The 8 Best Waxed Canvas Jackets, According to Editors

For years now, the Flint and Tinder’s Waxed Trucker has been one of Huckberry’s bestselling digs. Then it got a supporting role in The Last of Us as Pedro Pascal’s jacket for fighting off zombies (as well as Chris Evans’ jacket) and became one of the most talked about pieces of menswear on the internet. Trust us when we say that all the hype is well deserved.

The Waxed Trucker has as much style range and functionality as you’ll find in any outerwear. Its classic Americana look fits in with any wardrobe, its 3 exterior and 1 interior pocket provides ample cargo space, and the blanket lining provides comfort and insulation.

During testing, we were drawn to the 8 earth-tone finishes, from the original Field Tan through a deep Black. The jacket pairs a beefy 7-ounce Martexin sailcloth, waxed on both sides for wind- and water-resistance, with a full-length blanket lining for warmth and comfort and antique-finished metal buttons. Really, think of it as your favorite denim jacket, with the same versatility, now tailored toward the cooler, wetter months, with a fully hydrophobic outer. This one performed well rain or shine, frigid or mild, and has the agility of a gymnast.

Read more: Best Fall Jackets

If you ask around about waxed canvas jackets, Barbour is the name that you will hear most frequently. The brand is practically synonymous with the fabric because it’s been making waxed canvas jackets longer than anyone else. The style made the cross-over into popular fashion when British aristocrats and yuppies started wearing Barbour jackets designed for farmer work.

While the brand makes them in a bunch of different styles, you can’t go wrong with its marquee Ashby. We love that it has large, button flap pockets for ample storage, as well as zip and button closures to lock out the elements. Here’s a classic English country coat with all the features of our favorite waxed canvas jackets at a budget-friendly price point.

Modeled after the British-style moto jacket, the Bexley is the perfect blend of stylish and rugged. With its roots in the landscapes of Northern England, it’s from 8 oz Millerain waxed cotton shell. Its most worn sports—shoulder seams, elbows, and cuffs—are reinforced for extra durability. Button flap pockets will keep all your stuff secure, and the neck has a throat buckle which, combined with the button and zip front, will trap body heat. The heavy-duty construction, brass snaps, and high, buckled collar ensure that you stay protected in style.

We also love that whether you’re braving the elements on a countryside adventure or navigating the urban jungle, this jacket’s slim fit keeps you looking sharp while the fabric develops character with every expedition you take on.

Filson makes the waxed canvas jacket even more durable with a heavy-duty waxed canvas that can handle harsh winter conditions. Really, made from Tin Cloth, Filson’s signature waxed cotton, this jacket’s toughness is in a league of its own. At 14 oz. per square yard, the Tin Cloth is twice the weight of imitators but not overly thick, thanks to its dense, tightly woven construction. (Much like rugged denim, this Tin Cloth also molds itself to your body’s contours over time.)

Designed for comfort and functionality, the Short Cruiser is cut at the hip to prevent riding up when seated and provides easy access to pockets or a tool belt. It’s also fully lined for easy on and off as well as extra warmth. Details like the metal wreath buttons, adjustable waist tabs, and bar-tacked hand pockets highlight the jacket’s craftsmanship too.

The added elastic waist pulls, an interior zip pocket, a roll-up hood, and velcro waist clasps mean you’ll always be dry. With a full-zip front and button-closed storm flap, this men’s raincoat locks out the cold wind and rain. Plus, the canvas is sourced from Halley Stevensons for a beautiful finish. As a waxed canvas jacket, it is designed to withstand the element without the excessive waxiness found in many canvas jackets.

Featuring a classic button closure and reinforced with grommeted gusseted underarm panels, it offers warmth, versatility, and ventilation, making it your go-to field jacket when the weather feels a bit rough out there. The bi-swing back also ensures more comfort when you move, while shooting patches at the shoulders and reinforced elbows make it the perfect choice for bumpy rides in the wild.

Thursday Boots Company’s waxed canvas jacket is handcrafted to perfection without having you cost a leg or an arm. Made of premium 10oz Waxed Canvas from Halley Stevensons—the renowned British fabric maker that’s been setting the waxed canvas standard since 1864—this jacket will withstand the toughest everyday conditions, year after year.

Inside, a cozy blanket flannel lining provides warmth and comfort, while the polyester sleeve lining prevents bunching for a sleek fit. The corduroy-lined wrists and waistband also add a touch of soft comfort. The jacket also boasts durable brass buttons with an antique brass finish, twin side pockets lined with brushed cotton, and a hidden internal patch pocket for added utility.

Pros

• Can be worn in many ways
• High-performing

Best Waxed Canvas Jackets

Waxed canvas jackets are crafted using a traditional cotton canvas that has been treated with a wax coating that renders it highly water-resistant and resilient. As such, waxed canvas jackets will offer weather resistance to ensure you stay dry and comfortable in rain or shine. Waxed canvas jackets are often made with a sturdy construction to withstand wear and tear, so they’re a long-lasting investment. Furthermore, waxed canvas jackets should provide practical features such as ample pockets, robust hardware, and comfortable linings for warmth, all in all, catering to your everyday needs.

History of Waxed Canvas Jackets

English sailors developed the method of treating heavy cotton fabric with oils and waxes back in the 1700s. Initially, it was used on ship sails to better hold the wind and prevent the added drag created when sails get soaking wet. Not long after, they started turning scraps of those sails into smocks, capes, hats, and eventually jackets. Sailcloth outerwear was so effective that it soon spread inland. In the 1920s, several companies began using paraffin wax to make the canvas even stronger and more weather-resistant. The process used to create this resilient fabric hasn’t changed much since. It also allows for easy re-waxing, another benefit that modern fabrics can’t match.

When to Rewax Your Waxed Canvas Jacket

Maintaining the wax layer on your jacket is crucial to keeping out the cold, wind, and rain. You can easily tell by the look and the feel of your jacket when a fresh coat is required. A new jacket will have a slight shine to it when the wax is fresh, which will also be slick and smooth to the touch. When the wax wears off, the fabric takes on a matte finish and feels rougher to the touch. You will notice wear and tear in high friction areas like the lower back, elbows, and cuffs. Always pay attention to the shoulders, however. This is where rain will wash away the wax first, making it the spot where moisture will sneak in first. On average, you should rewax your jacket every 2 to 3 years.