Before it clothed us, waxed canvas was a precious resource used to coat sails and protect sailors from the salty seas. Naturally waterproof and impervious to the elements, this stuff is tough.
So tough that clothing brands from well-known to who the heck are you are taking advantage of waxed canvas in their lineups.
Vintage and rugged, there’s nothing quite a waxed canvas jacket. If you’re the type to work hard, play hard, and want to look good while you do it, take a look at our top picks for the best waxed canvas jackets your hard-earned dollars can buy.
17 Best Waxed Canvas Jackets
1. Taylor Stitch The Lined Long Haul Jacket in Olive
Taylor Stitch nailed it with The Lined Long Haul Jacket. This timeless waxed canvas jacket exudes rugged vibes with a sophisticated touch made for everyday wear.
The 9-ounce organic cotton exterior’s coated with weather resistant beeswax while the seams are reinforced where you need it most. Meanwhile, Taylor Stitch did you solid by revamping the interior with a comfy wool and nylon blend.
The custom copper buttons add a subtle flair, sealing the deal for a classic look. We’re also partial to the plethora of pockets, including the welt hand-warmers.
2. Peregrine Bexley Jacket
Peregrine is a UK based family owned and operated clothing manufacturer that’s been in business for well over two centuries. Take a look at their Bexley Jacket and you’ll find this waxed canvas jacket is just as badass as the Peregrine history.
The utilitarian style Bexley Jacket is produced from British Millerian 8-ounce waxed cotton. If you’re new to Millerian let me put it this way, they are the O.G. of waxed cotton.
Made for all seasons, the Bexley Jacket is water repellent and durable. Just be sure to throw on more layers during frigid weather, as this jacket is not lined.
3. Patagonia Men’s Maple Grove Canvas Jacket
Patagonia is well known for their top-of-the-line outdoor recreational apparel, but their work line deserves as much attention. The Patagonia Men’s Maple Grove Canvas Jacket is a testament to this.
The Men’s Maple Grove Canvas Jacket is a Fair Trade Certified™ warm and durable option for the working man. The 100 percent polyester fleece lining and 60-g Thermogreen® 100% polyester insulation packs in your body heat.
The stretch canvas and bellows-style pleats mean you’ll have ample range of motion. Meanwhile, the antibacterial and durable water repellent finish keeps you working hard despite some precip in the forecast.
To top it off, Patagonia incorporated five strategically placed pockets and a stowaway hood.
4. Taylor Stitch The Garrison Shirt Jacket in British Khaki
Wearing like a shirt, but feeling like a jacket, Taylor Stitch’s The Garrison Shirt Jacket is the definition of function meets comfort.
The 6-ounce organic cotton brushed liner feels smooth on your skin while the dry waxed cotton and nylon exterior battles against its main adversary, the weather.
To ramp up your toasty factor, Taylor Stitch went with a quilted design that adds a bit more bulk.
Water and wind repellent, The Garrison Shirt Jacket helps tackle the task at hand despite unpleasant weather.
5. Filson Tin Cloth Jacket
We get it. You need something tough. Something warm. Something that will endure. This is why we recommend Filson’s Tin Cloth Jacket.
In 1897, Filson began outfitting those looking to strike it rich during the Klondike Gold Rush.
Facing cold, harsh conditions, Filson helped keep these gold driven stampeders alive.
Since then, they’ve produced durable goods designed for the outdoorsman. The Tin Cloth Jacket is a testament to this.
Abrasion-resistant as well as rain-repellent, this jacket was made for working, or playing, in bad weather. Bend, reach or stoop, you’ll enjoy the full mobility design.
The working outdoorsman needs easy access pockets and they kept this in mind.
There are not only one but two utility pockets, a front flap pocket, and two waist pockets to keep your hands toasty. For added warmth, the collar is made with 100% virgin wool.
As a bonus, Filson backs this and all their other products with a lifetime guarantee.
6. Maden Waxed Canvas Trucker Jacket
If you’re not looking to drop $200 or more on an American-made canvas jacket, our value pick offers similar quality and styling for under $50.
The Maden Waxed Canvas jacket is no-frills, but that’s why it’s one of the most popular value buys out there.
There’s no lining, little in the way of extraneous décor, but they’ve covered the basics: quality stitching, solid canvas and a fit that most users say fits normal or runs a bit small (the manufacturer notes that it’s “Asian size”).
The khaki color wears creases and use like more expensive jackets, and it’ll break in much the same way.
