Shooting clothes - most valued but not necessarily in best condition…

[Foxyboy43]

Right then, we all have them so time to fess up!
In my case it is a 40years plus long-sleeved, quilted Barbour vest. This unique piece of tat sartorial elegance has a large pocket either side (both replaced twice) and hand warmer pockets to boot. It also has a huge rear game pocket and makes for the utterly perfect fox shooting piece of sartorial elegance - except when I am looking for something in it’s dark cavernous bowels and which I am certain is in there somewhere; or maybe in the garage….
Sadly it has more patches than original material - to the extent that I have had to promise that if I must wear it, like really must wear it, it can only be if I leave and return home under full cover of darkness. That gets a bye from me of course because foxing is largely a night-time activity - silly Lady FB!
Now in truth less sensitive family members have described me as looking like a leading member of the Michael Jackson Thriller video - hopefully only when I am wearing said vest; older, though not necessarily wiser relatives, have made casual mention of Steptoe (younger members -ask your granda) though as yet no-one has run screaming from the room. Well, saying that there was that occasion… Moving on quickly, one or two, recently deleted from my Will, have dared to suggest that with the stench bouquet of fox which leaks (and I do mean leaks) from every fibre (the vest’s) when out I should keep my back firmly against any nearby wall or thorny hedge - especially at mating time.
Sooo it looks like the old friend must go to that great place reserved for it - aka the bin. In her usual thoughtful way Lady FB has suggested a Viking-like ceremonial burning for which she could sell tickets; why she even suggested me wearing it at the time…..
Personally I think there’s a few good years in it yet but if anyone does want it I will throw in a lady of a certain age who comes with a detestation of sewing.
Gosh how I will miss that vest….

 

[The Singing Stalker]

I have to say that once it is done it is done.
I did get 10 years off of a pair of Le Cheneau (other spellings are accepted) boots and I nearly cried when the zip went. I got them rezipped but that didn’t last 6 months.
The crying was the cost of replacing them. Nearly £400 for a pair of zip up boots. No sodding chance.

 

[Smellydog]

My old Barbour Northumberland.
Leaks but I keep going back to it.

Of course, you can't beat flannelette PJ's on a cool night!

 

[Moose67]

Loads of life left in those !

 

[enfieldspares]

But to be honest I prefer an ex-British Army "softie" which has seen better days.

 

[Rhodesianjess]

Was bought this gilet by 2 of my kids as an Xmas present, probably 20 plus years ago. Worn every day on the rounds. Worn really well considering,collar worn through, pocket's starting to go at stitching. Covered in scratches from thorns from pushing through undergrowth and hedges.
Made from horsehide leather, leather conditioner every six months or so keeps it supple. Heavy as hell but wouldn't leave home without it, literally.

 

[Foxyboy43]

View attachment 382197

But to be honest I prefer an ex-British Army "softie" which has seen better days.

Fine figure of a man sir! But far too tidy to qualify…..

 

[Foxyboy43]

Was bought this gilet by 2 of my kids as an Xmas present, probably 20 plus years ago. Worn every day on the rounds. Worn really well considering,collar worn through, pocket's starting to go at stitching. Covered in scratches from thorns from pushing through undergrowth and hedges.
Made from horsehide leather, leather conditioner every six months or so keeps it supple. Heavy as hell but wouldn't leave home without it, literally.

Excellent RJ - though that chair must make wearing it very uncomfortable…..

 

[Donkey Basher]

I too have a VERY ancient & VERY well worn Barbour quilted waistcoat that I bought at a Hampshire Country Sportsmans Day at the Grange at Northington - that would have been circa 1991 or thereabouts. It has had the two front pockets & the rear 'poachers pocket' sewn back on many times now & I can't remember how many zips it's had but the current one is heavy duty & has lasted a long time (tempting fate... it'll fail now).

It's my 'go to' for those bright chilly September morning dog walks when a shirt isn't enough but a coat is too much, as well as an additional layer for those colder winter days.

I have secretly, as Mrs DB will kill me if she finds out I've got a replacement without binning the old one, found & bought another second hand on eBay in readiness for the day this one eventually gives up the ghost!

 

[Foxyboy43]

I too have a VERY ancient & VERY well worn Barbour quilted waistcoat that I bought at a Hampshire Country Sportsmans Day at the Grange at Northington - that would have been circa 1991 or thereabouts. It has had the two front pockets & the rear 'poachers pocket' sewn back on many times now & I can't remember how many zips it's had but the current one is heavy duty & has lasted a long time (tempting fate... it'll fail now).

It's my 'go to' for those bright chilly September morning dog walks when a shirt isn't enough but a coat is too much, as well as an additional layer for those colder winter days.

I have secretly, as Mrs DB will kill me if she finds out I've got a replacement without binning the old one, found & bought another second hand on eBay in readiness for the day this one eventually gives up the ghost!

