collar up, collar downi guess my new englander transformation is finally complete (or it will be once i buy l.l.bean boots). in a fit of frustration yesterday (my ben sherman parka zipper broke), i went down to newbury street to try on barbour wax cotton jackets.
naturally, i left the store 30 minutes later $450 poorer. i wanted something that was waterproof, relatively windproof, and could accommodate a zip-in warm liner. the women's jackets do not work with the liners, so even though the fit is slimmer, i decided to go with a unisex design. i tried on the beaufort, which is about 33 inches long, but found that the cut was too bulky around the shoulders and back. i also didn't care for the internal velcro sleeve cuffs. apparently it comes in a slimmer cut, but i didn't see it at this particular shop.
i bought the bedale in sage (very dark green, almost black in some lighting conditions), which is shorter (about 31 inches) but fits more snugly in the back shoulders, has a sweater sleeve cuff and side vents (key for bicycling). i also purchased a quilted zip-in liner, but passed on an attachable hood because i felt like i was spending too much money. when i arrived home, i immediately searched online to see if i could buy the same thing for less. and of course, i did.
the details:
size 34 (US women's equivalent 4, but it fit me (4-6) perfectly with room to spare in the waist (also key!). a 36 fits just as well, but i wanted a slimmer silhouette.
bedale jacket in sage, list price $345
quilted fleece liner, list price $105
hood (not purchased), list price $45
total: $458
ordered from Gifts for Fishing (UK site, free shipping to US, tax and duties if applicable will be refunded):
bedale jacket in sage, $265
warm pile lining, $ 75 (list price $95)
hood, $34
total: $374
20 comments:
I had the same issue with my Ludovine and Kaori--I could have saved hundreds in Barneys... Oh well!
My Mum, Dad and brothers all have this jacket--it reminds me of home.
Nice one, Erica! I'd rather get one of these classics rather than anything more 'stylish' this year. Unfortunately, not sure this will be useful at all in Los Angeles. Is the cotton stiff?
I'm mostly a North Face kind of girl when it comes to colder weather (skiing, vacations, etc.), but definitely not as stylish, though maybe more comfy.
Ahhhh Barbour jackets. I love them, and was looking for one on and off for two years! I kind of want a vintage/used one. I love the fabric after it gets broken in! Plus, the Queen wears one, so you know it must be good!
Viv-
the cotton isn't terribly stiff, although it has a certain feel that takes some getting used to. like stephanie mentioned, the broken-in ones are really great. i saw someone ordering repairs on his, and it looked very soft and lived-in.
having grown up in the southern california area, i would definitely say that a light-weight Barbour would come in handy in LA, especially in the winter.
This makes me feel so cozy inside.
And, as a frequent reader, I think it will work fantastically with your wardrobe!
That gifts for Fishing site is hilarious - I may have to get my dad the box of dry flies and scotch.
You can't go wrong with Barbour. It lasts forever and only gets better with time.
And I agree with other Stephanie - the queen wears it - it has to be good!
so true, if the queen wears it, surely it's good enough for me!
i love the idea of gifts for fishermen. it's too bad my dad is more of a golfer. fishing is much more amusing...
you are too cute. i love these kinds of manly jackets.
fellow new englander and long-time Babour fan here, just thought I'd let you guys know about a website i've been using that sells tons of Barbour stuff cheaper than anywhere else i've seen: its www.aaronsofeastham.com it is actually a little shop out on cape cod! an absolute gem!
Hey! I have a question about sizing for the Bedale jackets - I'm pretty tiny (dress size 0-2) but it seems like the smallest size for the jackets are 34 (equivalent to dress size 4?)... are there smaller alternatives for me? I can't seem to find anything that's smaller than 34 out there.
stephanie
have you tried on the children's sizes? a friend of mine who is quite small can fit into the largest size.
Similar to the last post, so sorry for being repetitive-- I am 5'6", 115lb, typically a 0-2 and am trying to figure out if a 34 will work or if I should go for a child's 32. I know that on the whole this jacket has a boxier shape and will not be a tailored fit, but I am concerned that I would swim in a 34. Unfortunately no one carries Barbour near me. Given your experience with your 34, do you think it could work for me or should I try to size down (and, yes, save a few dollars on a kiddie size!)?
i am 5'5" and a little less than 120 lbs, and the 34 is a little big in the chest and arms. i've never tried on the childrens sizes, but i think maybe it would work for you.
i do like the 34 because i can layer it with a bulky sweater. otherwise, it doesn't keep the cold out in the winter.
So I ended up getting an XL in children's classic beaufort - it fits nicely on me (size 0-2) with plenty of room around the chest area (I can even wear my puffer vest under the jacket). One thing to note though, the sleeves run shorter on the children's size. The adult's size 32 probably is your best shot, but not a lot of stores carry that size, and it's only available in certain colours. hope this helps!
Go to the Barbour outlet in Kittery, ME. Brand new bedales and beauforts for $150.
Maybe someone can help me out here. I'm 5'6 and around 130. I had purchased a size 38 Bedale, which was way too big for me. You mentioned that the 34 gives you room in the waist - is it ample room? Not sure if I should try a 36 or just skip to 34. I'm usually a size 8/medium in most sizes. Thanks!
i was pregnant when i bought my bedale. it is now very roomy in the waist except when i'm wearing the warm zip-in lining. it depends on how much you're layering underneath, but it sounds like a 34 would be ok on you.
Barbour's USA headquarters and factory store in Milford NH. They have super cheap gear there and it is also where they do repairs and alterations.
My daughter needs one for college and she is 5'10" and weighs about 150lbs. I think that the Bedale is what they all wear, but I don't have a clue about the size. She wears 6-8 on top and 10-12 on the bottom.
Any advice would be helpful!
Is the children's XL roomy thorough the hips and waist as well? I'm 5'3" and usually wear a size 2/4, with a chest size 34. Do you think the XL size would be tight on me?
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