The Thread | ArticleThe Beauty of Waxed Cotton
ByJohn B
The Beauty of Waxed Cotton
With Storm Bert blowing off to who-knows-where (seriously, why do storms get people names?), the skies are looking blue, for now. But the cold has well and truly kicked in, and it’s here to stay. So, we figured it’s the perfect time to shine a light on one of our go-to winter heroes: waxed cotton.
Sure, we could’ve kept it simple and just shouted about our favourite jackets (they’re brilliant, don’t get us wrong), but that’d be a bit predictable, wouldn’t it? Waxed cotton is way more versatile, it’s a fabric that works across a range of categories and does so with rugged charm, timeless appeal, and plenty of style.
From bags to hats and beyond, waxed cotton is a proper workhorse. So, stick the kettle on, and let’s take a closer look at some waxed cotton gems that’ll see you through the chill in style.
Waxed cotton production lineA Quick Nod to Waxed Cotton History
Before we dive in, let’s take a minute to talk about waxed cotton. Originally developed for sails, it didn’t take British sailors long to figure out that wrapping themselves in this magic material was just as effective as using it to weatherproof their boats. It was an early example of that classic British knack for making the most out of bad weather.
Fast forward, and waxed cotton became the fabric of choice for some legendary brands. Barbour might dominate the conversation, but let’s not sleep on the others. Belstaff rewrote the rulebook in 1948 with the Trialmaster, a jacket made for motorcycling and the elements in equal measure. Meanwhile, over in the States, Filson had already started in 1912 with the Original Hunting Coat, a rugged classic for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts. And then there’s Peregrine, founded in 1796, with its knitwear roots but now smashing it in waxed cotton outerwear using British Millerain fabrics and a sharp eye for detail.
WAXED COTTON MACHINERYOur Picks for the Season
Belstaff Trialmaster
The Belstaff Trialmaster is a bona fide legend. First introduced in 1948 for the Scottish Six Days Trial, a test of endurance over terrain so gruelling even the sheep probably said, "You’re on your own, mate". Its now-iconic design, featuring a belted waist, four-pocket layout, and high buckled collar, was born out of necessity but has since become the gold standard for rugged, practical style.
Crafted from 6oz waxed cotton, it balances durability and comfort, offering water and wind resistance for unpredictable weather. Inside, Belstaff’s check cotton twill lining adds warmth and a touch of heritage, while corduroy-lined cuffs, collar, and hem ensure extra comfort where it matters most.
Among its peers, the Trialmaster stands apart for its deep connection to motorcycling culture and its unwavering reputation for quality. A jacket for adventurers and style icons alike, the Trialmaster only gets better with age. A true investment piece, built to last and to look better with every mile.
Barbour Wax Flat Cap
going all the way back to 1571 when a law actually required non-noblemen to wear wool caps on Sundays and holidays. That’s right, your great-great-great-grandad didn’t don his flat cap to look sharp, it was the law. Over the years, what started as a working-class staple has been elevated to a wardrobe classic, loved by everyone from shepherds to style-conscious city folk.
The Barbour Wax Flat Cap is a shining example of this evolution, blending practicality with timeless style. Made from 100% waxed cotton, it’s built to take on the worst of British weather (we’re talking drizzle, downpours, and everything in between). It’s finished with a pre-formed peak for that classic silhouette and lined with Barbour’s iconic tartan,because, of course, it wouldn’t be Barbour without a nod to tradition.
When it comes to headwear, this cap easily holds its own against big names like Lock & Co. and Christys. Whether you’re popping down the pub or wandering the moors like a lost Brontë character, this cap has got you covered. Pair it with a tweed jacket for full country vibes or throw it on with a jumper for an effortlessly cool touch, the Barbour Wax Flat Cap is a little piece of history that’s ready for whatever today’s weather, or wardrobe, throws at it.
Barbour Nora Casual Jacket
The Barbour Nora Casual Jacket is proof that heritage doesn’t have to mean stuck in the past. Taking its cues from the iconic Spey Waxed Jacket, it’s a fresh take on timeless design. With its shorter length, oversized corduroy collar, and those handy D-ring details, it brings just the right amount of old-school charm to the modern wardrobe. Plus, let’s not forget the oversized bellow pockets, big enough to stash everything from your phone to the odd packet of crisps.
Crafted from a semi-shine twill (that’s 59% cotton and 41% polyamide for the fabric buffs out there), it’s as durable as it is comfortable. Inside, a 100% polyester lining keeps things smooth, while a polyurethane membrane takes care of water resistance, so you can stay stylish even when the weather’s doing its best to ruin your plans.
