Monday 8 March 2010

England delivers: Barbour



However people dress it up, English tailoring is the finest in the world.

Combine that with a classic history and a ‘does exactly what it says on the tin’ reliability and Barbour is one hell of a label.

Having worked it’s way into the mainstream psyche as a working label, it has undone years of that simple misunderstanding and has become synonymous with the man who is truly in the know.

The flyweight quilt jackets in green and blue have become a norm in any lads wardrobe, while the International Trials jackets, which in many ways conjure up images of BSA riders, especially the Union Jack (should really be Union Flag, if the right usage is termed, no Queen’s ships here).

They bring back real heritage to the style and cut, as does the Antique International.

They head up the charge of class act that seems to be pouring out of the South Shields manufacturer, which has been constant since conception in 1908.

Now I am trying to keep information on the newly released Carbon Dry Fly Jacket, which comes in Atlantic blue and black to a minimum.

To say I have fallen in love with this coat is a simple way of putting it.

The attention to detail, as it is a working jacket and I am not a fisherman, is amazing. Hooks, buckles and even a pocket for fishing flies to be kept, have dragged practicality and style into a new arena in a fabulous three quarter length jacket.

But remember it’s rubbish and only I am allowed to wear it.

Some chance of that happening eh?

I can see this little masterpiece flying (ohh bad pun) off the shelves.

Despite this level of attention and class, I am amazed at the decent pricing of these garments, considering a jacket of this calibre will last for many years, the cost is more than acceptable.

Treating yourself to the classic Heritage Flt polo shirt could well round off a perfect shopping trip.