[Thom Browne's Schooldays]

I have an Barbour Burghley (a full length Barbour riding coat that was discontinued, I assume because no one wanted one).

I love the coat, but it's full length makes it some what impractical so I'm considering having it shortened up a bit to something more in line with Barbour's other offerings.

Since I am not the original owner, and it's a discontinued model I don't have to worry about voiding any warranty, but I wonder if such an alteration is even feasible and where abouts one might get a Barbour altered (besides the factory).

 

[arnaud]

Are u kidding? Buy a coat that fits you. Trying to rip up and alter a perfectly good Barbour - whether discontinued or not - is insane.

You protest too much.

 

[pichao]

I think it should be possible (se for example threads from: a tailor). The main question, is however, what the cost would be compared to to buy something new. I would suggest that you go to the nearest alterations tailor, to get a price estimate.

 

[Thom Browne's Schooldays]

I'm resurrecting an old thread because I've decided to go through with this.

Is there some sort of different technique involved when working with waxed materials?
Any alterations people who specialize in Barbours?

I'm just looking at having the last foot or so of the coat removed, it's unlined, and below the buttons/zipper so I think it would be pretty straight forward.

 

[Cary Grant]

You're basically just cutting off the bottom foot of the coat and rehemming, right?

Doesn't sound too difficult for a good tailor.

 

[medhat]

I'm resurrecting an old thread because I've decided to go through with this.

Is there some sort of different technique involved when working with waxed materials?
Any alterations people who specialize in Barbours?

I'm just looking at having the last foot or so of the coat removed, it's unlined, and below the buttons/zipper so I think it would be pretty straight forward.

Gosh, I'd think it would be more efficient (with both time and money) to e-bay it and use the money to buy a Bedale or other shorter coat.

 

[Thom Browne's Schooldays]

^
I don't know how much Bedales (or Borders) go for, but you can't give Burghley's aways. I've seen plenty go unsold multiple times for under $20 on ebay.

I'm not thrilled with the idea of chopping up a Barbour, but it's a ridiculously impractical coat. I've had it for a year and literally never worn it out.
When you're not on a horse it looks very awkward, as it's very flared towards the bottom and a dark ankle length coat looks like a duster, goth trench coat.
Even friends of mine who ride think it's silly to wear.
It was even too much for the races at Wincanton, and event where plus-fours aren't uncommon.
I've pinned it back and it the length I'm thinking it'd be a really nice coat that I' get lots of use out of.

Cary Grant, that's pretty much it, should be really simple, I'm just wondering if the waxed cotton requires any special attention, or post-hem treatment, and if there might be place that specializes in hemming waterproof coats.

 

[11211]

Why not asking Barbour USA to do this? That basically guarantees success. They worked wonders on my wife's coat.

 

[smujd]

Why not asking Barbour USA to do this? That basically guarantees success. They worked wonders on my wife's coat.

I agree with this approach. Will likely be more expensive, but done right.

A decent tailor should be able to hem the coat. Afterward, I would re-proof it (which Barbour will likely do if they shorten it for you).

 

[dport86]

second the advice on Barbour's. Recently bought a vintage Bedale for the g.f. She wanted the kind with the two chest pockets (vs. the handwarmers). It arrived with tears in the sleeves and wear and tears all around the bottom of the sleeves where it had been turned up once.

Barbour used original material and inserted it on the inner seam of both sleeves and created a new sleeve end. Superb work and a perfect match. Well worth the extra $60 on top of the $35 reproof. My tailor now charges $35 to shorten sleeves!

 

[TweedyDon]

Actually, I love my Burghley--I lived in one for several years, while a student in Scotland! I wish I could find one in 44 or 46 used, and cheap...

 

[Thom Browne's Schooldays]

Tweedy,
How/where did you wear it? I've found mine incredibly impractical, and frankly too attention drawing, it was like walking around in a Duster.

Regardless, put an ebay saved search on it, I know there were a couple in your size being re-listed every week a while back.

actually, now that I look at ebay I'm shocked at how cheap used barbours are going for.

 

[TweedyDon]

Tweedy,
How/where did you wear it? I've found mine incredibly impractical, and frankly too attention drawing, it was like walking around in a Duster.

Regardless, put an ebay saved search on it, I know there were a couple in your size being re-listed every week a while back.

actually, now that I look at ebay I'm shocked at how cheap used barbours are going for.

Everywhere! Of course, I didn't/don't really care what others thought of me, and at least in the UK's ancient universities a degree of eccentricity is encouraged. It was a nightmare to wear during gales, though, but usefully doubled as a blanket for beach parties and sitting on grass.

I wish Barbours in my size were cheap on eBay--tho' now I'm hunting a Burghley!

 

[Thom Browne's Schooldays]

^ Well put.

Just noticed that Barbour has re-introduced the Burghley as well.