With its relaxed fit and contemporary silhouette, the Nora manages to be versatile without trying too hard. Whether you’re layering it over chunky knits for a country stroll or pairing it with jeans for a coffee run, it slots into your wardrobe like it’s always belonged there. The oversized corduroy collar might seem like a detail, but trust me, it’s the kind of thing that gets compliments in pub queues.
Barbour’s nailed it again with the Nora: a jacket that mixes classic functionality with modern sensibility. It’s one of those pieces you’ll keep reaching for, season after season, not least because it makes you feel just that little bit cooler every time you wear it.
Filson Tin Cloth Work Jacket
This piece is built for the graft, but stylish enough to earn its keep long after the job’s done. Filson, founded in 1897 in Seattle, originally catered to the tough-as-nails prospectors of the Klondike Gold Rush. Back then, if your gear wasn’t up to scratch, it wasn’t just a bad day at work; it was survival. That ethos has stuck with Filson ever since.
The Tin Cloth Work Jacket takes its cues from early 20th-century workwear, particularly Filson’s iconic Original Hunting Coat from 1912. Made from their signature 14-ounce oil-finished Tin Cloth, it’s like armour against the elements. The tightly woven, wax-treated canvas is built to be water-resistant and abrasion-proof, making it the ultimate bad-weather warrior.
The hip-length cut isn’t just for looks; it’s practical, letting you reach a tool belt without a fight. There are snap-flap cargo pockets big enough to fit your gloves (or a sneaky pasty), and handwarmer pockets for when the weather’s being less than kind. Add to that a wool-lined collar for a bit of extra cosiness, and you’ve got a jacket that means business.
What makes it iconic? It’s not just the materials or the design; it’s the history and the sheer dependability. It’s the kind of jacket you hand down to your kids (assuming they don’t nick it first). Whether you’re working the land or just walking the dog in sideways rain, the Filson Tin Cloth Work Jacket feels like a mate who’s always got your back, and front for that matter! And let’s face it, you’re going to look pretty darn good doing it
Barbour Wax Leather Briefcase
The Barbour Wax Leather Briefcase is a masterclass in combining tradition with practicality, a bag that’s as rugged as it is refined. Barbour has been kitting us out for the great outdoors (and the not-so-great weather) for well over a century. They’ve turned waxed cotton into an art form, and this briefcase is a prime example of why they’re still the go-to name for timeless style with a practical edge.
Crafted from Barbour’s signature waxed cotton, the briefcase is water-resistant enough to handle a dash through a downpour without making your laptop look like it’s been for a swim. The waxed leather trims add durability and a bit of polish, because even if you’re lugging work around, you might as well look like you’ve got your act together. And that signature tartan lining? A little nod to Barbour’s Scottish roots, so every time you unzip it, you get a reminder of the brand’s heritage (and maybe wish you were on a Highland escape instead of a commute).
Inside, it’s all about practicality: a roomy main compartment for your essentials, pockets to keep things organised (or to lose your keys in a slightly more stylish way), and a detachable shoulder strap for when your hands are already busy juggling a coffee and a phone. It’s a bag that doesn’t try too hard but gets everything just right, adapting effortlessly, smart enough for the office, sturdy enough for the outdoors.
Now, calling it a “briefcase” is a bit cheeky these days, no one’s actually carrying briefs anymore. But that’s the charm, isn’t it? It’s a bag that carries everything you need, does it with style, and nods to a timeless kind of sophistication. A proper bit of kit for modern life, with a touch of enduring class.
Peregrine Bexley Jacket
The Peregrine Bexley Jacket is a perfect example of how to do heritage right. With over 200 years of craftsmanship under their belt, Peregrine has been flying the flag for British-made quality since 1796. That’s a lot of history packed into one jacket, but the Bexley doesn’t feel like a throwback, it’s a modern take on timeless outerwear.
Made from British Millerain 8oz waxed cotton, it’s got the kind of weatherproofing that laughs in the face of a downpour. The waxed finish not only keeps you dry but also develops a lived-in patina over time, giving it bags of character. Inside, there’s a 100% cotton lining for comfort and nylon sleeves for easy layering, because no one wants a jacket that turns into a wrestling match when you’re trying to put it on.
Design-wise, the Bexley is as practical as it is stylish. It’s got three exterior pockets (perfect for stashing dog treats, gloves, or the odd snack), a zipped interior pocket, and a roomy 10" back pocket. The gun shoulder patch and neck strap are nods to its countryside roots, but the tailored fit means it’s equally at home on city streets as it is in the great outdoors.
When it comes to its peers, the Bexley holds its own against heavyweights like Barbour and Belstaff. Peregrine’s commitment to local production and sustainable practices means you’re not just getting a quality jacket; you’re supporting a brand that’s doing things the right way.
