Barbour ruined?? Please advise!

[Kristin]

Just to preface, I'm sorry this is a bit long..I'm just don't know what to do and need some wisdom!

I’m looking for some advice as to what to do with my now-ruined Barbour Bedale. Just a bit of background- I received the coat as a Christmas present from my grandmother almost 4 years ago, and really have only worn it for 2 of those years, as I was living in a tropical climate for 2 of them and had no use for a barbour!

A few weeks ago I figured the coat might need to be re-waxed, since it was starting to smell a bit waxy/not quite right…not a horsey dirty smell, but more of an old wax smell. So I took it to Horse Country in Warrenton to get their advice. The owner was in the store along with one of her employees. They both told me to just stick the coat in the washing machine, cold water with no detergent, and then just rewax it myself (or bring it back in for them to ship out). The employee even said they wouldn’t take the coat to ship out to the barbour repair person (in Maine) until I had done this, because they’d just send it back. I asked multiple times about this machine washing technique, because I was dubious about the idea (and ruining the washing machine with the wax!), but since the owner of this amazing, reputable tack shop personally advised me to do so, and was almost emphatic about it, I went ahead with it.

When I pulled the coat out of the washer I was in shock/horror. Not only had the wax permeated the inside fabric and sleeves, the lining was ripped along where the tartain part meets the more durable material (much more fixable than wax-permeated fabric, however). The coat is no longer wearable due to the wax being on the inside now, as it would rub off onto any clothes or my skin while being worn. It has a slimy/coated feeling on the tartan and sleeves). It was a Sunday and Horse Country was closed, so I immediately emailed Barbour and they were shocked that I had received such poor advice, and said that it’s most likely beyond repair due to the wax now being on the inner fabric. Horse Country said that they’d only give me $50 towards a new (~$400) coat, since I didn’t buy it from them.

I was shocked at their response, because frankly their poor advice caused my coat to be ruined. I wish I had never stepped foot in Horse Country and had instead dealt directly with Barbour. But because it is such a well-known, quality tack shop (that carries TONS of Barbour!), and since the owner herself gave me this advice, I trusted them. I just feel so sad that my coat is ruined, and I can’t afford to replace it.

Do any of you have any advice as to how to proceed? Have any of you had this happen and have salvaged the coat? I am at a loss as to what to do and whenever I start thinking about the situation I get so upset and angry. Any advice is welcomed!

[Cloverbarley]

I'm sorry that this store gave you duff information.

I used to wear Barbours a lot years ago and I used to throw them in the washing machine with some waterproof liquid stuff, Nickwax or something. They always came out nice and clean but with the wax undamaged.

I'm really not sure there is anything you can do with your jacket now, except bin it and buy another ... but not from the store who gave you the duff advice!

[Guin]

That's awful. I have 2 barbours myself and would never dream of putting them in a machine, cold water or not. I just sponge them off before I re-wax them. It sounds like yours is dead beyond repair, especially with the tears.

I can't believe the dingbat gave you such horrible advice. I'd keep complaining to the owner of the store, and write a letter to Barbour informing them that their retail client has no idea how to handle their products.

ETA: I got my second barbour on Ebay for a VERY reasonable price. It was "used" but practically new and it cost something like $150.

[Kate66]

Be careful buying Barbours on ebay though, they have some excellent knock-offs of both Barbour and North Face. Their North Face rip offs even have labels that look like NF labels on them. Not saying there aren't genuine ones out there, just saying be careful

I am sorry you went through that. I have a 25 year old Barbour up in my closet that is still in reasonable condition (rips look good - right?). I wouldn't put it in the washing machine, although have a feeling that at some time I was told I could. I think you may be out of luck other than complaining loudly and to lots of people. Maybe Barbour might offer you a discount?

[RoyalTRider]

There have been many cases where COTHers posted a thread like this, and after it got numerous replies showed it to the company it talked about. There has been some pretty drastic action taken to correct the problem in some places. It's unacceptable that they would tell you this, and even though they are not technically responsible, they should take responsibility. If not, I would advise showing them this thread if/ when it gets a high number of hits. I've been doubtful of this method for years, but it certainly has gotten some results. I would think this should be especially true for Northern Virginia: there are a lot of us from that area.

