There aren’t many jackets that can carry you through three seasons, but a waxed canvas jacket makes it look easy. In the fall and spring, the heavy-duty cotton is just light enough for transitional strolls, but as soon as the gnarly winds and rain pick up, that wax coating springs into action, creating a barrier that helps keep you dry and warm. (Pleasingly, the typically large armholes on the sleeve also leave room for a chunky knit or light down puffer underneath, on truly frigid days.) . It’s this versatility—alongside the jacket’s rugged good looks, and the fact you can always re-wax it—that almost immediately earns them hand-me-down status.
It’s been this way for a while. Waxed cotton was developed in the early 1800s in Scotland, when one manufacturer messed around with adding some oil to their strongest cotton, discovering it created a waterproof yet still breathable material. Sailors and fishermen loved them, then the Royals caught on, then the rest of the world did—including James Bond. Cut forward to last year, and when the President met with the British Prime Minister, he was given one specific gift: a personalized waxed cotton jacket.
If that feels like a lot to keep track of, fear not. Below, you’ll find the best examples of waxed canvas jackets available today, from Barbour to Valstar. See you out there, slick.
The Best Waxed Canvas Jacket, According to GQ
Looking for Something Specific?
Best Waxed Canvas Jacket Overall: Barbour Bedale Waxed Cotton Jacket
Let’s keep it a buck—when you’re talking waxed jackets, almost all roads lead back to Barbour. This British brand has helped people dodging raindrops in style for over 130 years, and the crown jewel of their lineup is the waxed Bedale. Shorter than the Beaufort and Border varieties, it’s that much easier to chase around the city in (and drive, and cycle in.) Made from medium-weight 6oz waxed cotton, it’s fully interactive—meaning you can zip in a thermal liner, or snap on a hood when things get wetter.
But people really love the permanent details: The corduroy collar, a brass two-way ring-pull zip (easy to use, even with gloves on) , a studded Stormfly front (for added wind-and-rain protection), plus two giant pockets for stuff and two cozy, moleskin-lined smaller pockets for chilly fingers. If you’re in a rush to choose, this is the jacket with the Royal seal of approval—and one you’ll wear for so many seasons, people will recognize you by it in the street. Plus, you can always ship it back to Barbour HQ to be re-waxed.
Best Budget Waxed Canvas Jacket: J.Crew Limited-Edition Waxed 1983 Heritage Barn Jacket
Waxed cotton isn’t always as shiny as Barbour makes theirs out to be. Just look at J.Crew’s barn coat, back on the scene this fall after debuting in 1983 as part of the brand’s first ever collection. (It’s not often that our best budget pick is also a design classic.) Every J.Crew barn jacket has a lovely mid-thigh length and more pockets than you’d expect, but this
handsome, limited-edition Blackwatch plaid version subtly stands out a little from the classic beige and grey barn coats. Beyond the handsome finish, it’s also fully lined, with ample pockets, button closures, and adjustable wrist tabs to keep you dry. And that Blackwatch outer? Straight from Scotland’s legendary Halley Stevensons factory
Best Upgrade Waxed Canvas Jacket: Belstaff Trailmaster Waxed-Cotton Jacket
After Barbour, the next name in waxed jackets is always Belstaff. And the Trailmaster—worn by everyone from Steve McQueen to Che Guevara since arriving in 1948—is the star in their line-up. Designed for fending off the elements even as your motorbike straight towards them, the Trailmaster features Belstaff’s signature four-pocket design—two on the chest, two on the hips—each with snap closures to keep your stuff safe and sound. The waist belt helps you dial in the fit, offering comfort and shaping that can handle whatever the road throws at you. And that belted collar? It’s got a snap latch to shield you from the wind. This jacket is tough, durable, and looks killer with boots and a pair of slim jeans. Honestly, meet your winter second skin.
Best Waxed Jacket for Fashion Guys: Sunflower Waxed Leisure Jacket
After founding NN07 (yes, of Carmy fame) Ulrik Pedersen gave himself a new place space to play by starting Sunflower, and it’s fast becoming the go-to source for understated menswear classics that won’t make your wallet weep. There’s an emphasis on age-old production techniques,top-notch fabrics, and technical innovation, and you can see it all in their take on the waxed jacket.
