Recommend me a wax jacket

Recommend me a wax jacket

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Discussion

colonel c

Original Poster:

7,932 posts

252 months

Tuesday 26th November 2024
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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.


LandieMark

1,859 posts

161 months

Tuesday 26th November 2024
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Vintage Barbour from Ebay. Loads on there. Black may be hard to find, but the usual, green, dark blue and brown will be available.

55palfers

6,077 posts

177 months

Tuesday 26th November 2024
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Belstaff. Good but pricey. Mostly in black too.

mikef

5,544 posts

264 months

Tuesday 26th November 2024
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CorradoTDI

1,732 posts

184 months

mcpoot

938 posts

120 months

ConnectionError

2,043 posts

82 months

Tuesday 26th November 2024
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Filson

Stick Legs

6,988 posts

178 months

Tuesday 26th November 2024
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Hoggs of Fife.

Really like mine & frankly all their gear is good value & sturdy.

knk

1,303 posts

284 months

Snow and Rocks

2,801 posts

40 months

Tuesday 26th November 2024
quotequote all
Stick Legs said:
Hoggs of Fife.

Really like mine & frankly all their gear is good value & sturdy.
This.

Got one for my GF a couple of years ago - it was reasonably priced and seems very well made with good quality stitching and zips etc.

MadCaptainJack

1,102 posts

53 months

Wednesday 27th November 2024
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55palfers said:
Belstaff. Good but pricey. Mostly in black too.
Seconded. The water resistance of my Belstaff has proven to be a lot more durable than my Barbour.

Sway

31,012 posts

207 months

Wednesday 27th November 2024
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If you're not fussed by logo, and want decent quality, find a proper agricultural supply shop and pop in.

Chances are they'll have an unknown brand that's aimed at actual farmers/outdoorsy people and it'll be good quality for a decent price.

Louis Balfour

28,176 posts

235 months

Wednesday 27th November 2024
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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.

Bonefish Blues

31,170 posts

236 months

Wednesday 27th November 2024
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This (ETA - advice to find an agricultural shop, that is) I often poke around the amusingly named Mole Store near us smile

OP, ever thought about wearing a ventile jacket instead of waxed?

Edited by Bonefish Blues on Wednesday 27th November 09:01

LordGrover

33,839 posts

225 months

Wednesday 27th November 2024
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No personal experience, but this popped up when I was looking: Woodsman. If it's any good, it's well priced (cheap).

Bonefish Blues

31,170 posts

236 months

Wednesday 27th November 2024
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How about something like this?

https://www.themountainfactor.com/product/sale/fja...

You can wax it if you prefer.

Mont Blanc

1,901 posts

56 months

Wednesday 27th November 2024
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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.

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 smile

Skodillac

7,414 posts

43 months

Wednesday 27th November 2024
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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...

Edited by Skodillac on Wednesday 27th November 09:20

K87

3,924 posts

112 months

Wednesday 27th November 2024
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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 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.



Depthhoar

682 posts

141 months

Wednesday 27th November 2024
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Bonefish Blues said:
OP, ever thought about wearing a ventile jacket instead of waxed?

Edited by Bonefish Blues on Wednesday 27th November 09:01
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.

Had it made to measure by these people: https://hilltrek.co.uk/shop-by-material/double-ven...

Not cheap! Very well made and comfortable.