the Ladies International jacket too, tis ver ver lovely. Its a year old and looks better than when I bought it now!