I'm from your area, and I'll never be going in there to ask advice. :no:

[Thomas_1]

erm..... You're not supposed to wash them!

It's going to be no comfort for you to know that if you treat them rough and right they last for decades!

You're supposed to just sponge them down when they really are totally disgusting and then just rewax them.

Best way to rewax is to stand the tin of wax in a bowl of boiling water and apply it liberally with a cloth and use a hairdryer to blow it into the jacket.

p.s. I live very close to the HQ for Barbour and I go shooting with the CEO.

[citydog]

What Thomas said. :yes:

[Cloverbarley]

Here's a FAQ from the Barbour site which tells you about how to machine wash and care for your Barbour. Don't think there is anything you can do about your Barbour OP, sorry.

http://www.barbour.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=faqs.list

[sisu27]

I am wearing a disgusting Barbour right now. I broke up a dog-fight so there is blood on the one sleeve and something that I am hoping is gravy on the other as well as other unidentified spatters and splooges.

I am glad that you posted because I was getting close to just saying what the hell and washing it in my machine. I am sorry that you learned the lesson the hard way.

[hitchinmygetalong]

My Barbour is so musty-smelling I hate to wear it in public. Any clues how to get rid of the stink?

And how do you tell "waxed" cotton from "oiled" cotton?

[judybigredpony]

Q. I've put my wax jacket into a washing machine to clean it and now all the wax has come off. What can I do?

A.Unfortunately there is nothing that can be done as the washing process strips all the wax finish from the cotton fabric. Any re-application of the wax coating will be totally absorbed by the cotton fabric and will soil the inner lining which, in turn, will soil any clothing worn underneath the jacket.

They only mention you can carefully wash "Breathable" garments NOT a Wax Coated Jacket.

BUT I would write a letter to both Barbour and directly to the person (by name) who told you to most certainly wash your jacket BEFORE sending it out for service.
You were given advice by an "Expert" who sells the product for the company.
Her "Expert" advice was not only erronius but cost you a in mint condition coat. While perhaps not replacing the full value they should give you a hefty sum towards a new coat. Barbour needs to know they have ignorant retailers to stupid to read the tags on their own products.

[maudie]

I would raise hell at Horse Country if I were you, have you talked to the owner directly?

[Reynard Ridge]

Deleted because I didn't read OP carefully enough.

[Mali]

My Barbour is so musty-smelling I hate to wear it in public. Any clues how to get rid of the stink?

And how do you tell "waxed" cotton from "oiled" cotton?

Mine smelled so strongly that I hung it outside on the porch for an entire year! There was no way I was hanging it in the house! Mine wasn't musty...just very brand new waxy smell ;) Now it looks (and smells) like a well-worn, much cared for Barbour. It's now able to hang in the coat closet with everything else.

[kypeep]

FYI - www.sierratradingpost.com has quite a bit of Barbour stuff right now. Nicely discounted too:-)

[Kristin]

Thank you all for your replies. Boy do I wish I had just sent it directly to Barbour for reproofing. But the Horse Country folks told me that sending it directly to Barbour would take forever, and if I sent it through them to their person (who required it be "cleaned" first) in Maine, I'd have it back in just a couple weeks...a bit ironic looking back now!

I am working on writing a letter to Marion/Horse Country. I really trusted her with the well-being of my coat, since I considered her and her employee "experts" in the field, and just feel so let down. If that doesn't work out I'll start perusing ebay for a used, less-expensive coat, but it certainly won't be able to replace the sentimental value my current one has.

Again, thanks everyone for your thoughts on the matter!

[macmtn]

Take it to the 'experts' who gave you the bad info and GIVE it to them. Explain you followed their instructions..and now they can explain why your coat is in the shape its in. :mad:

[Kate66]

Thank you all for your replies. Boy do I wish I had just sent it directly to Barbour for reproofing. But the Horse Country folks told me that sending it directly to Barbour would take forever, and if I sent it through them to their person (who required it be "cleaned" first) in Maine, I'd have it back in just a couple weeks...a bit ironic looking back now!

