I bought my first Barbour in 1996. It was a Border jacket. I still have it now but it is crying out for repair. Barbour was worn by Street urchins, rough diamonds and football casuals way before then.
Aquascutum scarfs and Barbour jackets went hand in hand on the terraces, not because it was cool or someone on the telly wore one. No, it was because it kept you warm and kept out the rain. So why did I buy one. Well I bumped into some Manc lads in London who looked cool and I have always seen areas like Manchester and Liverpool having the edge when it comes to casual clothes so I asked them what the next big thing was and they said Barbour. This was in 1996. So I bought one.
I now have three Barbour Jackets. A Border, Dauntless and recently a Sonar.
The reason why I went for the Sonar was the extra rear pockets which fits my cameras and film rolls and other bits and pieces so I dont have to carry a bag. don't get me wrong I like bags but for street photography they get in the way. The Idea behind the Dept b and the Toki range is to have enough pockets so you don' have to carry a bag so this fits in with my Photography.
I was after the Barbour Casseslls and was also taking an interest in the Commander jacket.
I had trouble finding the right size in the Cassells and the Commander was a bit expensive for what it is so I settled for the Sonar which is a nice 6oz waxed cotton jacket.
I am sure the youngsters will stop wearing traditional Barbour jackets very soon but I will always be wearing mine even if Alexa Chung clones thinks its not cool anymore.
