Barbour Wax Jackets Mens

The J Barbour & Sons brand has been so successful in the production of waxed cotton jackets that many people still mistakenly use the term Barbour, to describe any waxed jacket, when in fact they are generally talking about an inferior quality waxed cotton jacket (Much like the Hoover brand and vacuum cleaners). The majority of Barbour’s waxed Jackets are still based on high quality 6oz cotton impregnated with wax to make them waterproof (as the oil basis of wax is repels water which consequently beads on the jacket and rolls off the surface without penetrating).

As modern breathable waterproof fabrics developed in the 80s and 90s the waxed Barbour started a fall from grace, however in recent year that has been reversed dramatically, with the assent of the good old fashioned waxed Barbour to the pinnacle of British fashion, with traditional styles such as the classic Durham and Beaufort amongst the strongest of the resurgent styles. Also doing well were are a number of the traditional cuts reworked into ladies cuts, such as the Ladies International and the Beadnell, a ladies shaped version of the unisex Beadale.  

Whilst most of the waxed Barbours are constructed in 6oz waxed cotton a number of heavier weight jackets are made from a 8oz fabric to give a really rugged durable finish, and there are now a large number of ‘flyweight’ summer styles made in 4oz wax.

One of the things people love about their Barbours, is that they last for years, and as long as you look after them this is very true. Because of the wax content you cannot machine wash, or even hand wash a waxed jacket (and they can as a result be a little smell), to clean them you simple sponge out marks, which generally works well against the wax. The real care is in regularly re-waxing them.  Through general use, and particularly exposure to sunlight the wax will dry, and lose its water repellence. However, for less than £10.00 you can buy a tin of wax to ‘reproof’ your coat, or even better send it back to Barbour and for about £25.00 they will do a fantastic job of making it look great again.  They will also make repairs and alterations to your jacket, even when it’s reached a state that you might think it is a lost cause!