Shopping for a Women's Barbour Jacket
Barbour's women's jackets are known around the world for their style, comfort and durability. Founded in 1894 by Scotsman John Barbour in England, Barbour began his career as a draper and made a name for himself producing oilskin clothing for fisherman. After establishing a catalogue and buying service, Barbour was delivering water resistant oilskins to sailors and fishermen the world over. These days, Barbour is still a family operated company and over 100,000 of their famous wax jackets are hand sewn in their factory in Simonside, England every year.
Barbour manufactures clothing and jackets for all around country living. The company produces women's jackets specifically designed for horseback riding, motorcycling shooting and a range of other outdoor activities popular to the English countryside. These jackets are sleek and stylish, though, so even if you do not actually hunt foxes or shoot clay pigeons, you might want a Barbour. The women's jackets are cut close to the figure but have plenty of give so that you can move around comfortably in them. Instead of just smaller versions of the men's line, Barbour produces women's jackets that are flattering to a woman's shape and often these jackets feature belted waists and slightly flared hips.
Barbour jackets are extremely practical. The company is famous for their waxed cotton. Waxed cotton is simply cotton that has been impregnated with wax. The wax makes the cotton nearly water proof. Barbour has five different styles of waxed cotton available, including traditional sylkoil, milled wax, thorn proof, antique wax and weathered wax. All of these different waxed cottons come in different weights which correspond to the thickness of the cotton and thus insulate properties and durability. The various waxes also look and age differently, with some of them being glossy, some resembling suede, some crackling and some fading to a soft peach color. In addition to protecting the wearer from the elements, the waxed cotton is also snag and scrape resistant.
All Barbour women's jackets are lined with high quality, heavy duty fleece or flannel. The lining, in combination with the waxed cotton, makes the jackets much warmer than they look. They are also very lightweight though, so you will not feel bogged down when you have your Barbour on. Barbour women's jackets mostly come in neutral colors such as black, navy or hunter green. Barbour jackets are also available in various shades of grey and rich, dark browns or tans. Some women's jackets have colorful floral or tartan plaid linings.
You can't buy your Barbour jacket from the Barbour website. You will need to either buy the jacket in one of Barbour's many stores or at some other licensed Barbour dealer. Check out hunting and sporting goods stores. Barbour jackets are hand made of the highest quality materials and do not come cheap. Expect to pay between $350 and $500 for your jacket. Once you make your purchase, though, you can rest assured with the knowledge that Barbour completely guarantees your satisfaction. You can expect your new Barbour jacket to last you for years to come.
