Okay, so I finally caved and bought a Barbour jacket. I’d been eyeing them for, like, ever, and with winter coming, I figured it was time to take the plunge. I went with the classic Bedale in olive – seemed like the most versatile option.
The Shopping Process
First, I hit up a few different stores to try them on. I’m kinda between sizes, so I wanted to make sure I got the fit right. It’s a bit of a boxy fit, which is part of the style, but you don’t want to be swimming in it, you know? I also checked out a couple of online retailers, just to compare prices and see what was out there.
Trying It On and Initial Thoughts
When I finally got the jacket, I was pretty stoked. The waxed cotton felt super durable, and the lining was nice and cozy. I threw it on over a sweater, and it felt great – not too heavy, but definitely warm. The corduroy collar is a nice touch, too. It’s definitely a “dad” jacket, but in a cool way, I think.
Putting It to the Test
- First test: A walk in the park on a chilly, drizzly day. The jacket kept me totally dry, and the wind didn’t cut through at all. The pockets are huge, which is awesome for stashing gloves, my phone, and even a small water bottle.
- Second test: A trip to the grocery store. Okay, not the most exciting test, but it showed me how easy the jacket is to just throw on and go. It’s not fussy, you know?
- Third test: A weekend trip to the countryside. This is where the jacket really shined. We did some hiking, and the Barbour held up perfectly. It’s tough enough to handle branches and stuff, and it still looked good enough to wear to a pub lunch afterwards.
Overall Impression
So, after a few weeks of wearing it, I’m definitely a convert. It’s a really well-made jacket that’s both practical and stylish. It’s an investment, for sure, but I can see myself wearing this thing for years. I also bought a hood additionally that can be attached. I feel like a real outdoorsy kinda guy when wearing it, it’s great! It’s not exactly a “fashion” piece, but it’s got that classic, timeless vibe that I really dig. If you’re on the fence, I’d say go for it – you won’t regret it.
