Question:
What does waxed cotton feel like?
I'm looking for light, longish casual jacket for SoCal with plenty of pockets (3 kids, so I don't get to travel light anymore!) and saw
this one from STP. However, I have no idea what waxed cotton feels like. I'm imagining it to be similar to a polyester like that of bomber jackets--which of course would make all sorts of loud noises whenever I moved.
Am I wrong? I'd be happy I were!
Thanks!
Answer:
I'd say it feels like damp cotton, but without the actual dampness (if that makes any sense). Nothing like polyester though, and waxed cotton is actual very quiet when moved around.
Answer:
This would certainly have the pockets, I use a similar one for day outings with the kids, BUT . . . waaaaaay too warm for Southern California. By way of comparison, mine is too warm for early November in Michigan. If I were you, I'd look for the coton twill Willis & Geiger type of safari jacket. Hunting aesthetic, lots of pockets, and it breathes.
Answer:
Heavy and oily greasy feel to the cloth.
Answer:
It, to me, makes for better windbreaking" than just about any synthetic.
Answer:
Waxed cotton tends to be very quiet, as observed above, so don't worry about that. It has a sort of "heavy" feel to it, if that makes any sense (I'm not talking about the weight, but rather the feel). Just be aware of the fact that waxed must be periodically rewaxed.
Answer:
I love all things British. I think the look of a classic English waxed cotton jacket is so classic and cool. So, about 10 years ago I had my assistant, a Brit, bring me back one from the UK, a waxed cotton Barbour. I really liked it but I could never get over the smell of damp waxed cotton in my closet. So, I finally traded it to someone for a pair of vintage Levis. It was a good move. There are much more practical all weather jackets.
Answer:
That is an extremely true statement.
Answer:
The enthusiasts never mention this, but a trip to Barbour or Orvis will let you know pretty quickly: these coats smell, all the time, and so will anything else in the closet. They need to be hung outside.
Answer:
Waxed cotton doen't strike me as being very practical in S. California. They are very temperature sensitive and in warm-ish weather the wax coating will liquify. Personally, I think wearing one in weather warmer than 65 degrees is pushing your luck.
Answer:
I think it's hit and miss with that - my wax jackets from both Barbour and Filson do not have any smell, even the new one I purchased last week.
Also, to clarify on the quietness part - they actually do make a bit of noise when they're new, but once broken in it goes away.
Answer:
The original German waxed jacket from the perspective of history is much more classic garment. The coolness I will leave for the the individual to appraise.
Answer:
I don't understand all this talk of the smell and wax melting off. I have been wearing two Bedales over the past 4 years, with no such problems.
Sure, the jacket smells like something, but it's not particularly odorous and it's not offensive in the least. It smells like wax. None of this 'smell' has gotten on my other clothes and it seems to have faded over time. In fact, I liked the smell when the jackets were new.
I've worn and kept these jackets in many different weather conditions and temperatures: the wax has never come off in any way or changed form. I don't understand the caution against wearing it in 65 degree weather when room temperature is seven degrees higher.
The surface feels waxy, but not 'damp' and the cloth feels substantially heavier than just cotton. There's not much noise when you move; no loud sloshing. Over time the wax wears off, the surface becoming mossier to the touch as you get closer to the cotton underneath. Re-waxing is easy but time-consuming. It takes me more than an hour to wax the whole thing and make sure no spot is missed. But as long as you fully saturate every square inch and use a blow dryer afterward, it will look factory new.
Answer:
Well put Mafoo.
Answer:
I agree with Mafoo on all counts.
I don't know what this smell is that you're talking about.
