Barbour: Wax for Life

For one hundred years, Barbour has been committed to sustainability.

Re-waxing or re-oiling as it was originally known, first appeared in the 1921 catalogue when Malcolm Barbour, the second generation of the Barbour family, began offering customers the chance to re-oil their oilskin jackets. Customers could either send their jackets back to Barbour or they could re-oil them at home using a tin of Beacon Oilskin Dressing. It is testament to Malcolm’s legacy that he had the vision to understand the importance of re-oiling these jackets – by maintaining the oil on the jacket to keep it weather resistant, it extended the longevity of the jacket ensuring that it could continue to be worn for many years.

Barbour waxed cotton is ideal for modern life. It’s constructed with practicality and functionality in mind. Each wax jacket is renowned for its durability, weather resistant properties and a patina that just improves with age. Renewable and sustainable, it remains one of the toughest and most durable fabrics available.

A re-waxing service that began with Malcolm Barbour’s vision 100 years ago remains today, an integral part of Barbour’s sustainability strategy. Wax for Life is at the heart of Barbour’s on-going commitment to minimise its impact on the environment for future generations.

How to wax a jacket at home

Step 1 | Clean your jacket...
Clean the jacket using cold water and a sponge to wipe down the outside of the jacket. Avoid using hot water, any kind of soap and NEVER put the jacket in the washing machine, as this will remove the wax coating permanently and the jacket cannot be re-waxed.

Step 2 | Soften the wax...
Take a tin of Barbour Wax Thornproof dressing. Remove the lid, stand the tin of dressing in a container of water hot enough to soften the wax. It should take approximately 20 minutes to melt the wax into a liquid consistency.

Step 3 | Wax your jacket...
Using an old cloth or sponge, work the melted wax well into the jacket paying particular attention to seams, creases and dry patches. Wipe off any excess wax. You should keep the wax tin in the hot water while working in order to keep the wax softened. If the wax begins to harden top the container with more hot water. Ensure you keep the wax away from the corduroy collar, the inside of the jacket and inside of the pockets.

Step 4 | Dry your jacket...
To ensure you get an extra smooth finish on your re-waxing, blow over the jacket with a hair dryer to even the spread of wax. Remember not to do this too closely, as it may heat up the wax too much, causing it to run.

Step 5 | Re-wax your jacket once a year...
Once you've re-waxed the jacket, hang it up. Allow to dry overnight in a warm place away from other garments. Be aware the jacket may lose excess wax for a short while so take care not to get your newly waxed jacket near leather or upholstery.

Join us in-store at Barbour: Wax For Life Pop-Up where you can bring your Barbour jacket in to be waxed by a professional. From September 27th to 19th October 2022, ground level, during store opening hours.