The Get of All Gets, Barbour International...

[Hemingway Jones]

Sorry to burst your bubble but the poseurs latched onto Barbour years ago. Just go to a soccer/lacrosse game in Westchester County or Conneticut where every other soccer mom will be sporting Barbour.

That may be the high fashion crowd where you're from, but not here in Boston.

 

[Hemingway Jones]

Very sharp indeed!

Thank you, My Friend.

 

[BellyTank]

OK, the quasi-raglan may be peculiar to the leather/cotton version(?).
I have never seen it on a normal International.

Err... those "gold" buttons aren't real gold, Silly, they're brass.
Mine haven't tarnished in 10 years but they were never a polished finish.
I don't really believe that removing the patch will compromise the waterproof-ness-ness.

Barbour does carry something of a "Suburban aristocrat" stigma but not so much with a MC jacket- mainly the country styles, complete with Barbour lapel badge.

It has the exact same shoulder/ sleeve as this one, and is in fact, this one:
http://www.outdoorandcountry.co.uk/newproduct.aspx?ProductStyleID=110044&CategoryID=1662

I normally hate logos of any sort on my clothing, but this one doesn't bother me. I guess if it was good enough for Steve McQueen, then it's good enough for me. Beside, removing it will effect its water repellency, though it may just create a leaky pocket! It would be better if it were my name.

I wonder if the gold buttons will tarnish. I noticed those on the woman's model, because Daisy Buchanan wants one of those and wants the gold buttons! Personally, either or would have been fine.

 

[Hemingway Jones]

Err... those "gold" buttons aren't real gold, Silly, they're brass.

I realize they're brass, but have you seen 'em when they're new??? Man, Oh Man, they are shiny! Blue Blazer shiny.

 

[BellyTank]

Yes, mine were new once- bright but never shiny.


B
T

 

[rgraham]

Mine seem to be both shiny and "gold"ish.

 

[Hemingway Jones]

Mine seem to be both shiny and "gold"ish.

I have no issue with those. I think they look smashing.

 

[Tomasso]

Barbour does carry something of a "Suburban aristocrat" stigma but not so much with a MC jacket- mainly the country styles

Can you say Burberry?

 

[BellyTank]

That doesn't bother me.
I don't have a motorcycle either.


B
T

 

[Hemingway Jones]

I have a Vespa, talk about juxtapositions!

 

[jeep44]

I've got an International, and I've got British Bikes,too-A '67 Triumph,and a '69 BSA,among others. Also a quasi-British Royal Enfield Bullet. This jacket gives you instant recognition among other Britbike riders-add a Davida helmet, and you are the oldest of Old-School.Add a bunch of enamel badges like BSA stars or those triangular Triumph engine plates-more's the better. Walk into a modern motorcycle dealership dressed like this, and they will look at you like you came from another planet. In cold weather riding I wear mine with a heavy wool Filson jacket liner underneath.

 

[Tomasso]

I've got British Bikes,too-A '67 Triumph.

I had a '69 Bonneville and a '73 Norton Commando. Gave them up upon the arrival of my firstborn in '94; haven't worn the International (or any of my other bike garb) since.

 

[katiemakeup]

So, I have been longing for a Barbour International Jacket for years. After seeing so a few in Venice last week, I have really wanted one.

I was just about to buy one from coatsandhats.com with the great exchange rate for $336, when I decided to hit the outlets on a whim hoping, probably against all hopes, that there might be a Barbour International just waiting for me.

I looked around and found nothing, then the salesperson brought me to a rack in the corner and there she was; my hope beyond all expectations:

A Leather and Wax Cotton Barbour International Jacket!

Now, the retail price of this particular jacket is $850, since it is leather, $450 more than the waxed cotton model.

I asked her how much?
"$300," she said.
I could hardly believe what she had said.
Bam! Mine!





Now, a quick review: The leather is exquisite, buttery soft, but tough and treated to be entirely waterproof. I know, I was caught in a downpour in the North End yesterday. The rain rolled off me like I was a freshly waxed car. Furthermore, I was warm, dry, and comfortable, since the jacket breathes naturally.

The waxed cotton portions have the same water repellency and are perfectly matched up to the leather pieces. In fact, it is difficult to discern visually which pieces are leather and which are waxed cotton.

The pockets are cavernous and easily accessed, especially the Napoleon pocket, of sorts, conveniently located on the left breast. I find it to be perfect for my cellphone. The pocket on the right breast snaps over and has a convenient and secure zippered pocket beneath.

The hardware is heavy duty, well placed, and slid or snap effortlessly. The lining is moderate polyester fiber, I believe, and insulates very well. I rode my Vespa in the mid-40s and was comfortable.

The fit? Perfect!

All in all, I have never been so happy with a jacket and intend to keep this for the rest of my life!

Now, all I need is the vintage Moto Guzzi to go with it!

Hey this looks great!! I love a cinched in waist.