Why is it Sad? I don't know the details of the company but if they are still British and making the clothes in Britain, good on em.
Clever use of fabric though, it isn't obvious that these clothes are waterproof, waxed, have kevlar inserts and armour. They should be careful what they wish for, I understand that eventually Burberry regretted their decision to appeal to the youngsters.
first jacket I ever owned! they were I guess the affordable quality option of the day did what they said on the box
I remember buying a Belstaff jacket back in the late 70's. and my dad buying the trousers. Bloody expensive then. no body armour, not very warm. More of a fashion thing now.
My first jacket as well. I don't recall the price but as I earned very little it can't have been too expensive. I was just glad to have something waterproof that fitted (unisex style and the belt made it fit). As Skidof says, not warm and no protection but I don't think that seemed such an issue then, perhaps roads were softer or everyone is far more aware nowadays.
I can't see there is much to be nostalgic about. My brother had a waxed cotton Belstaff. When I rode pillion with him, the black all came off on the inside thighs of my jeans, almost impossible to wash out. And you got it all under your fingernails too. They were hardly sartorial. If they can clothe the rich and trendy, good luck to them. Plenty of other clothing brands in biking. It would be like being nostalgic about sea-boot socks turned down over boots.
Loved mine probably an old trailmaster long with the belt .. Black waxed , red tartan inner .. The black got everywhere and then all over my face I had a black smudgy face most days . Bits of tobacco in the pockets as I was poor student type so used to save half a fag to smoke later ( yuk) or roll my own . Glad I don't smoke now . I went to get another 2 years ago thought I'd pick up a cheap 2nd hand one.. I cried when I saw how much my one that got sling out was ..
Belstaff haven't been British for years, they are now owned and made in Italy, and are mega mega expensive.
Barbour, much better and you can still get them with a little Union Jack on the chest and in the lining if you want? http://www.barbourbymail.co.uk/Barbour-Union-Jack-International-Jacket.html
Barbour used to have an outlet at Gunwharf Quays with some pretty good prices Belstaff you could use on the horse and bike :wink:
It's just between White Stuff & Clintons if they're still there, good centre Gunwharf, Not sure about Portsmouth as a centre though, didn't they bulldoze the town centre 5 years ago?. Barbour aren't armoured of course whilst some Belstaff are. Belstaff sizing is a bit hit & miss (Italian) so get the next size up.
Always like being taken for a trip up the Spinnaker Tower Bike parking there is awesome to - but I think I've mentioned both of these interesting points before I dont need a horse plenty at work - well Italy
