Wax jackets are perhaps the most quintessentially British item of clothing there is. First used by Scottish seafarers the wax jacket was originally constructed of the same material used on ship's sails. These early wax jackets would have been a blessing for these fishermen offering resistance to the conditions at sea. The kinds of fabrics and styles have developed significantly since the original wax jackets but they still offer a great, long-lasting and weather resistant garment. Today a wax jacket is crafted of a cotton fabric that has been impregnated with wax, typically paraffin to help make the fabric resistant to the harsh elements. There is no doubt that a wax jacket is one of the most reliable and trusty companions for your adventures outdoors and here are a few reasons why we love them so much.
Weatherproof:
One of the key features of a wax jacket is that it protects the user from the driving rain and biting cold. Waxed cotton is better than many waterproof materials as keeping in your natural body heat allowing for greater resistance to the cold and wind.
Durable and long-lasting:
Wax jackets have great resistance to abrasions and scratches, a part of the reason why they are so long-lasting. While some materials need to be wiped clean after every use wax jackets require minimal maintenance in the short term. In the longer term rewaxing your jacket can help revitalise the fabric renewing the waterproof quality whereas most modern fabrics stop being waterproof after a time and cannot be renewed.
Timeless and always in fashion:
Wax jackets have been around for a long time and while styles and material have changed its not a whole lot, outside of new cuts the silhouette has been mostly the same. The classic style of wax jackets means they have been able to outlast and overcome short-term fashion trends and remained popular since their creation.
They get better with age:
Modern clothing is produced on mass and all looks the same when it comes off the production line, as wax clothing ages it picks up creases and marks and slight variations in the colour that add to the character of the garment and show the story of the adventures you have gone on with your jacket.
