Talk me out of buying a Barbour

[Iwannasnack]

Or should I? Been trying to find a coat that is warm, actually waterproof and looks smartish for over a year. Was wandering around John Lewis today with the plan to look at something from Joules or Seasalt and stumbled into the Barbour section. Tried one on expecting to look ridiculous and I loved it.

I’m 37. No dog. No Land Rover. No country estate lifestyle just the 1.2 mile round trip to school and back twice a day. It’s over double the money I was thinking of spending. I remember my friend having one as a child and it stunk. I just need to move on don’t I?

I looked at the Jack Murphy site- they are WAY cheaper, but the stock they have on the website is very old fashioned in a not-classic sense.

I’m thinking about getting a pair of Dublin River Boots now the colder and wetter weather is coming in, but I’m hesitant as worn with a waxed jacket I’ll look like a dressed down Princess Anne.

Disappointed- stitching came undone on pockets within a year, I should’ve sent it back to stitch - main bug bear is it’s not warm and it has a quilt lining. Walking gear is much warmer as previously mentioned - if we are going to stand outside at an event I choose walking gear rather than my Barbour. Don’t ever buy their wellies they perish in 2 years and get really indignant at customer services- how very dare you say our wellies are rubbish they are out of warranty we’re not interested in making them last we need to churn sales

I think I must be a bit wanky too....love my barbour...no Land Rover but I do drive a 4x4....dogs....horses and I would wear it anywhere....mainly because its a bloody jacket and if the weather requires it the weather requires it...whether I am dog walking or doing the food shop.... :)

dinosaurkisses I think that is often my look when I am not at work! I love my river boots...warm, waterproof, comfortable and don't irritate the corns/bunions!!

I’d love a wax barbour. I had a wax jacket years ago for riding and it was the loveliest warmest thing ever - wish I’d kept it. No idea what brand it was though.

I do have a quilted Barbour jacket. It’s a few years old but so so warm and comfy.

If you are looking for warm and actually waterproof but not 'John Lewis' looking, then Arcteryx do a couple of parkas (the patera is my favourite) they fit the bill. Loads of money but quite plain so won't date. Worth a look if it's function you're after.

I don’t mind John Lewis looking. I’m realistic that I’m a middle class cliche. I think a Barbour is pushing it though. Think that pushes across the line into wanky!

I do like North Face but the ones I like are super pricey. The Jack Murphy comments reminded me I do have a very old raincoat of theirs. I’m a lot smaller now so it doesn’t really fit me but it is the only thing I own that is actually waterproof.
I can’t believe it’s so hard to buy a coat that is waterproof and warm?!

I have this www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_103030175760?brand=Levi%27s&cat1=Women&cat2=Coats-%26-jackets&cat3=Coats&CMP=SSH_1008547134_1366510487_54211626706&gclid=Cj0KCQjw_7HdBRDPARIsAN_ltcI7iSBFr79CeZuJZHnG4cEoaQz0zH9n_1KGHed7lVorQY-VRvaEMEsaAmzmEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds which I really like. My only small quibble is it would be warmer and more waterproof if it was longer ... but then I wouldn't like the look so much so I probably can't win in that one.
On the plus side it's very snug and warm and it's been waterproof so far even though it just says showerproof.

I have a quilted one and cam only wear it in September or April as I find it too cold for actual cool weather. V disappointed

God they stink - don’t do it!

So not fashion item- I have a either Beaufort or something the 'trwditional' one I've had since I was 15 and is still going strong nearly 20 years later, my mum has one older than me!

Mine is in a horrible state, very neglected, but still lovely and snug despite not being bulky! Really need to look into the waxing

Though yep, horses and dogs here- sheep's and cows too at times!