Waxed Cotton: Everything You Need to Know
Waxed cotton is a durable and water-resistant fabric that has been used to make jackets and other outerwear for centuries. It is made by coating a tightly woven cotton fabric with a layer of wax, which creates a barrier against water, wind, and other elements.
Waxed cotton jackets are known for their versatility and practicality. They can be worn in all weather conditions, and they are perfect for a variety of activities, from outdoor adventures to everyday wear. Waxed cotton jackets are also relatively low-maintenance, and they can last for many years with proper care.
In this blog post, we will take a closer look at waxed cotton and how it is used on jackets. We will discuss the history of waxed cotton, the benefits of wearing a waxed cotton jacket, and how to choose and care for a waxed cotton jacket.
Video Transcript:
Hi guys, it's Sam here from Michael Stewart Menswear and today we're going to take a look at waxed cotton. What is it, what's it used for, what are its features and what a bit of history about it?
I came to the realisation that a lot of the videos we do talk about waxed cotton, how great it is, and the fact that it ages and looks better the more and more you wear it. But, you never see an example of that or perhaps you don't know what waxed cotton is or its history. I'm going to take you through a very brief history and some of the features of the actual fabric that is waxed cotton. Let's take a look!
What is Waxed Cotton?
Waxed cotton is cotton, believe it or not, that has been impregnated with a paraffin or a beeswax wax, and that can be done sort of during the weaving process or done afterwards, and, what that does, it creates an extra barrier across the cotton that stops it from being permeable to water to wind, it makes it a weatherproof material.
The History of Waxed Cotton
It was first picked up by the sailors in the north of England, they found that it was working really, really well to make sails from, and eventually, it dropped down and became part of clothing. As technology went along stuff like PVC, nylon, and different kinds of man-made fabrics took the helm in terms of waterproofing and weatherproofing. But waxed cotton is the original, it's one of the OGs of waterproof fabric and materials, and that's why people like Barbour and Belstaff still use it to this day. It's part of their history - they were some of the most early adopters of it. Especially, when it rose to prominence in the sort of 1920s to 1950's.
It was massive in outerwear and countrywear but, of course, with motorcycle wear. That's where you get the likes of Barbour International and Belstaff, who make beautiful biker-style jackets. They are meant for riding, and because of that waxed cotton, the rider is protected from all the elements. So that's sort of where waxed cotton started. That's how it's made, it is just wax combined with cotton, which creates a lovely barrier and keeps you dry and warm.
What Brands Use Waxed Cotton?
So, one of the big draws for waxed cotton is that it is a product for life. This is something that Barbour pushes, their Wax for Life campaign is massive. It's saying, to be sustainable buy one jacket and wear that throughout your lifetime, constantly getting it repaired, re-waxed, re-sort of waterproofed in a way and it'll last you forever.
Especially, that's why they're made to timeless styles that never go out you know, they're always going to look great, they're always going to look good and that's sort of the key draw for those sort of fabrics of the uses of those fabrics.
What Can You Expect from a Wax Cotton Jacket?
So, what to expect when you get your waxed cotton, you know if you get a brand new Barbour jacket from us or maybe a Belstaff, you'll unwrap it, what are you going to expect?
The fabric will look quite dark, it may be shiny and still a little bit tacky, and the wax may still be a little bit wet. What you'll find as you wear it, it begins to dry, the colour will lighten, and the more and more you wear it, creases, wear, wear will start to show, and what that means is that your jacket will have a beautiful patina.
How Well Will the Jacket Age?
It will develop and age the more you wear it and it'll become unique to you. So if you constantly put your keys in this pocket and it gets a little nick or you have that constant movement of opening and closing a pocket, it will show that wear and tear. That's not a bad thing, I think that's wonderful and what you can see here is a jacket, fresh out of the bag.
This is a brand new Ashby in the olive colour, it is a dark olive colour, it's beautiful, it's still a bit tacky, still a bit wet because it's just fresh from the factory, it's been in a plastic bag. But as you wear it, it will start to dry and look a little bit more like this.
So, this is a Beaufort I believe, it's been brought into our shop by one of the staff members, Maisie. She's brought in this beautiful example of a jacket, it is nearly as old as me. I'll let you guess in the comments as to how old that is. I can't wait to be either pleased or offended.
But this is a beautiful example of a jacket that has been worn, it's been loved and it has all this beautiful texture, the wear the tear, it gives it character, it gives it a uniqueness and that is what these jackets are all about. We're actually about to send this one to get re-waxed so it will come back looking a little bit darker like this but it will still show all those beautiful wears, the tears, the creases and the love and life that this jacket has been given.
How is the Jacket Re-waxed?
So, when this jacket goes to get re-waxed we'll send it off to Barbour, they'll take a look at it, and they'll maybe highlight some areas for repair, possibly stitching up a hole here, patching a little spot that's been scuffed there and then what they'll do is they will basically strip it and then cover it in new wax. So they'll use a heat process, that new wax will basically impregnate the fabric as it did when it was originally made, and then it will dry, and it will come out looking brand new but it'll have all the capabilities of a waterproof jacket that it once had.
So, waxed jackets, don't last forever in terms of their weatherproofing, but that's why you've got to keep taking them back, keep care of them, and it is a jacket that will last you for a lifetime, which in this economy is a great thing. You can buy a jacket once, and it can see you through, forever so long as I suppose you don't change sizes.
The Pros and Cons of Waxed Cotton
Our last point is to go through a couple of pros and cons. Of course, I've just talked about how great it is, it's a beautiful fabric that ages and looks wonderful the more you wear it. A point for these jackets, and the waxed fabric. A con, you know waxed cotton, is heavier than your traditional waterproof fabrics. It's not as breathable but thankfully, Barbour and you know, Belstaff and other manufacturers have found ways to combat that.
You'll find with these that there are sort of vents, ventilation, and air holes perhaps underneath the arms you can unzip them, and they'll maybe do a lining that's a hybrid of cotton and nylon. So you will get the best of both worlds, but they can be a little bit heavier than your traditional jacket, but I think the pro the sort of counterpoint to that is that they are heavy, they are hefty, and they will last a long, long time given the right care and attention.
For us it's a no-brainer, I have an Ashby myself, I've worn it for a couple of years now and it's starting to look fantastic, it's getting that character in and for me, that is what it's all about.
Things to Take Away
There we have it, that is your whistle-stop tour of waxed cotton. It's a fabric that we love that's why we're so passionate about it. But what do you think? Is waxed cotton a fabric you're going to invest in? I think it definitely should be. Let us know in the comments below, tell me how old this jacket is. How old do you think I am? I'm very, very interested to see that, and until the next video, we will catch you later. Bye for now.
To stay up to date with all of the latest fashion news and trends, follow us on Instagram.
