To stay one step ahead of shoulder season weather, you need rugged, sophisticated waxed canvas outerwear in your closet. Long before anyone had ever heard of Gore-Tex, there was one clear choice for people who needed to stay warm and dry in wet conditions: waxed canvas. The basic concept was pioneered in the 15th century by Scottish fishermen who applied fish oil to canvas to create weather-proof garments. Today’s waxed cotton jackets are descendants of those early seafaring coats, although manufacturers now use less smelly materials like beeswax to get the waterproofing effect.
One thing remains the same, though: Waxed canvas is a remarkably effective fabric for keeping you comfortable in foul weather. And when used to make a jacket, it’s exceptionally stylish, too. Over time, the material takes on creases and develops a unique patina that makes each jacket one-of-a-kind — not something you can say about a mass-produced polyester rain shell. With frequent wear and a little bit of TLC, it'll keep getting better and better. (So much so, that the next generation might just take it off your hands.) Invest in a waxed canvas jacket, and you’ll always have a dependable way to stay comfortable and look good while doing it. Buy the jacket. Earn the patina.
Flint and Tinder’s iconic waxed trucker jacket, flannel-lined for warmth and comfort
A staple in the Huckberry fall lineup, Flint and Tinder’s Flannel-lined Waxed Trucker Jacket is among the best of the genre. This waxed canvas trucker is made with seven-ounce Martexin sailcloth from New Jersey, and it’s waxed on both sides for excellent warmth and insulation. The real standout feature is on the inside, though: The waxed canvas is paired with a supremely soft blanket lining that covers the full interior of the jacket. Compared with other waxed outerwear, the Waxed Trucker is soft and pliable right out of the box, and thanks to the lining, you can layer it over a tee without getting that clammy feeling. Added bonus: It’s now available in eight colors.
Heritage cold weather protection updated for the modern guy
Released last year, the Hudson Jacket draws inspiration from the British hunting jackets worn by aristocratic sportsmen for well over a century. From the UK-sourced wool lining to the “game pocket” (originally designed for carrying a rabbit or quail after a successful hunt) in the back, the Hudson is all about heritage. For this jacket, Flint and Tinder sources British Millerain canvas and coats it with coconut wax for excellent weather resistance. That waxed canvas is then lined with flannel from Abraham Moons, one of the oldest wool mills operating in the UK. Combined with tasteful details like corduroy trim under the collar and at the pockets, the Hudson makes an ideal pick for drizzly fall weather and adventures upstate.
A rugged yet stylish layering piece that’s ready for snowy cities and frosty open fields
The Quilted Waxed Shirt Jacket combines the superior weatherproofing of waxed canvas with the warmth of added insulation, making it an ideal choice to take you from fall into winter. Like other Flint and Tinder waxed outerwear, the shell on this jacket is made from top-quality British Millerain canvas, but it’s diamond-quilted (inside and out), which gives it a distinctive look you won’t find on other canvas options. The soft-touch Japanese polyester lining creates a soft feel, and it’s lined with recycled Primaloft insulation to keep you warm on frosty mornings. Plus, it comes with an array of storage pockets—always a helpful feature when doing chores or running errands.
A military-inspired silhouette from the biggest name in waxed
You can’t talk about waxed canvas without talking about Barbour. For over 125 years, the British company has crafted rugged, stylish canvas outerwear and earned a reputation for exceptional quality—to the point that its jackets are practically synonymous with the British countryside, where they first saw widespread use. This Canna Wax Jacket is an update of a classic military-inspired Barbour silhouette. It’s made with the company’s signature four-ounce waxed cotton for excellent weatherproofing, and heavier eight-ounce fabric is used at the shoulders for extra durability. It also comes with dedicated insulation — the quilted interior is lined with FiberDown synthetic fill — and wool trim at the collar makes for a comfy feel. With its zippered front, snap-button storm closure, and detachable hood, it’ll keep you comfortable even when Mother Nature brings her worst.
This made in the USA workwear jacket works hard and looks good doin’ it
Need a waxed jacket you can work in? This is the one to pick up. The vintage workwear-inspired Mill Jacket is designed to evoke the jackets worn by ranch hands, but with a modern fit that keeps the jacket out of your way when cleaning leaves from the gutter or chopping firewood. The waxed cotton fabric stands up to snow and rain, and the quilted interior lining adds crucial warmth. Thoughtful details make this jacket a cut above: adjustable cuffs are ideal for cinching around gloves, for example, and the corduroy spread collar can flip up to block the wind on breezy days. Those leaves won’t rake themselves—grab this and get to work.
A modern update to Barbour's classic lineup
Another iconic style from Barbour, the Soay Wax Jacket utilizes the same weather-resistant four-ounce waxed cotton as the Canna jacket but offers a more pared-down silhouette. In addition to the waxed canvas, it’s also lined with FiberDown synthetic fill to keep you toasty warm. But the real beauty of this jacket is in the details: It features leather and wool trim throughout and comes with a unique buttoned throat tab at the collar. The interplay of different materials makes it a winner, and like any Barbour jacket, it’s a capable layer you can reach for when the forecast looks cold and wet.
An iconic, workwear-inspired jacket built from British waxed cotton
Universal Works’ Bakers Chore Jacket was originally conceived as a tribute to the founder’s father and the workwear he used, and now this classic jacket has been refreshed with a waxed canvas outer shell. The shell is made from Tek Wax, a water-resistant material produced by British Millerain (so you know it can stand up to the elements). The Bakers Chore Jacket serves up a timeless look with its five-button placket, no-nonsense patch pockets, and handsome details like an angled, contrast-stitched buttonhole on the upper placket. A soft corduroy collar and polyester lining give it a comfy feel, and despite its vintage roots, it makes some helpful concessions to modernity: The interior pocket is great for toting a phone or other valuables.
A bonafide classic, slimmed down for the modern wardrobe
Cold-weather outerwear is often bulky and not exactly flattering (looking at you, puffy jackets), but Barbour’s Slim Bedale Camo Wax Jacket offers the protection you need in a clean, sophisticated silhouette. It’s made with four-ounce waxed cotton to resist wind and precipitation, and a full-zip front with a storm flap and throat tab will help you batten down the hatches when conditions turn nasty. On the inside, a cotton flannel lining creates a warm, comfy feel, and two upper handwarmer pockets and two generous lower bellows pockets can hold all your essentials. Considered details like a trim fit and camo detailing under the collar really elevate the Bedale above the usual waxed outerwear options — you’ll be glad to have it in your closet for years to come.
Your favorite hoody gets the heritage treatment
What do you get when you combine Barbour waxed canvas outerwear with your favorite sweatshirt? This versatile jacket. Designed for everyday use, the quarter-zip front makes it easy to pull over whatever you’re wearing. But unlike your average hoodie, it’s cut from Barbour’s renowned four-ounce waxed cotton for superb wind- and weather-resistance, and the camo pattern gives it a unique look. The zip-through collar offers added protection when you need it, and underarm eyelets keep you from overheating (so you don’t get stuck with sweat stains when you take the jacket off). But with its ultra-soft flannel lining, we’d bet you’ll keep it on all day.
Author: Michael Charboneau