I am working on writing a letter to Marion/Horse Country. I really trusted her with the well-being of my coat, since I considered her and her employee "experts" in the field, and just feel so let down. If that doesn't work out I'll start perusing ebay for a used, less-expensive coat, but it certainly won't be able to replace the sentimental value my current one has.

Again, thanks everyone for your thoughts on the matter!

One thing to consider is, depending on what response you get from Horse Country, is really to write to the CEO of Barbour. It might sound a little over the top, but I have found, from past experience that you have nothing to lose from going to the top and potentially a lot to gain. If Thomas hangs out with the guy he can probably PM you his name and address. If not, I am sure you can find it online somewhere by googling or looking at the Board of Directors on their webpage. You never know, it might just get you a new Barbour without having to scour ebay for a used one. Worth the letter - the worst that can happen is no response.

[Thomas_1]

^ It's not his responsibility.

The purchaser did precisely what you're told not to do by Barbour.

Stinky minging barbour jackets??? That's the way they're supposed to be. Helps you when you go shopping when it's busy. Everyone stands by to let you get past to the front of the check out queue ;)

[lilblackhorse]

it's not the folks at Barbour's fault, don't take it to him. The accountability lies with Marion at Horse Country. If you can show that what she told you to do is exactly what the manufacturer said NOT to do, you might have a case if you can prove she said it to you. Bummer you didn't consult the Barbour site, but she did you wrong, and I hope she does the right thing by you. Good luck

[nightsong]

SOMEONE at Barbour NEEDS to know what any "authorized representative" is doing. Suppose ALL American retailers did this and ALL American-used Barbour coats were ruined to wear. What kinf of reputation does Barbour get???

[nightsong]

At the very LEAST, the store should have their authorization to sell Barbour pulled.

[Thomas_1]

How naive!

Do you honestly and truthfully believe that manufacturers deem retailers to be worthy and "authorise" them to sell their products?

Do you honestly think that because of what one sales assistant in one store in the USA told one customer to do to a stinky smelly jacket that Barbour's reputation would be blown?

Do you honestly think that if everyone in the USA suddenly decided that they needed to go totally against the manufacturers clearly labelled instructions and clearly communicated on their own web site and wreck their jackets that it would ruin the reputation of Barbour?

For goodness sakes get a grip. This is the retail market. Manufacturers make the product and then they're sold to people who pay money for them and who in turn make a profit by selling them. You buy a jacket, it's got a label on and it tells you how to deal with it.

Just do it!

If you go asking someone else what to do then best check they know what they're talking about.

Same in a shop as it is here.

The jacket is wrecked because the manufacturer's instructions weren't followed.

Just the same as when by mistake I put a wool jumper in the washing machine when it was wrapped in the sheets! It shrunk so it wouldn't even fit my grandson. Or when Sue put her suit in because she was sick of taking it to the dry cleaners.

You learn a lesson and buy another !

[judybigredpony]

How naive!

Do you honestly and truthfully believe that manufacturers deem retailers to be worthy and "authorise" them to sell their products?

Do you honestly think that because of what one sales assistant in one store in the USA told one customer to do to a stinky smelly jacket that Barbour's reputation would be blown?

Do you honestly think that if everyone in the USA suddenly decided that they needed to go totally against the manufacturers clearly labelled instructions and clearly communicated on their own web site and wreck their jackets that it would ruin the reputation of Barbour?

For goodness sakes get a grip. This is the retail market. Manufacturers make the product and then they're sold to people who pay money for them and who in turn make a profit by selling them. You buy a jacket, it's got a label on and it tells you how to deal with it.

Just do it!

If you go asking someone else what to do then best check they know what they're talking about.

Same in a shop as it is here.

The jacket is wrecked because the manufacturer's instructions weren't followed.

Just the same as when by mistake I put a wool jumper in the washing machine when it was wrapped in the sheets! It shrunk so it wouldn't even fit my grandson. Or when Sue put her suit in because she was sick of taking it to the dry cleaners.

You learn a lesson and buy another !

