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 bought the Barbour Kate recently. I got my usual size 12 and it is a good fit. I wouldn't size up. It's not overly warm but it is great for this rainy July we are having.

countrylassie - I bought the black and its really nice on, true to size and nicely finished. Havent worn it yet so cant comment on durability but in all honesty I think it will be just the ticket for the Autumn.

I've just found this thread as I'm wondering about getting a Barbour too - am intrigued by the Elveden Square jacket from Ebay as I've googled Elveden Square and absolutely NOTHING turns up...? Makes me v suspicious, but perhaps they are known as something else. Anyone got more info? Otherwise I'll think on about the Barbour. At the mo I've got an aging goretex jacket that will need replacing soon. I really do want something waterproof as I live in Scotland and we're not short of rain in my area; I'm worried the Barbour might be too heavy/hot for what I want but I can never find a nice/stylish Goretex (major gap in the market there!!)...

I have two
www.barbourbymail.co.uk/Barbour-New-Ladies-Flyweight-International-Quilt-J.html in red
and www.johnlewis.com/252241/Product.aspx

They are flippin gorgeous and flattering.
The second I wear to work sometimes with a shirt and swirly skirt and boots and looks brilliant and it's warm.

The fisrt one looks great with jeans and high shoes/boots.

Definatly a good buy and I haven't been near a horse in 2 decades!!!

Hi upahill - is the John Lewis Barbour a waterproof one? I see it's described as being waxed, I hadn't looked at the quilted jackets at all thinking that none of them were waterproof...

Belstaff more flattering on me I have boobs!

I have a tradition quilted Barbour and I love it even with my big boobs. It suits a curvy figure and can be adjusted at the waist. It is perhaps a little heavy, especially when done up.

I am neither posh nor horsey and not particularly fashionable.

I've got the same Elvedon jacket that Gillybobs has.I bought mine from a gamefair 2 years ago and love it.It gets a lot of complimentary comments and is wearing well qualitywise.I'm an outdoors person and live in the sticks,so it has had heavy wear.

Blimey! Just seen the price on ebay.Mine was £29.99! Go to any country fair/event and you'll find stalls of them,much cheaper.

I prefer LLBean jackets for that price.

Caldeane have some really nice waxy jackets got mine for 20 lots of compliants too

Although it is a horsey make, I wear mine around town etc

www.caldene.co.uk/index.aspx

Have a look on eBay for last winters models, I like their a bit nicer than this years

Hi Numpty Not sure about waterproof.
They are certainly shower proof.
The two that I have are really flattering and warm!

Thanks for all the input everyone! I don't mind horsey-style (always makes me think of Jilly Cooper ) but really do need waterproof, it's raining in sheets today! Will check out Elveden again then... thanks for the tip, Mirage.

I had a few barbouresque jackets which I loved, but never the real deal. They lasted pretty well even for cheapo replicas - but the first one I had was the best, as well as the outer 4 pockets, it had 2 poacher's pockets inside and an inside breast pocket. I loved that jacket! Was very sad when it finally got too manky to be seen in public anywhere other than at my friend's yard. :(

I tended to buy men's ones rather than fitted ladies' ones though.

Oops, should probably have mentioned that I meant the wax jackets, not the Puffa style quilted jobs.