Waxed jackets: the thread

[RDS]

I couldn’t agree more, and although Barbour make much of their history and heritage they are now really a luxury fashion brand.
Of course, there’s nothing wrong with this at all as they’ve been very successful in what they do. It’s also entirely possible that if they hadn’t taken a change of direction Barbour might not still be in private ownership or even in existence.
Personally, if wanting some good but reasonably priced, practical ‘country’ clothing I would now first look at the range offered by Hoggs of Fife in Scotland.

And back to wax jackets; in the UK (and it’s probably the same elsewhere) waxed cotton clothing is now rarely worn by those for whom it was originally designed i.e. sailors, fishermen, farmers, agricultural workers, anglers, horse riders, game shooters, etc.
The majority of those who either work in these industries or take part in ‘country’ pursuits are now more often than not seen in a whole variety of other clothing for the simple reason they find these more practical or versatile than a wax proof.
It’s probably the case that Barbour wax jackets are now more likely to be seen worn in cities (or Glastonbury) rather than in the country.

 

[Peter Mackin]

I work on the hills daily, come hail rain or snow,working with guide dogs,spaniels and my flatcoat retriever. Due to the wet climate here in Scotland wax cotton is my go to clothing,the fashion stuff wouldn't last a season. During winter my trusty (30)yr old riding coat does the business, it's been reproofed many times, brilliant coat.
Bought a fairly recent Barbour bushman in leather off Ebay, couldn't believe how the quality had dropped, had Barbour check it out as I thought it must be fake,,nope its the real deal, the snaps and the brass belt hole fixings are thin and sharp.

 

[Will Zach]

I bought a few Drizabone items on a trip to Australia many years back. Brilliant stuff, but had really no use for it in NY metro area. Just did not rain enough, so it just hung in the closet. Sold it.

Later I bought a waxed Gustin field jacket in green. That was also a few years back. Well-made, with reinforced seams and a beefy zipper, was nevertheless pretty useless in colder weather because it had no lining. So I had a local tailor sew in a few buttons and added an M-65 button-in liner to it. That did the trick! I now have a waxed field coat for late fall - works down to about zero Celsius and stops cold wind nicely. I will try to post some pics when I am back in Europe this fall.

 

[Grayland]

I have a Barbour jacket that I get compliments on every time I wear it. I think of them as civilian field jackets. The big negative I have is that they don't breathe well and are very clammy. They look cool, but I can't imagine actually working in one - let alone just walk around for any longer than 10 minutes.

 

[Tim S]

Waxed suede or roughout trucker is great, especially when the weather is iffy or conditions get a little difficult. I don't like wax cotton because the wax tends to get a little too close to the skin and feels a little funny, especially on the collar or wrists. On leather, it doesn't penetrate deeply. Waxed smooth leather looks good as it ages. I don't have pictures of my waxed roughout trucker but thinking of getting another.