Like denim jeans and white t-shirts, canvas jackets are a staple of any guy’s contemporary wardrobe. They’ve been around for decades, helping to define everyday attire with their classic appearance, lightweight, intuitive design, and moderate durability. Despite this, they have one large downfall: they don’t do well when exposed to inclement weather. To remedy the canvas jacket’s weakness against the elements, brands began to search for ways to gift the fabrics that made up these garments with their own water-resistant finishes. As a result, waxed canvas was born.
With the advent of waxed canvas clothing, the once water-weary outerwear world was gifted new interpretations of the canvas jacket. These weatherized models could take on rain, snow, sleet, and hail, while still providing the classic look of their unfinished counterparts. Interestingly enough, they would also become lauded for their distinct patterns, which — thanks to continuous use — would become more apparent over time. In a way, each jacket told the story of its wearer, thanks to unique creases, abrasions, and wear marks, giving the style inherent appeal within the heritage menswear crowd. Below, we’ve scoured a few of our favorite picks from around the genre.
15 Best Waxed Canvas Jackets
Bridge & Burn Austen Waxed Ripstop
Bridge & Burn hasn’t made many appearances on our style guides, but when it does, it never disappoints. The band’s Austen Waxed Ripstop jacket is an appealing model that holds its own against the genre’s more expensive offerings, without breaking the bank. But that doesn’t mean that it’s any less capable. Taking on the appearance of our favorite varsity-style jackets, this aesthetic outerwear piece features a relaxed hem, traditional snap closure, stand-up collar, and a durable, water-resistant finish, complementing its 100% organic cotton base.
Kuhl MTN Waxed
Kuhl’s MTN Waxed jacket is a versatile outerwear piece that’s been built to take on everything from the trail to the urban environment. Not only does it feature an attractive silhouette that’s undeniably cool, but it’s also a hard-wearing staple that can be used in most formidable environments, thanks to its cotton/nylon construction, wind/water-resistant body, and hood. As a result, the MTN Waxed is viable enough to accompany you on the trail during a downpour, or keep you safe from lesser weather as you traverse your favorite city streets.
Flint and Tinder are masters of their craft, and when it comes to heritage garments, there are few who can compare. The brand’s Flannel-Lined Waxed Trucker is one such example. Boasting a handsome, field-jacket inspired silhouette, weather-resistant Martexin 7 oz. sailcloth, and fully-lined sleeves for additional comfort, the Waxed Trucker is sure to keep you protected from the elements, without sacrificing style and presence. The best part? Since the jacket’s fabrics take on a persona of their own, every task, outing, or meet-up will add a little bit of character to your garment, making it uniquely yours.
Taylor Stitch Long Haul Jacket
Like Flint and Tinder, Taylor Stitch is a mainstay within the heritage outerwear world. The brand’s Long Haul jacket is a testament to its stylish dedication, thanks to a timeless cut, classic composure, and a specialized beeswax finish that was specially formulated by waxed/weatherproof fabric provider, Halley Stevensons, for the one-of-a-kind model. This is all complementary to the piece’s heard-wearing 9 oz. organic cotton construction, wool/nylon blanket lining, and organic cotton corduroy, which promote unparalleled comfort, capability, and longevity. If you’re looking for a garment that’ll weather the years at your side, this is the perfect piece to add to your collection.
L.L. Bean Double L Waxed
L.L. Bean’s Double L Waxed jacket is one of the industry’s finest (and most iconic) offerings. It sets the standard for traditional canvas outerwear, thanks to its British Millerain-designed fabrics, water-resistant, waxed-cotton shell, and abrasion-resistant qualities. Dive deeper and you’ll find that the Double L also features an antimicrobial cotton lining for increased odor resistance, articulated sleeves for a greater range of motion, and plentiful pockets for in-the-field utility.
Schott NYC Waxed Chore
Schott NYC is known as one of the most iconic outerwear makers in the industry, especially in terms of legendary leather jackets. But its focus on the leather-clad genre doesn’t mean that it can’t apply its expertise elsewhere. The brand’s Waxed Chore jacket, for example, brings that same attention to detail to the canvas genre, thanks to its enhanced bi-swing back, knit-in storm cuffs, oxidized brass accents, and interior wind flap. When the jacket isn’t protecting you from the elements with its waxed cotton construction, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that the Waxed Chore is also one of the most aesthetically-pleasing models out there, amplifying your outfit and taking it to the next level on a consistent basis. Worried about additional space to store our EDC items and smart devices? Never fear. The jacket also features two corduroy double-needle-sewn patch pockets and a single storage area on its breast for increased efficiency.
