Everything You Need to Know: Barbour International Union Jack Jacket
Barbour International is a British brand that specialises in outdoor clothing, with a focus on motorcycle apparel. The brand is known for its high-quality waxed cotton jackets, which are both stylish and functional.
Two of Barbour International's most popular jackets are the Union Jack Jacket and the Original Jacket. The Union Jack Jacket is a bold and patriotic choice, with a full Union Jack lining and an embroidered Union Jack badge on the chest. The Original Jacket is a more classic option, with a traditional waxed cotton construction and a timeless design.
In this blog post, we will take a closer look at both of these Barbour International jackets, comparing their features and benefits. We will also provide some tips on how to choose the right jacket for your needs.
Video Transcript:
Hey guys, it's Sam from Michael Stewart Menswear, and welcome back to another instalment of Barbour Icons. The series is where we take a deep dive into some of Barbour's most iconic and timeless pieces of outerwear.
Today, we're going down the old motorbike tracks - we're going off-road, and we're taking a look at the Union Jack and the Barbour International Original. These are two jackets steeped in history, and I can't wait to tell you all about them and a few of the features, a bit of the material and what you'll get if you buy either of these fantastic jackets. So, let's get straight into it.
The History of the Barbour International Jacket
Let's begin with a little history lesson. A jacket such as this, the International Original, was worn by nearly every British motorbike team between 1930 and 1970. Of course, they weren't wearing the same jacket, it had different variations and little updates - but the sort of premise of the jacket, and the overall feel was the same.
It was built for a purpose which was for motorbike riding on the trials, endurance, and long-distance stuff where navigation was key. Hence you've got some fantastic features, such as the slanted map pocket for ease of use whilst riding. So this jacket itself is an icon, even the late great Steve McQueen wore a variation of this jacket, of course, it wasn't racing for the British team it was the American team, but he wore a jacket just like this whilst taking part in those same motorbike trials.
What Barbour then did was develop this jacket and create something a little more patriotic, as you can see I'm wearing here. So, let's go into the features of both of these jackets.
The Features of the Barbour International Jackets
With either of these jackets, you're of course going to get a wax cotton fabric, it's durable, it's resistant to tears, it's waterproof, windproof and a great all-rounder. It's a jacket that can last you a lifetime with the proper care and attention. What's great about waxed cotton is it ages, it patinas, and it grows with you, so the more you wear it in our opinion the better it looks. Two slight differences, this one has the thornproof finishing, the Union Jack I'm wearing, so it has got a very smooth lustrous feel to it.
It's quite shiny, so a little bit bolder, and a little bit brighter, whereas the International Original has a matte finish. Of course, they've all got the same gold brass hardware, two-way zip, press studs, you know, really good clunky hardware, it feels solid, it feels sturdy, and it does do a job. They've both got the buckle throat latch, corduroy lined collar, and of course internal pocket, as well as those four iconic pockets to the outside.
Visually, of course, branding-wise you've got two big differences. They both share the international badge on the right breast, but on the Union Jack you've got of course the Union Jack. Lining-wise this comes with a tartan lining, and this one comes with a stunning Union Jack lining, so it does sing patriotism through from head to toe on this jacket.
How Do the Jackets Fit?
So, that's the history and the features of both of these jackets, let's talk about the fit. On Barbour's website, they describe the Union Jack as a tailored fit and to be honest, I would dispute that quite strongly. In our vast knowledge of these jackets, we've stocked and sold them for a long, long time, and we found sizing down is the best way to ensure the perfect fit for you. That's been a lot of the feedback from the customers anyway when we've recommended that they've come back and said, "Do you know what Sam, sizing down was the right choice, it's given me a perfect fitting jacket", and that's what we recommend to you guys as well.
As I've mentioned before, I have a 38-inch chest, I'm 5ft 10, 75 - 80 kilos depending on the day of the week, and I'm wearing a small. Usually, I am a medium in all my outerwear, but this here is a small, it fits nice, and it's got that nice tailored finish to it. There's still a bit of room under here to maybe put on a shirt, or some knitwear when things get cold. But to be honest, they are quite a warm jacket anyway. They are linked, but they're not padded. They retain a nice bit of heat, so worth bearing in mind.
What Are the Size Ranges?
The other thing to think about as well is that they size these jackets slightly differently. So the Union Jack is sized Small to 2 XL, and the International Original is sized via chest sizes, so UK 38 - 48. The mannequin here is not too dissimilar in size to me. It's probably got a little bit of a slimmer waist, he's wearing a 38 at the moment, and it does seem to fit quite well. There is probably a little bit more room under there for layering, but generally, the smaller size, down one from your usual, should give you the best fit. If you're unsure, just get in touch, and we can give you some measurements and give you a definite answer of what will suit you best.
Things to Take Away
So there you have it, the lowdown on these two fantastic Barbour International jackets. I think they are ideal if you're after something a little bit different to their country wear. Maybe that sort of thing isn't your style, but you want all the features and functions of a great Barbour jacket, well take a look at these two, I think they are going to be right up your street.
Especially if into motorbikes, anything sort of motorsport related, and you like something that has maybe a bit more of a modern edge, take a look at the Union Jack, take a look at the International Original, they are as modern as they are classic and timeless, they're never going to go out of style, and I can't recommend them enough, they're definitely in my top 10 Barbour jackets.
That's everything from me, if you've got any questions, queries or comments let us know down below. Get in touch with us, head to our website you can shop these and the full collection as well as many other brands until next time, we'll see you later.
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