There is something about waxed cotton that feels so different than other weather-resistant fabrics.
More authentic. Less modern or plastic-y or tacky.
Like pull-up leather, waxed cloth changes a bit each time you wear it. It scratches and cracks and then the cracks begin to fade.
It is sort of like having your history written in the fabric—the patina of your every motion.
It feels like having a trusty leather jacket that is more waterproof and a much lighter weight.
Waxed cotton began as a material that sailors wore.
Sailors first realized that dipping their sails in water made their boats faster when less air could get through.
Later oils and waxes were tried as something more permanent.
And what could be more natural than for a sailor to wear the sail cloth when he wanted to stay dry and keep out the wind?
We wax cloth in house starting with fine American cotton and hot dipping the fabric in beeswax, paraffin and natural oils.
Depending on how we balance the oils and waxes the fabric can take on more or less patina with wear.
The waxes darken the color of the fabric significantly, but when the wax is scratched or cracked, the original lighter colors are “pulled-up” in the patina.
This distressing is called “crazing”.
The pictures show some of our favorite recent pieces—-our classic travel blazer with vintage style patch pockets, two button lapels, and a throat tab.
A charcoal grey field jacket with a stand-up collar, neck belts, heavy quilted elbow padding, and back gussets.
Our famous military inspired motorcycle vests.
And a 1920s style shawl collar jacket with a half-lining, piped seams, and a kidney to close up the neck.
We are one of the only tailors in the world making fully custom pieces from waxed cloth.
If you can imagine it, we can almost always make it.
We start by sketching, and then work with you to discuss sizing, fabrics, colors, and buttons until we have exactly the right materials.
We work with clients all over the world.
So if you are thinking of a waxed cloth field jacket, work jacket, travel blazer, vest—-or any style you can think of—-we are the ones to make it for you.
Contact us and we can discuss the details.