All good advice BUT its not your perogative to say 1. Barbour won't care and 2. for her not to inform the CEO.
You might be covering your butt because you causully let it drop you hunt w/ him.
But any company worth its PR department well knows bad mouthing a product or retailer is like flame to brush....

Case in point...while in Ireland recently w/ friends/clients they noticed my spouse n I both wearing Barbour genuine and knock off jackets. They brought no rain coats w/ them. That idea I can't explain. And while in a shop saw gorgeous wax cotton rain wear. Bought one put it on immediately and went hicking for 1 hour in the soft rain. Coat was soaked thru. Weather resistant/Water repellant what ever wet thru to lining wet. Same material, same smell feel zipper and lining plaid as my spouses genuine Barbour and my "Mrs Motion Middleburg knock off" ours were fine.
I took that wet coat right back into that shop "Full" of tourist and politley but firmly presented the coat. They took one look and immediately apologized said waxing must have been defective and ponied up a better coat w/ a "Come Again" smile....
Since "OP's coat was 4 yrs old I am sure tags long gone. Not everyone immediately jumps on the internet to find coat cleaning instructions. And if the shop sells the product they should know the proper care and dispense the knowledge or tell her to either "lets go see what label says" or "lets call Barbour". NOT here wash it up before "Our People Repair it".
That store circumvented ever avenue to keep work "In-House".
OP has every right to let people know she revieved bad information and Barbour has every right to know a retailer gave out information that ruined a product.
Should she get a "brand new" coat probably not. But she should be compensated by "Horse Country" for the value of her coat. 4yr Mint Condition out of closet based on E-Bay prices perhaps.
Washing a wool jumper that was hung up in laundry does noet eqate nor does washing a product that previously had always been dry cleaned. The Jumperst was a accident unkown until done, the second was deliberate w/ full knowledge of previous care.

[Paragon]

Do you honestly and truthfully believe that manufacturers deem retailers to be worthy and "authorise" them to sell their products?

When it comes to specialty items? You bet. Some products are only carried by certain outlets, and if those outlets are downright disreputable - for whatever reason - the manufacturer may choose to no longer deal with those outlets. Certainly let them know.

That said, it's not Barbour's problem. I'd sure raise a biiiiiig stink with the retailer, though, and go higher up in that chain - if there's anywhere to go. Their "expert" advice destroyed a very expensive product. If they want your business, or anyone else's, they should take better care to not hire complete idiots.

[OnThinIce]

I agree with Thomas on this one. I can imagine the conversation while out hunting, if you do write Barbour's CEO...actually, I don't want to imagine it.

I asked multiple times about this machine washing technique, because I was dubious about the idea (and ruining the washing machine with the wax!), but since the owner of this amazing, reputable tack shop personally advised me to do so, and was almost emphatic about it, I went ahead with it.

Here's the root of the issue. You chose to do what this woman said. Take it up with her.

[judybigredpony]

Why not??? if you bought a vehicle and the dealer advised you on their "expert" advice to wash you car w/ a product/technique they recommend and the finish is ruined, don't tell me you wouldn't write scream kick to the company.
No it was not "Barbours" fault...but someone who represents/retails a high end product w/ a recognized name/reputation and upon their advice directly causes the product to be rendered unuseable. I believe there is a consequence and a piper to be paid.
All "Horse Country" had to say was follow manufactureres cleaning instructions and we canhave jacket repaired for you. BUT they didn't.

At the very least Barbour can send a letter or dealer notice out regarding cleaning advice urging dealers to have a full working knowledge or to safely defer to labeled instructions not to dispense damaging product advice. None is better than bad.

[twofatponies]

I think it is absolutely useful to write a letter to the original manufacturer. Yes, it was the retailer's "fault" to some degree for giving you useless advice, but manufacturers often care very much about how their products are represented, especially if they make specialty or high end products.

Not a horsey item, but I once bought a jar of salsa from a regular store - it was a small, regional gourmet brand. Though the seal was good the salsa had fermented. I wrote to the brand headquarters and they sent me a CASE of brand new salsa and a whole CARTON of their brand of chips, too.

Some brands are very concerned with maintaining their reputation and you may get a nice coupon out of the conversation.

Doesn't hurt to try anyway.

