For sale here is jacket from the Barena label. Barena goes back to the early 1960s, where they have produced almost exclusively in Venice and have continually pursued a traditional Italian look. It’s something equally modern and heritage, where they are carried by the likes of Mr. Porter on the one hand, and are distributed in Japan by the Nepenthes company (the same people responsible for Needles and Engineered Garments) on the other.
In this case we have a classic summer weight blazer in a black cotton. Fabric is a 98% cotton / 2% polyurethane blend in a subtle twill pattern on the bias. The twill breaks it up nicely and gives the material a lot more character than a typical cotton, while the poly mix adds just a bit of a stretch to keep the proceedings nice and comfortable. Silhouette is a bit unique in that it is somewhere between a casual two button blazer and a coverall. Lapels look like a blazer, while the pocket configuration is more like a coverall. Also unique is the button placement. In spite of this being a two button jacket, the buttons are placed higher up, similar to how a three button jacket would look, just with no bottom button in this case. It is a subtle detail but gives it that nice little twist that sets it apart from the crowd.
One other thing I really like with this piece is the casual, unstructured nature of the construction. This is the sort of thing that easily comes on and off, is timeless, and goes with pretty much everything. It is one of those pieces that just effortlessly looks good. The details are there too: buttons are custom and appear to be genuine horn. Cuffs are working as well.
Barena is one of those labels that has garnered a cult following, mainly in Europe and Japan, and has largely flown under the radar elsewhere. They are well worth checking out in more detail and are highly underrated given the level of quality they operate at. These jackets retail at about $500, but get it here much more reasonably.
Size is labeled a 50, working well for a somewhat relaxed medium or a standard large. I measure the chest at 21.5” / 54cm, shoulders at 18” / 46cm, length at 27” / 69cm and sleeves at 25” / 63cm from the shoulder. The jacket comes in used, generally good shape. There is some fading throughout including on the collar and underarms, although no other issues like holes, tears or stains. Made in Italy.
Shipping from Japan to anywhere will be $30.
