Waxed Cotton

Invented in the 1850s by a Scottish mill that wove sails for British clipper ships, waxed canvas was developed as a way to waterproof seamen's clothing. Back then, the canvas was coated in linseed oil and became heavy and stiff in cold weather. Other waxes were experimented with and outdoor outfitters took notice of the weather-resistant fabric. Barbour began producing waxed jackets for hunters and Belstaff launched with a signature waxed motorcycle jacket. It's an ideal fabric for this time of year, when the coated cotton shell provides an equal amount of warmth, breathability and protection from precipitation. And the beauty of waxed cotton is that it wears similarly to leather or raw denim—showing wear in places and resulting in a softer, more comfortable garment the more your wear it.