Well done you - I wish Barbour would make them again, IMHO best bit of kit ever…

 

[opticron1]

Send it back to Barbour......they'll patch it up and it'll be fine for another few years!
They have a very fine repair service - although I fear that the flammable option may be more apposite and they'll cunningly try and sell you a new one!

 

[Foxyboy43]

Send it back to Barbour......they'll patch it up and it'll be fine for another few years!
They have a very fine repair service - although I fear that the flammable option may be more apposite and they'll cunningly try and sell you a new one!

Great idea - do they employ archaeologists then?

 

[Ratel]

1966 First issue and still being worn.

 

[Donkey Basher]

1966 First issue and still being worn.

That's as old as me!

 

[Fosbery Holster]

Right then, we all have them so time to fess up!
In my case it is a 40years plus long-sleeved, quilted Barbour vest. This unique piece of tat sartorial elegance has a large pocket either side (both replaced twice) and hand warmer pockets to boot. It also has a huge rear game pocket and makes for the utterly perfect fox shooting piece of sartorial elegance - except when I am looking for something in it’s dark cavernous bowels and which I am certain is in there somewhere; or maybe in the garage….
Sadly it has more patches than original material - to the extent that I have had to promise that if I must wear it, like really must wear it, it can only be if I leave and return home under full cover of darkness. That gets a bye from me of course because foxing is largely a night-time activity - silly Lady FB!
Now in truth less sensitive family members have described me as looking like a leading member of the Michael Jackson Thriller video - hopefully only when I am wearing said vest; older, though not necessarily wiser relatives, have made casual mention of Steptoe (younger members -ask your granda) though as yet no-one has run screaming from the room. Well, saying that there was that occasion… Moving on quickly, one or two, recently deleted from my Will, have dared to suggest that with the stench bouquet of fox which leaks (and I do mean leaks) from every fibre (the vest’s) when out I should keep my back firmly against any nearby wall or thorny hedge - especially at mating time.
Sooo it looks like the old friend must go to that great place reserved for it - aka the bin. In her usual thoughtful way Lady FB has suggested a Viking-like ceremonial burning for which she could sell tickets; why she even suggested me wearing it at the time…..
Personally I think there’s a few good years in it yet but if anyone does want it I will throw in a lady of a certain age who comes with a detestation of sewing.
Gosh how I will miss that vest….

View attachment 382171
View attachment 382172View attachment 382173

Don’t be such a defeatist stand up for your rights, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that jacket, you call it a vest, ( must be a Northern Ireland misnomer) I’ve got stuff l first bought and may l say they still fit perfectly (well almost) admittedly some have been demoted to use for gardening but they still function perfectly and are my go to clothing for inclement weather conditions.
Don’t be such a tart stick it in the washing machine and give it the new life it deserves, then stick it in the garage, that should please Mrs FB.

 

[Oh6]

Send it back to Barbour......they'll patch it up and it'll be fine for another few years!
They have a very fine repair service - although I fear that the flammable option may be more apposite and they'll cunningly try and sell you a new one!

I was thinking the same but apparently:

Please note that the comprehensive repair and re-waxing service we offer is for Barbour Waxed Cotton garments only.
- Repair & Re-wax | Barbour

@Foxyboy43 - So eBay is probably your best bet.

Perhaps Lady FB has already found one on eBay wrapped and ready for your Santa sack

 

[lochty]

Musto cammo jacket, bought in 2006 and still going strong. Like it's aroma.....

 

[Foxyboy43]

1966 First issue and still being worn.

Wow! Did Nobby Stiles wear it then?

 

[Foxyboy43]

Don’t be such a defeatist stand up for your rights, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that jacket, you call it a vest, ( must be a Northern Ireland misnomer) I’ve got stuff l first bought and may l say they still fit perfectly (well almost) admittedly some have been demoted to use for gardening but they still function perfectly and are my go to clothing for inclement weather conditions.
Don’t be such a tart stick it in the washing machine and give it the new life it deserves, then stick it in the garage, that should please Mrs FB.

Courageous FH - to the point of suicidal! I assume Lady FH was out when you proffered this sage-like advice?
FYI this very morn I somewhat tentatively raised the washing machine question (from the far end of the hall) with the sainted Lady FB - as if the rolling of her eyes wasn’t enough she then responded quite encouragingly “that thing would fall apart in the washing machine”.
Of course being the stronger sex and asserting myself as master in my own household I gave her a pretty stiff response err, on my way out the door (Saturday = Pistol Club); do you know for an awful moment I thought she heard me….

PS
Apparently it is a “quilted jacket” but as most of the quilt has gone West then “jacket” it is.

 

[Ratel]

Wow! Did Nobby Stiles wear it then?

Was worn closer to you.