Recommend me a wax jacket
Discussion
I'm on the hunt for a new wax jacket. I don’t usually go for the high-end, expensive brands and found one by Game a few years back that suited my needs perfectly at a great price. However, I recently ordered a new one from them, only to find the quality has really gone downhill—plastic zip and lightweight wax cotton. Needless to say, it's already on its way back.
Does anyone have recommendations? I’m after a hardwearing yet comfortable wax cotton jacket, preferably unpadded and in black.
Can someone explain why wax jackets are a good thing in the twenty-first century? They feel horrible to the touch and transfer wax to everything they touch. Then, when they have transferred all their wax, you've to re-wax them.
I am quite prepared to learn that I am missing out massively.
How about something like this?
https://www.themountainfactor.com/product/sale/fja...
You can wax it if you prefer.
https://www.themountainfactor.com/product/sale/fja...
You can wax it if you prefer.
Louis Balfour said:
Can someone explain why wax jackets are a good thing in the twenty-first century? They feel horrible to the touch and transfer wax to everything they touch. Then, when they have transferred all their wax, you've to re-wax them.
I am quite prepared to learn that I am missing out massively.
Extremely durable, highly resistant to abrasion and tearing, and extremely waterproof/windproof. They are sort of thing you could wear all winter for 20-30 years and it would still be in serviceable condition. I am quite prepared to learn that I am missing out massively.
They are still probably the best coat you can buy if longevity, toughness, and waterproofing are the main requirements.
(well, the original ones anyway. Some of the modern ones are poor quality as the OP has found)
But, I do agree with the points you make. I bought my wife a restored vintage ladies Barbour as she fancied one. She found it stiff, cold, unpleasant to the touch, and you had to take it off before you sat in the car or on a chair as you couldn't risk the wax coming out. She ended up barely wearing it. I personally wouldn't buy a wax jacket.
I understand the issue with these coats being cold has been solved as they often have a quilted or insulated lining now, but even so, the other negatives remain.
They look pretty nice though

I bought one of these for dog walking in the woods 4 years ago. It's still going strong and showing no signs of wear and tear. Proper metal zips, proper quilting, really pleased with the quality and longevity for the ridiculously low price - it was £26 when I bought mine.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B006RI6RCE
Brand snobs can save their breath and time with the mickey taking and condescension, I simply don't care.
Here's an unpadded one:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/FASHIONISM-Premium-Unpadd...
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B006RI6RCE
Brand snobs can save their breath and time with the mickey taking and condescension, I simply don't care.
Here's an unpadded one:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/FASHIONISM-Premium-Unpadd...
Edited by Skodillac on Wednesday 27th November 09:20
Louis Balfour said:
Can someone explain why wax jackets are a good thing in the twenty-first century? They feel horrible to the touch and transfer wax to everything they touch. Then, when they have transferred all their wax, you've to re-wax them.
I am quite prepared to learn that I am missing out massively.
The original idea, AFAIK, was a product for farmers and motorcyclists who wanted ultimate rain protection with tight cuffs and flaps over zips and so on. They are not warm, my Belstaff had a sewn in liner, looked like a waistcoat, it was still cold when walking with friends who were toasty in their Gore-Tex.I am quite prepared to learn that I am missing out massively.
I have had three in the past and they worked well for long distance walks and motorcycling. They need regular rewaxing to keep up their performance. My car had red leather heated seats, it looked a mess if I had a waxed jacket on. The jacket also had a pungent smell.
My ex had a Dryasabone, a long waxed coat, perhaps Australian?, ideal for horse riding and dog walking on the moors.
Bonefish Blues said:
OP, ever thought about wearing a ventile jacket instead of waxed?
Just switched over to double Ventile for my winter work. The British Antarctic Survey people used to issue double Ventile gear to their Field Assistants.Edited by Bonefish Blues on Wednesday 27th November 09:01
Had it made to measure by these people: https://hilltrek.co.uk/shop-by-material/double-ven...
Not cheap! Very well made and comfortable.
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