When you want to make a small budget go as far as possible in the canvas jacket game, this is the way to go.
7. Encampment Co. 30-13 Jacket
The Encampment Company may be one of the newer guys around the block, but they aren’t to be discounted. Started in 2015 by Mike Ranta and Matt Baker, they focus on creating mindful products they are proud to wear from start to finish.
Made in Wyoming, the 30-13 Jacket is made for the man who likes to throw some weight on his bones. The heavy exterior 13.5 oz waxed cotton screams durable as it boasts being wind and water resistant.
The hand-hammered copper rivets are an added touch.
While the design may be more simple than other waxed jackets on the market, there’s something about the textured material that catches the eye.
To add to their character, Encampment has made a commitment to getting you their product in a timely manner while also taking the bill on the shipping fee.
That right there speaks like a true gentleman.
8. Kuhl Waxed Mountain Jacket
In a time when neon and DWR dots the trail, Kuhl is utilizing old-school technology to breathe new life into hiking wear with the Waxed Mountain Jacket.
The Waxed Mountain Jacket sports a technical design with an attractive fit, making it ideal for town or trail. A few of the main highlights include the oversized mesh lined front zip pockets, reinforced hood brim, and alpine collar.
Blending bees and synthetic wax, the cotton Waxed Mountain Jacket is weather-resistant and trail-ready.
9. Flint and Tinder Flannel-Lined Waxed Trucker Jacket
If comfort is a top priority, you can’t go wrong with the Waxed Trucker Jacket. Made in the USA, this water-resistant trucker style jacket is one of the best sellers in the Flint and Tinder line-up, and it’s not hard to see why.
The waxed Martexin 7 oz. sailcloth material is soft to the touch, while the entire inside from body to sleeves is lined with a cozy polyester blanket lining.
As you move throughout your daily journey, this jacket will lighten and bend leaving a story to tell. Fear not, this is not a result of poor construction, but rather the wax itself.
Like a fine wine, this jacket gets better with age.
10. Taylor Stitch Winslow Parka
The eco-minded folks over at Taylor Stitch may consider themselves to be a shirting company at heart, but lucky for us they do jackets too.
If you’re the type who just can’t pass up American denim, consider their four-season Winslow Parka.
Partnering with friends at Halley Stevensons, Taylor Stitch built the Winslow’s exterior with a custom beeswax canvas that’s stylish and functional. From there, it only gets better.
The interior is lined with a recycled, un-dyed wool for a more natural approach. And like all good parkas, it has a full-coverage hood. Water and wind repellent, the performance of this jacket is next to none.
11. Iron & Resin Scout Jacket
Iron and Resin isn’t about cheap fleeting fashion, it’s about investment.
Drawing upon timeless styles, they take long-standing favorites and turn them into quality, hand-crafted goods built for the working man.
The waxed Scout Jacket is no exception.
Its classic jean jacket-esque design has the rugged look you want with the comfort you crave.
The 100% Cotton Martexin™ Waxed Canvas is made to withstand the elements while the flannel blanket lining speaks to the inner softy in you.
Made for three-seasons, the shank buttons and zipper front closure do well to keep out the cold.
For all those tough on gear, you’ll especially appreciate the double needle and felled seams.
Take this layer for a spin on a cool autumn day or work late nights on your hog in the garage.
Even if you don’t ride, you’ll still look cool as ice in this garb.
12. Timberland Mt. Davis Jacket
Skip all the bullshitting: you just want a solid jacket and the Timberland Mt. Davis Jacket has you covered.
This solid, affordable jacket ditches all the fancy frills and gets down to the basics.
With a simple clean design, Mt. Davis highlights a water-resistant waxed exterior along with interior, chest, and double waist pockets.
What we appreciate most about this jacket is the effort towards sustainability.
Taking recycling to heart, it’s constructed from 50% recycled plastic water bottles and at least 50% organic material.
Ideal for summer and spring, the Mt. Davis delivers quality construction within budget.
13. Best Made Co. Waxed Cruiser
In designing this three-season waxed jacket, Best Made Co. knew they had to use top of the line material.
That’s why they turned to British Millerain. Known for being the first in the UK to wax cotton, only British Millerain would do.
Built to last, this jacket features an English moleskin collar, reinforced shanks, and enough pockets to boot.
Durable enough for the outdoorsy type and sophisticated enough for city dwellers, versatility is its game.
You may want to pay a little more attention to the condition, however, if you’re wining and dining.
