Waxed Cotton

noun

(textiles) cotton that is treated with wax to make it waterproof

Imagined in the early 19^th century by Scottish sailors who treated heavy sailcloth with linseed oil, waxed cotton is now made with cotton and paraffin wax.

Wax jackets have gone from the preferred choice of farmers and fishermen to a must have fashion item with brands such as Barbour taking them to the catwalk instead of the riverbank.

It’s no surprise that creating waxed cotton is a specialist field and Halley Stevensons of Dundee, Scotland have been dying, finishing and waxing since 1864.

Producing nothing but waxed fabrics Halley Stevensons create the waxed cotton used in some of Barbour’s premier products.

Popular for its strength and durability the waterproof and windproof material gets better with age. Over time its appearance will change making it unique to the wearer and adding character that few other materials poses.

Spotted on celebrities such as Peaches Geldof and Lily Allen and a favourite with the Royal family waxed jackets are here to stay. The most popular styles are the Barbour Beaufort and Barbour Bedale which are ideal whether you’re walking the dog or heading into town.