Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. Why Trust Us? Rewaxing my waxed jacket keeps it looking pristine and gives me the same sense of satisfaction I get from shining a pair of my boots .
I enjoy the process and feel like it underscores my appreciation for a thoughtfully constructed garment that's served me well for over a decade. Maybe process isn't the right word—it's a small ritual. With proper care and maintenance—and an occasional new coat of wax—waxed jackets maintain their craftsmanship and integrity a lot longer than synthetics or other modern fabrics.
Allow me to wax poetic (yep) on these tried-and-true garments. The allure lies in the longevity. Waxed canvas hasn't changed much since its inception 300 years ago.
Sailors found that ship sails more efficiently caught wind when they were wet, but this also made them too heavy. They started working oil, fat, and grease into the sails and found the coating had a wind-blocking effect. You see how this would be an opportunity for some great outerwear? It wouldn't catch on until much later.
Fast-forward to World War I, when the British military used Barbour's waxed canvas to make coveralls for submariners. Filson began using waxed canvas for outerwear in the 1920s and debuted its oil-finish Tin Cloth as "waterproof khaki." Barbour first introduced a motorcycle waxed jacket, the iconic International, in 1936 but it really caught on when Steve McQueen wore it.