[pj]

After reading this thread I can't even imagine what anyone would want with a stinky, non
washable, hard to deal with coat, ESPECIALLY for that kind of money. YUK.

[JSwan]

When it comes to specialty items? You bet. Some products are only carried by certain outlets, and if those outlets are downright disreputable - for whatever reason - the manufacturer may choose to no longer deal with those outlets.


I've shopped at Horse Country since oh.... 1977 or so and it's not an establishment I'd call "disreputable". When I was a kid it was a real treat to go to Horse Country. When I got my license I was thrilled to DRIVE there all by myself! I've been a regular customer for a long time.

This is one of the few "real" tack stores remaining in the US. It's where you can find anything, and be outfitted for pretty much any discipline. You will only ever find the best quality imported fabrics, exceptional quality tack, she deals in rare books and her art collection is quite admirable.

If you step into Horse Country - you will find that these are not low paid workers in service sector jobs. These are employees who stay for decades - and at least one is a former Master of a well known hunt club. Her customers run the range of redneck scum like me, to some of most respected horsemen in the United States.

You know how she deals with a complaint? The old fashioned way. The customer is always right. If you have an emergency - she and her staff have been known to open the store up. They REALLY go out of the way for a customer - no matter how small the purchase is.

People ship things to her from all over the country - JUST to have her deal with it.

In all my years of shopping there I have had ONE complaint about a saddle. I was fairly pissed off at the manufacturer who was being absolutely horrible.

I talked to Marion. Her answer? Bring the saddle back. She was not at fault, she had done nothing wrong - but she had a ticked off customer and that just wouldn't do. So I returned a saddle costing almost 3k.

I'm very sorry the OP's Barbour was ruined. I don't know what the whole story is - but um... Horse Country employees aren't known for giving bad advice. Neither is Marion. Still - the jacket has great sentimental value and it's a terrible shame.

I note that Horse Country offered the OP 50$ on a new jacket? Actually - I think that's a generous offer. They didn't sell her the jacket.

She can go ahead and complain to the Barbour CEO if she wants - maybe he'll send her a brand new jacket. I'd never do such a rude thing but that's just me.

Dunno - I've never received anything but excellent advice and service from Horse Country.

[Bogie]

Honestly, it's so easy to find out care instructions for most products these days (including Barbour) by going to the manufacturer's website. If you no longer have a tag on your coat, that's the best place to go.

I am sorry for the OP but I don't think it's the fault of the tack store.

Actually, I think *much* of the advice coming from tack store employees is questionable.

Should they get their licensing agreement withdrawn? If that were the case then based on what I've been told by employees at both Dover and SmartPak, there are a few products that shouldn't be sold at those stores either.

[Aimee Thanatogenus]

How very odd.
I got my Barbour Bedale in the early 1980's.
Once I wore it out and it got thrown up on while pub hopping. Don't ask.
My mother, bless here heart, washed it. With detergent.
:eek::eek::eek:
I was mortified. Flabbergasted, actually.
The coat was in tact, a dry stiff thing, but perfectly in tact. I just re-waxed it with the Barbour jacket wax, It's still fine. I love that coat, It's got rubbed off sections on the wrists, but no complaints.

Barbour should repair the lining. When I bought the coat, from one of those tack guys in the UK who drives to different barns in a big truck, he said his was lost in his attic for years, put it down doing some moving and when he found it the lining had been eaten by mice and sent it to Barbour to repair it.
They did.

The coat should not collapse in one washing, and some sort of soap that will take the wax out of the coat/lining then reapply wax. IF it's washed at all.

Personally? Accidents happen, I paid about 100 quid for mine back in the day, so it was expensive then, I just can't imagine the lining flaking out, but then again, I've seen Barbour on Sierra Trading Post, so I bet they aren't the finely made garment of yesteryear. Do they still make them in the UK?

Honestly, I think the quality suffered when every yuppy in the US wanted to wear one.

What did Country say in his signature line? Quality doesn't cost, it pays. Or something like that. I've had other coats, but the Bedale has outlived them all.

[Ghazzu]

At the very LEAST, the store should have their authorization to sell Barbour pulled.

That's a little over the top...

