The secret to a timeless wax jacket: re-waxing
You probably know this feeling: that beloved wax jacket that you have been wearing for years suddenly starts to keep out the water less well. No need to panic - there is nothing wrong with the jacket itself, but with the wax layer that was once so carefully applied. Fortunately, the solution is as elegant as it is simple: re-waxing.
Waxing a wax jacket is not just maintenance. It is a process with which you literally give your jacket new life. And if you give it a little attention and time, your jacket will actually only become more beautiful over the years.
Why should you re-wax your wax jacket regularly?
Wax jackets are not only stylish, they are also surprisingly practical. But over time, the wax layer wears off due to rain, wind and just everyday use.
You don’t have to be an expert to see when your coat needs some attention. You’ll notice it when the fabric feels a bit drier and stiffer. That’s the time to take action. If it shows light spots or feels rougher than before, it’s actually subtly saying: time for a new wax.
The Art of Re-Waxing – Step by Step
To re-wax you don't need much: a good wax ( Barbour Thornproof Dressing ), a sponge, a pan or basin, warm water and an old sponge or cloth.
Step one is simple but important: clean your jacket with cold water and a sponge. Do not use soap, as this will damage the wax layer.
Then apply the heated wax. You heat the wax by placing the tin without the lid in a bowl of hot water. After about 20 minutes the wax is liquid and soft. Apply it carefully and with care – no thick layers, but carefully and evenly distributed over the fabric. Use an old cloth or sponge for this. Pay extra attention to seams and areas that are susceptible to wear, such as the shoulders and elbows.
Hang the jacket up and let it rest for at least one night in a warm place, away from other clothing. Note that the jacket may temporarily release excess wax, so keep it away from leather or upholstery . Your patience will be rewarded with a jacket that feels like new, but still looks familiar.
How often is re-waxing necessary?
We recommend that you maintain your wax jacket at least once a year. If you wear it intensively, you can do it more often. Because maintenance is not just a matter of preservation – it is a way to show appreciation for clothing that will become part of your story over the years.
In our shop we sometimes see wax jackets that have been in faithful service for decades. Neatly maintained, stylishly aged, and still as charming as the day they were bought. That's how we like to see it. That's why we at The English Hatter naturally also offer a professional wax service, for those who prefer not to do it themselves.
A good wax jacket deserves attention. And you deserve a jacket that will brave the weather with style for years to come.
At least, that's what we think.