The beauty of the Bexley is its versatility. It’s the kind of jacket you can throw on for a blustery walk across the Yorkshire Dales or a quick dash to the pub when the weather turns. The waxed cotton wears in, not out, the more you wear it, making it a trusty companion that gets better with age, kind of like a good bottle of whisky (minus the hangover).
In short, the Peregrine Bexley Jacket is a piece of kit with history and character. British to its core, with a modern twist that makes it a must-have for anyone who values quality and heritage with a bit of flair.
Barbour International Ladies’ International Wax Jacket
This jacket is the perfect example of why waxed cotton has cemented itself as a cornerstone of British style. It’s more than just a nod to Barbour’s rich history; it’s a proper celebration of rugged functionality wrapped up in a sleek, modern design.
Barbour’s love affair with motorcycling dates back to 1936, when they created the original ‘Barbour International,’ a one-piece waxed cotton suit for the British International motorcycling team. Back then, it wasn’t about style points (although they still looked pretty damn sharp); it was about keeping riders dry while they tore through muddy tracks. Fast forward to today, and the Ladies’ International Wax Jacket takes that same adventurous spirit and tailors it for the modern wardrobe.
Crafted from Barbour’s signature 100% waxed cotton, this jacket is as practical as it is stylish. It’s the sort of jacket that tells your story as you wear it, weathered by your own unique lifestyle and on the inside, the cotton lining keeps things breathable because looking great doesn’t mean sweating buckets every time the sun comes out.
The design features are where this jacket really shines. The belted waist is flattering but also a subtle nod to its biker roots. Then there are the four front pockets, ideal for stashing essentials or just giving you somewhere to shove your hands when it gets a bit chilly. The buckle fastening at the neck? It’s both practical and a little bit badass, perfect for those windy days when you need to look good while keeping warm.
This jacket is a love letter to waxed cotton, its durability, its weather-beating properties, and let’s not forget how effortlessly cool it looks. Whether you’re tackling the school run, taking a walk through the countryside, or just popping to the shops, the Barbour International Ladies’ International Wax Jacket is tough, timeless, and just a little bit rebellious, exactly how a good jacket (and a good story) should be.
Barbour Men’s Re-Engineered Beaufort Waxed Jacket
For our final shoutout, we’re taking a closer look at an updated version of one of Barbour’s most iconic jackets. The Beaufort isn’t is a pillar of British outerwear, effortlessly blending countryside practicality with urban sophistication. First introduced in 1983 by Dame Margaret Barbour, the Beaufort was inspired by French shooting jackets and quickly became the go-to for outdoor enthusiasts who needed something as functional as it was stylish. Enter the Re-Engineered Beaufort, Barbour’s fresh take on this classic.
The original Beaufort was built to withstand the rigours of outdoor life, combining rugged practicality with timeless elegance. Its full-width rear game pocket was a nod to its sporting roots, while the corduroy collar and handwarmer pockets made it instantly recognisable to generations of fans. But more than that, it was a dependable companion, whether you were trudging through a muddy field or braving the unpredictability of British weather. The Re-Engineered Beaufort stays true to this legacy while refining it for a modern audience, proving that you really can teach an old dog new tricks.
The magic of the Re-Engineered Beaufort lies in its ability to retain everything we love about the original while giving it a fresh twist for today’s wearers. Made from 6oz waxed cotton, it’s got the same weatherproof toughness we’ve come to expect, but with a more streamlined silhouette that feels tailored and versatile. It’s practical without ever veering into ‘too outdoorsy’ territory—so you can wear it in the country without looking like you’ve just left the farm shop or in the city without appearing like you’ve wandered off a village green.
The black colourway deserves its own round of applause. It adds a contemporary edge, making it the perfect all-rounder for everything from muddy dog walks to evening drinks. Inside, you’ll find a quilted lining that ups the warmth factor, double-entry handwarmer pockets, ideal for when the wind picks up and the ever iconic corduroy collar.
The Re-Engineered Beaufort proves that while it’s important to move forward, there’s always value in looking back. This jacket is a celebration of Barbour’s heritage, reworked to ensure it stays relevant for modern life. It’s the kind of piece that feels like it’s been in your wardrobe forever, even when it’s brand new, and isn’t that exactly what a great jacket should be? Classic, dependable, and just a little bit timeless.
The Last Word
Waxed cotton is a true legacy. It’s about style that stands the test of time and practicality that never goes out of fashion and that’s exactly what we’re all about here at British Attire. These pieces prove that no matter how bad the weather gets, there’s always a way to look good.