[DancingQueen]

Yup, I would stir [things up]. Take them to the better business bureau or something. They might not be responsible for a whole new coat but they shold do better then $50. %50 off a new coat seems more reasonable to me!

[katarine]

You got bad advice and used it. Washing a waxed coat? dumb. Isn't there an iPhone app for Barbour care? lol

Own it girlie, you lazily approached the care and feeding of a pricey, weird, waxed coat. It was so precious to you that you took bad advice and did a dumb thing. Just OWN that, ok?

I assure you I will be checking out the FAQ on my slicker's website, to ensure I wash/reproof it per their instructions. Asking at a dealer about it? Hardly. My gosh it is EASIER to contact the maker than it is to go to a shop and ask.

[Thomas_1]

After reading this thread I can't even imagine what anyone would want with a stinky, non
washable, hard to deal with coat, ESPECIALLY for that kind of money. YUK.

They're a British tradition so probably not something you would understand :winkgrin:

Quite simply though:

1) They're totally waterproof and windproof
2) Are great for carrying bloody dead game birds inside
3) Last for 30 years and more and it doesn't matter how shabby they get
4) Horse and dog snot just runs off them
5) You never need to wash them
6) Every few years you just slap some more wax on to stop the blood and water and snot soaking through!

[JSwan]

What Thomas1 said.

When my old Barbour finally died I felt like giving it a Christian burial. It was older than I was. Got it cheap at a tack swap - it looked like hell. Rewaxed it, smelled up the bedroom with the hairdryer on that wax - and wore it until it fabric literally fell apart.

Sniff.

I bought another one a few years ago and I'm planning to be buried in it. I've not found any "modern" fabric or coat to beat the Barbour - except Carhartt - but my Carhartt jacket isn't quite comfortable enough for riding.

[atr]

I'm British, a farmer's child, and I'd not buy another.

Sorry--there are better modern fabrics that can keep you warm and dry and don't have that insanitary component to them. Of course they lack a certain hairy, public school, fear of underarm deodorant, Hooray Henry quality, but I've found I can survive quite nicely on my ranch without the requirement to go round smelling like a dead rat.

Hot running water is no longer a rarity, even in the wilder parts of Britain, so washing one's clothes is no longer a luxury or an indication of softness.

However, many years ago when I was a student out in the wilds of Norfolk, my then boyfriend decided that the best way to finish off the re-proofing process on his Barbour was to put it in the Aga. Unfortunately, he promptly went to the pub and forgot all about it. You have never, ever smelt anything quite like what greeted us upon waking the following morning.

[goeslikestink]

Originally Posted by Kristin View Post
I asked multiple times about this machine washing technique, because I was dubious about the idea (and ruining the washing machine with the wax!), but since the owner of this amazing, reputable tack shop personally advised me to do so, and was almost emphatic about it, I went ahead with it.

you was ill advised by the tack shop worker so theefore need to take it up with them and not the manufactor

when people work in tack shops they are surposed to be equine freindly

obviously your one wasnt as they wanted to sell a coat
all barbours have a label inside the coat as to how to look after said coat the same with any item of clothing theres a size label and how to look after label

its stitched into the tartan side of the coat at the back of the neck cant miss it

i have had mine since i was 15years old and today is as good as ever
they last for years if you follow instructions on the label

[Coreene]

JSwan is right about Horse Country. I would fly there from California if I had to kit myself out from scratch. Wendy - who was long an avid COTHer that many of us dearly love - is such a pro, and Marion sets the bar so high that few if any other shops will ever reach her standards.

[xeroxchick]

You can try to get the wax out of the lining by first ironing it between layers of newspaper and then sending it to the dry cleaners. This is what we used to do with batique clothing where we had to get all the wax out. You use enough layers of newspaper so that the iron can get it hot but the wax won't leak onto the iron (actually best to use an old iron.) You iron it again and again, discarding the waxy newspaper and replacing it with more as you go. When you have gotten all the wax out that you can, the dry cleaner should take care of the rest. This used to work for us on cotton muslin and jersey fabric. Then you can get the lining repaired and re-wax the coat. I would try it; you apparently have nothing to loose.