WAXED COTTON
the original performance fabric
The concept of waxed cotton was originally developed in the early 15th century by Scottish herring fishermen, with crews beginning to treat their sails with fish oils and grease in an attempt to waterproof their rigging. Remnants of these waxed sails were then used as capes to withstand the high winds and sea spray, keeping the sailors warm and dry.
Both our suppliers of waxed cotton; Halley Stevenson’s of Scotland (est. 1864) and British Millerain of England (est. 1880), have pioneered the development of the material.
The beauty of waxed cotton is in both its durability and longevity, as well as its surprising breathability – with the wax proofing adjusting to ambient temperature, maximizing comfort for the wearer. Its coating can be maintained by the end user by re-applying wax to the surface, keeping the material soft, supple, and weather-resistant. The finish ensures that the fabric looks better with age, as wax naturally picks up marks and creases through use – adding to the character of the fabric itself.
Waxed cotton — the original performance fabric — is cotton which has been treated with a wax coating to produce a fabric which has water repellent properties. These waxes can be made from a number of sources — from paraffin and petroleum to natural waxes and innovative hybrid blends.
Waxes and oils are naturally occurring substances found in leaves, bean/seed coverings, animal furs and feathers. It is natures protection against the elements. Unlike PFC chemistry which has been produced to give hydrophobic effects, waxes offer this barrier naturally. There is therefore less impact on the environment using waxes as a water repellent. Our waxes are fully biodegradable, PFC’s are extremely persistent in the environment.
Using a material in nature, that is of nature, evokes a feeling of harmony while moving through nature. The silence and subtlety of the fabric is a tribute to our philosophy of ‘Innovation through Tradition’ – blending the tried & true comfort of cotton with high-performance design.