Not made to be washed or dry cleaned, a damp rag is your best method to cleaning off all that hard-earned grime.
14. Orvis Barbour Royston
No stranger to nature, Orvis has been crafting quality outdoors goods since 1865.
Purchase a product and not only receive peace of mind, but help out a good cause too.
Every year 5% of pre-tax profits go towards conservation efforts. In the past 20 years they’ve raised over $20 million alone.
If you’re feeling altruistic, take a gander at the Barbour Royston. Reminiscent of a time when Members Only was hip, you can be a member again with this nostalgic fit.
The lightweight jacket features 4oz blend waxed cotton with a studded collar and large welt pockets.
Leave the other Orvis jackets to fly-fishing and join the VIP members at the club with the Barbour Royston.
15. Mission Workshop Eiger
When it comes to fashion, Mission Workshop certainly knows a thing or two.
For more than 20 years, Mission Workshop has been pumping out stylish threads deep in the heart of San Francisco.
Together, the company’s founders’ experience runs the gamut of producing everything from technical cycling gear to combat apparel for Navy Seals. Impressed? We sure are.
That’s why we had to give a shout out to their Eiger jacket, where sleek meets practical.
The waxed material is a product of manufacturer Halley Stevensons who made their name by outfitting Scottish fisherman with durable rainwear.
Lined with quick-drying cotton and sporting a 3-point adjustable hood, this jacket is at the top of its class.
While we know the price is a bit on the high side, don’t think of it as buying just another jacket. Think of it as an investment.
16. Jane Motorcycles The Driggs
If you’re looking to ride in style, then take a hint from the crew over at JANE and go with The Driggs.
Made in New York, these experts not only produce a jacket that makes you look cooler than James Dean, but they make the ride to go along with it. How’s that for expertise?
The great thing about The Driggs is the versatility. Most riding jackets were made for just that, to ride.
The Driggs, on the other hand, is so much more. Whether you’re taking an epic white-knuckle ride through the Tail of the Dragon or cruising to work, it’s got your back.
It’s tough enough to take a tumble while the comfort is unmatched.
It features water-resistant waxed cotton on the outside, satin and lambskin lining, and removable D30 armor for extra protection. For those looking for an alternative to leather, this is it.
17. Buffalo Jackson Marshall Hooded Jacket
For the price, it doesn’t get any better than Buffalo Jackson’s Marshall Hooded Jacket. It’s rugged looking enough for hauling lumber yet stylish enough to wear around town.
It’s made from 100% cotton with a waxed exterior and flannel lined interior. The antique brass buttons and zippers are a nice touch, while the drawstring hood is a necessity.
Born in Colorado, Buffalo Jackson moved their headquarters to North Carolina where this jacket is made.
Mixing the Wild West with a Southern twang, you get the sense they truly understand men who still know how to put in a good day’s work with their hands.
Mountain man or desk junkie, this is a man’s jacket.
How To Care For Waxed Canvas
Every new crease in your waxed canvas jacket tells a story. A story that builds character and only gets better with time. But like aging, to keep your worthy investment in top shape, you’ll have to give your jacket a little bit of love every now and again.
Here’s the breakdown on how to care for and renew your waxed canvas jacket.
Hand Wash Garments
First off, avoid the washing machine. For some dudes this is like music to your ears. Your jacket may be able to tackle inclement weather like a champ, but the washing machine is it’s worst nemesis.
Rather, to clean and maintain the integrity of your waxed canvas jacket, hand rinse it with cold water and use a brush to remove any built up grime. Then let the jacket air dry.
And soap? Like your trusty cast iron skillet, soap can be entered into the equation if things are really funky. Just be sure to use something mild.
Rewaxing Your Jacket
Did the water stop beading up on your jacket? It’s time to rewax.
How often you rewax will depend upon how frequently you use your jacket. This will vary from dude to dude, but generally speaking, every couple of years is a decent estimate.
As for the wax, we recommend using the same wax as the manufacturer or one specifically designed for waxed canvas jackets. Otter Wax is a great place to start.
Ready to wax on? Here are the steps to follow.
Clean and dry your jacket.
Lay it on a flat work surface, preferably with some plastic sheeting underneath.
Slap on some latex gloves and apply wax to the fabric in small amounts in a circular motion.
Continue the wax application until the entire jacket is fully coated.
Go over the jacket with a hair dryer so the material can absorb the wax.
Wipe any excess wax and let the jacket dry overnight.
That’s it!
Author: Carissa Stanz