Care of your Barbour Thornproof

How to Get the Best from the Best Outdoor Clothing

"In purchasing a Barbour Thornproof, you have chosen what many believe to be the world’s finest outdoor clothing. It offers an ideal combination of properties for active outdoor use that no synthetic material can match, and rugged durability, tested and proved by generations of field sportsmen and outdoor workers.

The unique, oiled Egyptian cotton fabric from which these garments are made is available in three distinct weights; so consideration should be given to which weight is most suitable for your purpose.

Heavyweight is by far the strongest and toughest grade, ideal if you need a great deal of warmth, complete protection in the very worst conditions and durability under heavy wear.

Mediumweight combines all weather protection with a high degree of mobility and, while it will stand up to rough conditions and heavy use more than adequately, may require more attention.

Lightweight is incredibly light and portable and, though losing a little in abrasion-resistance, toughness and warmth, remains completely waterproof.

With the right choice of garment and some care and attention, your Thornproof will give you the years of satisfactory service that have earned Barbour’s almost legendary reputation. Here are some tips for caring for it, and it is worth noting that proper care and attention are probably more essential in the first years of its life than at any other time. A garment that has been well “run-in” will usually far exceed its owner’s expectations of performance and length of service!

 

Avoiding Condensation

Unlike most other types of waterproof clothing, Barbour Thornprooofs allow the outward passage of air to minimise the problem of condensation. But to maximise this benefit, you have to exercise a little care with what is warn underneath them. Too many clothes beneath can give rise to condensation and synthetic underclothing can increase this effect. So it’s well worth experimenting with the type and amount of undergarments to find the best balance.

 

Condensation is often mistaken for leakage, so always make sure you have eliminated this possibility before checking leaks. 

Checking for Leakage

If leakage is seriously suspected, that part of the garment should be formed into a saucer shape over a pan and water poured into the depression so formed. If there actually is a leak, water will quickly become visible on the inside of the garment.

In the unlikely event of this happening, please return the garment with details of the part affected, length of time in use and purpose for which it was purchased.

Wear, Abrasion and Chemicals

Due to the purpose for which they are generally used, Barbour Thornproofs are subject to a lot hard wear- indeed this is what they are designed and manufactured to do!

But again, it is necessary to give some extra care to parts of the garment particularly affected by wear and abrasion, if it is to realise its full potential for protecting you in the years to come

Though not generally realised, Thornproof clothing is subject to almost constant abrasion in normal use. The straps of rucksacks or gun slips, the tops of Wellington boots, thick vegetation, even the rubbing of the sleeves against the body, can all remove the oil proofing. Thornproof garments do also tend to form semi-permanent creases, especially in the sleeves, and the ridges created are subject to much more wear than the rest of the garment.

So it is beneficial to keep an eye on the areas affected in this way and reproof, as described, when necessary.

Similarly, contract with corrosive chemicals and solvents can damage the fabric and proofing, and there are many more of these about than you would expect. Fertilisers, common cleaning solvents and the high ammonia content in some animals’ sweat can all have this effect, and call for more frequent reproofing than normal.

Cleaning

Cleaning your Thornproof simply involves brushing off all dirt and grit, and then wiping or sponging it down with COLD water.

Before reproofing, your garment should always be cleaned as well as possible.

NEVER USE HOT WATER, DETERGENTS, SOLVENTS, SOAP, DRY CLEANING, OR MACHINE WASH as these will damage or remove the proofing.

After cleaning, or on returning after a wet day’s sport, do not leave your damp garment in a confined space. Ensure it is hung up in a warm, airy place to dry off naturally. Never force dry or expose to naked flame.

 

Reproofing

How often your garment needs reproofing depends on the amount and type of usage it receives.

Apart from reproofing any dry or worn areas as soon as they appear, it is recommended that the garment should be reproofed all over periodically, at least once a year. To spot dry areas and check the overall condition, we strongly recommend a monthly ‘inspection’.

Reproofing does not markedly change the appearance of garment, but it may show through on the inside. This is not really a problem, but is something our customers should be aware of.

Reproofing your garment is easy, providing you follow the instructions detailed below.

To Reproof your Thornproof garment at home, the only equipment you require is a pan of hot water, a soft cloth or sponge and a tin of Barbour Original Thornproof Dressing. (It is important to use only Barbour Dressing, as others are less effective and may actually harm the garment.) Always choose a warm room or outdoors on a hot day.

Stand the tin of dressing in the hot water to soften it and work well into the garment using the cloth or sponge, giving particular attention to seams, creases and dry patches. Avoid using an excess of dressing, and it is essential to ensure that it is well rubbed into the fabric, not just painted on.

For a real ‘factory finish’, blow evenly all over with an electric hairdryer. Finally, hang the garment overnight in a warm place.

Most Barbour Thornproofs are lined to minimise the proofing affecting other clothing, but special care should be taken at the neck and cuffs to avoid marking other garments. Similarly, where unlined garments are chosen for their lightness, undergarments may be affected.”

  

The above text is all courtesy of the Barbour Care and After Sales guide.

Alternatively if you wish to have your Barbour factory reproofed, please contact us, and we will happily arrange this with Barbour for you. Email:  rewax@holmevalleysports.co.uk 

 

 

Repairs & Alterations to Barbour Thornproof Garments

We can arrange for your garment to be professionally repaired by Barbour who offer a comprehensive service from patching holes and rips to repairing frayed cuffs and edges, replacing zips and mending linings.

Barbour also offer an Alteration service to shorten or lengthen garments and sleeves, they can even add extra pockets.

To find out more please feel free to contact us. Email:  repairs-alterations@holmevalleysports.co.uk