I can see I am not alone then. Again. The great thing about this forum is knowing there are others out there. Sounds like some 12 step program doesn't it?

I am planning a post on the thorny issue of wearing what you buy, new or vintage, or saving it for some mythical rainy day. It's a hard one and borne out of the fear from years ago when you wer so lucky to find anything cool in the UK second hand. Like that Oscar jacket we've spoken about. I've just bought one in 2009 yet I have been on the general look out probably since early 80s for one. I bet you when it arrives I will try it on, put it back in the wardrobe and wear it for weddings only. Irreplaceable, you see.

Actually i will make this a new thread...

Mmm daring. I am tempted Moose. I own of their British Dry Wax Four Climes style that they encourage you to wash, maybe I'll try it on that one first.

Excellent, more evidence.

I think you're right though the light colours may suffer less. I've a darkest navy Sinatra edition (great except for the stupid writing inside) which almost shines with boxfreshness no matter how much it's worn and a much newer lotus green slimfit which is already nicely wearing in and been a bit more chucked about.

No, Fred you're not imagining it. The Elvis/Steve/Frank jackets are cut on the 'vintage' model, different from the standard and the slim fit. They also came in suit sizes and I think even the standard ones now come in S/M/L etc. There is a chart on Baracuta website that shows the differences. The 70 year anniversary one is a inch shorter too.

The writing reminds me of mid 80s Japanese and French obssession with scrawling crap on vintage repros. Anyone remember Et Vous chinos with the tag "Look At Your Good Self'?

Its the teflon like stuff that Baracuta use for the waterproofing I think. Other waterproofings could be damaged more by dry cleaning chemicals than water.

I used to have GANT harrington from John Simons in the late 80s (when it was still the US made shirt co)  and that used to wash nicely and looked great after a few years, ruined only by some plonker stubbing a lit cigarette into the back of it at the Wag Club

I was a bit paranoid about Madras shirts at first, hand-washing them every time.  But they'll soften in a machine.  It's wool and cashmere you can't afford to take any risks with, and jackets really should go to the dry cleaners.  I've got a discount scheme going.

Russ and Weejun (oh where are you Weejun? - I miss your perspective) : that Gant harrington. I too had one. Weren't they marvellous? In my mind it has become the great lost harrington. Expensive I seem to recall - £90 ish in 1988. But great heavy cotton, lovely olive colour, made in USA, madras lining, and a slighly thinner stand-up collar. Less skinhead, more Ivy. Baracuta have sold their soul. I wouldn't wipe my arse with one.

GG

I owned the 'Golden Bear' suede model based on the G9.

Bought from JS in the late 80s, it was eye-wateringly expensive even then. It was Thinsulate lined and basically too heavy to wear on anything but the coldest days, when you wouldn't necessarily reach for a blouson jacket.

l never ever machine wash or machine dry any of my clothes. Everything is washed by hand (except jackets), hung out to dry and hand ironed. Occasionally l get lazy and machine wash my towels.


P.s; what is a "Baracuta G9"?


Regards everyone: your Shooman.