Peregrine Waxed Bexley
Peregrine’s Waxed Bexley is an exercise in vintage style. Calling upon over 220 years of unique experience within the world of outerwear manufacturing, it’s safe to say that the brand has more than enough chops to create some of the industry’s finest garments, and this piece is no exception. It’s crafted from hard-wearing British Millerain waxed canvas and features a comfortable brushed-cotton-lined collar, a single chest storage area, and two drop-in front pockets, soliciting a timeless, military-inspired persona. If the brand’s signature stylings aren’t appealing enough, this one-of-a-kind colorway is exclusive to Huckberry, meaning it’s a rare variant that won’t stick around forever.
Orvis Heritage Field Coat
Like L.L. Bean, Orvis’ reputation within the world of waxed garments has been earned over years of hard work. Its aptly-named Heritage Field Coat is a perfect representation of why the Orvis name is so renowned, thanks to its classic integrations. These include a formidable dry-waxed cotton canvas, helping the jacket to resist water and abrasion, and a pair of lower bellows pockets with snap-closure flaps, among other things. But what makes this iconic garment so special is its adaptability. To keep things modern, Orvis has included a handful of quality-of-life upgrades to the garment, including gusseted underarm panels, reinforced elbows/shoulders, a corduroy collar, and a rear-entry game bag that’s been imbued with waterproof qualities.
Encampment Waxed Canvas
It’s not often that Encampment makes an appearance on one of our jacket guides, but we couldn’t pass up the brand’s tasteful Waxed Canvas. This in-house-made model boasts a water-repellent cotton canvas construction, durable Martexin wax, and tapered cut that lends itself to stylish function. While simple, the Waxed Canvas is a timeless recreation that focuses on the strong suites of traditional weather-proof models, without incorporating some of their weaknesses — including, but not limited to, the musty smell that accompanies most waxed garments.
Iron & Resin Rambler
Iron & Resin’s Rambler jacket is a great-looking model that draws its inspiration from coastal moto culture. Each USA-made garment features a 100% cotton Martexin waxed canvas, a comfortable corduroy collar, and a tack button/zippered front closure for impenetrable protection. If you’re abject to the nomadic, on-the-road lifestyle that this jacket was created to abide, you’ll find that it’s equally as viable within your traditional outerwear rotation, thanks to its plentiful button-flap pockets, side-welt hand warmers, and conventional appeal.
Rogue Territory Supply Jacket
After taking one look at Rogue Territory’s Supply Jacket, it’s immediately clear that this is one of the more unique models in the genre. Its waxed canvas exterior takes on a recognizable patina over time, while a handful of utility-focused pockets have been implemented to keep your most important items within arm’s reach. Add some branded nickel buttons into the mix, and this heritage-inspired piece becomes an aesthetically-astute staple that’ll turn heads wherever it’s worn. The best part? It’s handmade in the heart of downtown Los Angeles, giving it that true American-made feel.
Filson Tin Cloth Cruiser Jacket
Filson’s Tin Cloth Cruiser arrives hot on the heels of the genre’s other heritage-inspired pieces, and if we’re being honest, it’s got its work cut out for it. That being said, this great-looking model is already one of our favorites, thanks to its cleanly-tailored outdoor appeal. It boasts a water-repellent and abrasion-resistant oil finish Tin Cloth construction, synthetic-lined sleeves, and a hip-length hem to keep things snag-free whenever you’re in the work environment. However, if you’re more interested in the jacket’s stylish appeal, you won’t be disappointed to hear that it’s accompanied by a tab-adjustable waist, button cuffs, and a dry-finish Cover Cloth lining that’s sure to add insulating warmth to the Cruiser’s long list of positive traits.
Barbour Bedale
Barbour’s Bedale is as classic as it’s going to get. This British style staple features a lauded Sylkoil waxed cotton construction, a traditional zip and snap-front placket, and a corduroy collar for comfortable utilization on those days where the rain and wind just won’t seem to let up. Its waterproof design is complemented by a classic Tartan cotton lining, two front flap pockets, and elastic inner cuffs to seal in warmth, making it even more attractive as a fall/winter piece.
Belstaff Brookstone Waxed Cotton
Belstaff’s Brookstone Waxed Cotton jacket is one of the more elegant models on our list, but that doesn’t mean that it’s lacking in terms of durability. Each example is crafted from a wind and water-repellant faded olive cotton and features a signature cotton-twill lining for increased comfort and warmth. To round things out, a handful of unique accents have been added, including cozy corduroy lining on the garment’s cuffs, collar, and hem, and quilted details on its elbows/shoulders for a more timeless appeal.
Mission Workshop Mission Bomber
Mission Workshop doesn’t skimp when it comes to premium clothing offerings, and the brand’s Mission Bomber is no different. This evolutionary piece features a number of advanced technologies to give it an edge on the competition, including a Halley Stevensons-crafted Silkwax cotton, intricate lower paneling, ribbed hems, and 50 gsm Polartec Alpha insulation, which was created to keep U.S. Special Operations members warm in inclement weather. Pair that with the Bomber’s sleek, lightweight design, and you’ve found the perfect piece for transitory seasons where battling the elements is a key to everyday success.
Author: Chris West for HiConsumption