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If we had to, we’d guess that you’ve probably never spent the crispy fall months tilling soil and plowing hundreds of acres. We’d warrant the same guess for your time spent big game hunting in preparation for a brutal winter. Hoisting a sail seems slightly more likely, but braving the high seas? Doubtful. Regardless, the best waxed jackets are available to you, the same as they were (and are) to the huntsman, outdoorsmen and sailors of yore — and we suggest you purchase one if you haven’t already.
We mention the variety of demanding professions not to make you feel less rugged of a man, but to highlight just how hardwearing the classic workwear style can be. Though Pinterest might serve you dainty images of a young Prin—excuse us, King Charles (or maybe a certain new PM) in waders and a Barbour or Paul Newman, looking svelte and nautical on a single-sail rig, the reality is that waxed jackets, much like other heritage designs, are built for downright messy conditions, the culmination of weatherproof desires and robust sensibility.
What Is a “Waxed” Jacket?
Originally constructed in the 15th century by sailors looking to waterproof their garb, the waxed jacket has evolved from patchwork oiled sailcloth to a sturdy cotton frame finished with a sleek paraffin wax base. A more traditional alternative to the new era of high-tech, water-repellant blends like Gore-Tex, the waxed jacket tends to emulate hunting and field coats, with a multitude of snap front pockets and contrast leather or corduroy collars typical of the style.
In recent decades the style has become most commonly associated with British and Irish country life, where a jacket that can fend off a constant drizzle, weather physical tasks, and last for years has proved paramount. Hertiage labels like Barbour and Belstaff have become the defacto producers of waxed jackets abroad, with a cabal of American-made options — L.L. Bean, Orvis, Filson and other outdoor supplies chief among them — available stateside.
How (And When) to Wear Waxed Jacket:
Being weather-resistant, the waxed jacket wears best as the temperature begins to drop, but thanks to a timeless design and intense break-in, you can wear yours with virtually anything. There are a bevy of different styles, from hefty workhorses to slim slip-ons, all waxed and ready to wear.
To help you find the perfect waxed jacket for you, we’ve highlighted some of our favorite ones, all of which will keep you dry, stand the test of time and generally look like a million bucks. Below, the 8 best waxed jackets for men this fall and winter.
The Best Waxed Jackets for Men:
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