Why the British were Smart to use the Wax Jacket for Hunting

The British knew a thing or two when they started using the wax jacket for hunting – it was great over a hundred years ago and it still is now.

Even with modern technologies such as Gore-Tex and breathable fabrics, the style and material has stood the test of time. sometimes an age-old solution such as waxed cotton jackets or waxed gilets are more than enough to meet your needs and are the perfect shooting jackets. They offer comprehensive protection, water-resistant qualities, and warmth.

Understanding Waxed Cotton

In general, waxed cotton cloth was a common material used for managing wind-powered ships. At the time, this was one of the strongest materials for such situations.

Most people were using traditional oiled sales, which was good for handling wind and seemed to stay light as well. However, with time changes were made and new flax fibres were introduced into the mix with the help of linseed oil. These weren’t as durable and seemed to age quickly once they stiffened. As a result, most started using these materials to create coats and capes because of leftover resources.

In other places, Egyptian cotton took a life of its own as it was treated using paraffin wax and was lightweight for managing sails. Plus, it also worked well for those who wanted to wear outdoor jackets that were comfortable and breathable. This is when the British company Barbour and Sons got behind the material and made sure it remained a memorable style.

Waxed cotton is known to be waterproof and acts as a great protector against cold weather. The cloth is strong and is woven into place for maximum results.

Colours

Colours often change based on the brand and what’s being marketed. However, most brands prefer to stick to earthy tones for their designs. At the time, chemical processes used to manage cotton led to colours such as black and/or dark olive, which is why many made use of brown-coloured collars as a way to contrast combinations. In fact, these are still common in contemporary styles.

Regardless of colour, the appearance of a waxed cotton jacket hit home with millions of people and was deemed to be ideal for colder conditions in comparison to traditional ponchos as worn by people in various parts. It was more comprehensive in its build and made things such as hiking in cold weather a breeze. These days, it simply looks outstanding in almost any setting.

Maintenance for Waxed Cotton

Keeping the waxed cotton looking good year-round is all about knowing what to do. While it is going to decay, you can easily bring it back to life with appropriate treatment.

All you have to do is re-wax the top layer and this can be done at home or by a professional restoration service. It doesn’t take long to do and all that’s required is a proven heated wax, which is rubbed into the jacket. This takes a few hours to complete. After the wax settles, the jacket is warmed so the wax is able to spread evenly from one end to the other.

For most people, the jacket is going to hold up well and isn’t going to break down. All you have to do is hang it up if it ever does get wet on an outdoor trip.

Please note, it is never a good idea to dry clean these jackets. Instead, you want to take a wet rag and simple rub across the top surface. When maintained properly, all you need is one jacket for the rest of your life because it will hold up well.

Choosing The Perfect Wax Jacket For Any Occasion

Wax jackets are available in a lot of colours, lengths, and styles. With so many options available, trying to figure out which jacket to wear for different activities or occasions can be challenging.

When it comes to day-to-day wear, we would advise going with a classic wax jacket in a neutral shade. Colours like drab olive green, navy blue, or brown are all great choices. This style is appropriate for wearing to work, taking care of errands, or for activities that are a little bit more formal in nature. The timeless style of these jackets makes them perfect for everyday wear.

By going with a neutral colour, you can also pair your jacket with any colour, making it versatile enough to wear with a wide variety of outfits.

If you are looking for a jacket that has a little bit more style, choosing one with quilting can be a good option. The quilting gives these jackets a high-end look that makes them seem a little bit fancier. At the same time, however, they are also casual enough to wear with everyday clothing like T-shirts and jeans.

When the temperature starts to fall, going with a slightly longer jacket is usually a good option. Our Hannah II style is a perfect example. Not only is it attractive but it also is designed to keep you warm when the weather gets cold outside.

Tips For Cleaning Wax Jackets

Cleaning a wax jacket is a little bit more involved than cleaning other types of clothing. However, the process can be completed quite quickly. The good news is that you don’t need to clean it very often. If you wear it on a daily basis, consider cleaning it every time the seasons change. Otherwise, if you don’t wear it quite as often, you can probably get by cleaning it a couple of times each year.

Begin by brushing away any surface dirt with a dry brush that has soft bristles. Get into all of the seams and hidden areas including around the cuffs and in the armpits. Those areas are easy to overlook.

Wet a sponge with cold water and wring it out until it is damp. Hang the jacket up or lay it down on a hard surface. Then, use the sponge to gently clean the surface.

Allow the jacket to dry on its own by hanging it up in an out-of-the-way area. Typically, these jackets dry quite quickly.

Avoid machine washing or dry cleaning a wax jacket. Otherwise, the wax coating can be damaged or destroyed.

Tips For Re-Waxing A Jacket

Adding a fresh coat of wax to your jacket is a little bit more time-consuming than cleaning it. However, it is still a relatively quick process. Most jackets need to be waxed on an annual basis, although you may need to adjust the schedule based on how often you wear it.

Start by cleaning the jacket using the directions listed above. Make sure that it is totally clean and dry before you begin.

Find a flat surface where you can work. Protect the surface by laying down a sheet of plastic or some trash bin liners. Lay the jacket down on the surface. If you want, you can even wax the jacket outdoors as long as the weather cooperates.

One of the easiest options is to use a wax spray. There are also bars of wax or tubs available, as well. Use a sponge or cloth to apply an even coating of wax on the front of the jacket, making sure that every area is covered. Pay particular attention to the seams.

After you finish the front, turn the jacket over and do the same thing to the back.

Once the wax has been applied to the entire jacket, hang it up in an out-of-the-way location, making sure that nothing is coming in contact with the surface. Consider placing plastic sheeting on the ground underneath it.

One technique you may want to try is using a hairdryer to warm up the jacket. This can help the wax settle into the fabric. Just make sure that you don’t use too much heat.

Wait a couple of days before wearing your jacket so that the wax has time to set completely.

Why the British were Smart to use the Wax Jacket for Hunting

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