Waxed cotton jackets

[SteveKTMer]

I've never had a waxed cotton jacket of any kind, but I do like some of the bike jackets for a more relaxed local ride. Items like this:
https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/...

Just wondering how warm they are compared to a traditional textile jacket and how water resistant the shell is ?

Can anybody compare them to a leather or textile jacket ? Not looking for an essay just a steer as to general warmth, water repellency and general comfort.

Thanks.

[LimaDelta]

They are very waterproof (and windproof) - as long as you keep them waxed. There is a reason they are so popular with countryside folk. They are heavy and cumbersome compared with modern waterproof materials though, which is why you don't see so many walkers using them anymore. Not a problem on a bike however.

[SteveKTMer]

Thanks, that's good, are they reasonably warm too ?

[LimaDelta]

SteveKTMer said:

Thanks, that's good, are they reasonably warm too ?

Depends whether or not they are lined. As long as you can get a layer or two underneath on colder days they are ok.

[mersontheperson]

I have had a few and still ride on occasional days in my current Barbour, my one has a ‘Belstaff’ look about it and I think it looks pretty good on a bike.
One thing I have noticed thought that it seems to fray a bit at the edge and if you do get a tiny nick in the fabric, it can soon turn in to a tear. So I don’t think they are as tough as man made textiles and certainly not as tough as leather.

[Derventio]

I have one and on the whole it's great. However, It is starting to look very grubby due to all the insect detritus. Any idea how I clean it properly?

[blearyeyedboy]

SteveKTMer said:

Thanks, that's good, are they reasonably warm too ?

Not very, though it depends on the lining.
I'd generally advise sizing waxed overlayers on the large size to allow for layering underneath. Provided you wax them frequently enough, they last well.

They won't have the abrasion resistance of biking leathers though.

[bogie]

Some of the better motorcycle orientated wax jackets have aramid reinforcement to make them more like a bike jacket than a Barbour. I was looking at a nice Helstons jacket recently, have had one of their leather jackets in the past and was impressed with the quality and VFM.

https://www.motolegends.com/motorcycle-jackets/wax...

[cat69uk]

Look at the Merlin jackets, got the Barton 2 and think it is a great jacket. Got it for £169 and am well impressed, not had much chance to test waterproof yet as only had since the nice weather of late!

[NS400R]

SteveKTMer said:

I've never had a waxed cotton jacket of any kind, but I do like some of the bike jackets for a more relaxed local ride. Items like this:
https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/...

Just wondering how warm they are compared to a traditional textile jacket and how water resistant the shell is ?

Can anybody compare them to a leather or textile jacket ? Not looking for an essay just a steer as to general warmth, water repellency and general comfort.

Thanks.

Hmmm 1950’s tech…. My dad used to have a Barbour suit. You need to keep them waxed, they get dirty, can leave grease marks everywhere and have poor abrasion resistance. You’ll be asking about Brylcreem and a comb over next Barbour stuff is ok for casual wear, but warm it ain’t.

[airsafari87]

I’ve had a Merlin wax jacket for years and keep it for winter commuting use.
It doesn’t look like they still make the exact jacket, but the closest to it in their current range is The Kurkbury by the looks of it?

It’s always been perfectly waterproof and I’ve kept on top of the waxing with Nikawax products.
I also find it really warm too, although I will wear a fleece or similar underneath it.

Yes their are better jackets out there for waterproofness and warmth, but I’ve never felt the need to ‘upgrade’ this old faithful.

[Bob_Defly]

NS400R said:

You need to keep them waxed, they get dirty, can leave grease marks everywhere

I found this out with my waxed cotton camera bag...

[Old Fart]

Unless you bought a leather jacket from Lewis leathers in the 1960's, wax cotton was an affordable alternative. In 1965 I had a Belstaff jacket and leggings which kept the wind out and some of the water.

But they are cold unless you wear something warm underneath. Very easy to catch them on a sharp object, then you had to sew the tear and re-wax the damage.

Until I started using Helly Hanson leggings I never had a dry crotch due to the seams leaking. Crash protection not very good really.

I was amazed at the difference when modern textile suits were used. You could ride all day in the rain and still be warm and dry.

In my opinion it's up to you.

Edited by Old Fart on Monday 25th July 16:46

[Fundoreen]

I recall a friend describing a constant feeling of greasyness if you wore a belstaff regularly...
Anyway once you strip off the wax isnt it just a cotton jacket. Is that protective in a crash?
Must be a reason cordura caught on.

[Pica-Pica]

Old Fart said:

Unless you bought a leather jacket from Lewis leathers in the 1960's, wax cotton was an affordable alternative. In 1965 I had a Belstaff jacket and leggings which kept the wind out and some of the water.

But they are cold unless you wear something warm underneath. Very easy to catch them on a sharp object, then you had to sew the tear and re-wax the damage.

Until I started using Helly Hanson leggings I never had a dry crotch due to the seams leaking. Crash protection not very good really.

I was amazed at the difference when modern textile suits were used. You could ride all day in the rain and still be warm and dry.

In my opinion it's up to you.

Edited by Old Fart on Monday 25th July 16:46

Ha! I remember my riding days, with a soggy crotch. The rain always found it’s way down the tank to the front of the seat.
I had a nylon jacket and over trousers. Apart from the crotch, it was my neck that got wet.

I no longer ride, but have a Barbour for easy walks, and it can be used to sit on wet grass, rocks etc. For faster-paced walking, a dedicated outdoor specialist jacket is best. I imagine the same for motorcycling now as well.

[WinstonR]

I have this. Made by Oxford, has armour and an inner lining for warmth. Despite the armour its still really a 'fashion' jacket. I wouldn't like to crash in it.

My main gripe is that it doesn't have a 'flap' so it rides up a bit when sitting on the bike.

[PT1984]

https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/...

I have this. It’s great. Waterproof, lined and warm.

[nismo48]

PT1984 said:

https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/...

I have this. It’s great. Waterproof, lined and warm.

+1 like that..

[Composer62]

I got one from this vendor recently. One of the cheaper ones but I'm very impressed with the quality for the price.

https://www.speedwear.co.uk/collections/waxed-cott...

[Old Fart]

Pica-Pica said:

Ha! I remember my riding days, with a soggy crotch. The rain always found it’s way down the tank to the front of the seat.
I had a nylon jacket and over trousers. Apart from the crotch, it was my neck that got wet.

I no longer ride, but have a Barbour for easy walks, and it can be used to sit on wet grass, rocks etc. For faster-paced walking, a dedicated outdoor specialist jacket is best. I imagine the same for motorcycling now as well.

Riders today are spoiled rotten, reliable bikes, brakes that work, tyres that grip the road and really good clothing and helmets.

They have never had it so good!

But in the old days a used 250cc BSA could be bought for £10, I bought a BSA 650cc for £12. I paid £35 for a Velocette Venom. happy days.