When it comes to coats – Barbour is a very well-known name in the UK. The company first started up in 1894 by a man called John Barbour. They were initially known for importing oilcloth but very quickly they distinguished themselves from their competition by instead using waxing cotton with paraffin wax. This process seemed to help the clothing items last longer (less cracks at low temps) and feel more comfortable to wear. Initially these coats were often worn by farmers, fisherman and even members of the military (especially the navy). Over the years the coats have become very popular with bikers because of their hard-wearing capabilities and comfort.

Now a days although Barbour has become more of a fashion product with it often being found in some top end high street stores, it still tries to keep hold of its ethos and family roots.

Prices range from around £70 upwards of £300 for a Barbour coat, but they are designed to last so you should get many years of enjoyment out of it. All the Wax coats are still made in the UK in the factory in South Shields but many of the other coats produced by Barbour are now manufactured abroad.

When it comes to clothing you may of heard the saying, buy cheap buy twice. This not only applies to clothing but to many different types of products.. but not all.

Some people simply will not buy cheap clothing not because they are being snobby but simply because they say it will not last as long.

When it comes to deciding where to buy your clothes from you often have a wide choice. You may opt for one of the cheaper clothing shops such as Primark or Peacocks or a designer / high end shop such as Debenhams, Tommy Hilfiger, Gap or Next. It may be that you can get quadruple the amount of clothing from Primark that you would for one item for Tommy, but does that mean its worth ditching quality over quantity?

If you are looking for a cheap item of clothing that doesn’t need to last long or that is for work, which may get ruined quickly, then cheap is probably the best way to go. If you are looking for a staple item for your wardrobe or a coat that needs to last a few years, then you may want to dig a little deeper and get something of a better quality.

Many of us have a favourite pair of jeans and want them to last as long as possible. There are a few ways in which you can ensure you get the most wear out of your jeans before they fade, go thin or suffer a dye run.

Firstly, jeans do not need to be washed that often. Do not wash your jeans every time you wear then, usually once every three or four times of wear in enough unless they are dirty. This will protect them as washing, especially in a machine can be quite harsh.

When it is time to wash them be sure to turn them inside out and put them on a colder wash. This will stop the colour from fading and will avoid shrinking them. Try and avoid tumble drying jeans as this can put crease lines in and cause the colour to fade in these lines. If possible hand them out on a washing line or airer to dry. Not all jeans need ironing. If they are skinny jeans then try them on before you iron as the creases may stretch out. If they do need to be ironed, then leave them inside out and try to do it when they are still a little bit damp as this will make them easier to iron.

With summer well under way and the UK experiencing some of the hottest days on record, many people are struggling to find out fits that are comfortable and cool but all on trend and fashionable.

Hats are not just for sun protection, they also make a statement. As it is, the retro bucket hat that was last in fashion in the nineties is a must-have accessory this year. You will find a number of high street stores are stocking these types of hats in a range of colours and patterns. You can pick one up relatively cheaply but it instantly adds a touch of chic to any summer outfit.

Pretty dresses are also a must-have this summer. These dresses often start to hit the shops in early spring and can suit all shapes and sizes. Opting for a dress with a pretty frill or a sticking out underskirt can really add femininity and will work for a picnic in the park or drinks with your friends in the evening.

When buying fashion items, you can often totally change the look by pairing them with different shoes, jewellery and make up. This means you don’t have to spend a fortune on a new outfit for every occasion. A handful of staple pieces and accessories should see you through the summer of 2019.

So you have booked your holiday, now you want to spruce up your wardrobe to ensure that you have some lovely outfits to wear on your break away. It can be tempting to go shopping and spend a small fortune on a large number of different outfits but it may be that when you come to pack, you realise you have way too many items. You will often have a weight restriction on your luggage, which if exceeded, can be costly.

If you are going for a week you will only need a maximum of 7 day time outfits and 7 night time outfits, but you should be able to wear some of them more than once. If you are planning spending a lot of time by the pool or on the beach then you will probably not be wearing many items of clothing in the day.

Try and be savvy and take outfits with you that you can mix and match. This will allow you to create a completely different look and take less items. Shoes is another point to consider carefully as they can take up a lot of room in a case and end up being quite heavy. Try and find footwear that will go with most of your items rather than just one.