Ever notice how the outerwear industry has become incredibly tech-driven in recent years? Micro-spun fibers designed to repel the elements, poly-whatever coatings to ensure not a drop of water penetrates, synthetic this and that. Sure, that stuff is great for park rangers in Alaska and explorers heading to Antarctica, but is it really necessary for everyday guys just trying to get from home to the office? The answer, as for so many questions in menswear, is to not overthink things—a classic waxed jacket will most always do the trick.
The idea behind waxed jackets is charmingly low-fi: They’re made from a standard cotton canvas that is (surprise!) rubbed with wax that, along with things like taped seams, prevents water and wind from getting through. Having originated in the cool, damp climate of the UK, some of the best ones are still made by heritage brands like Barbour and Belstaff. But, more and more designers are offering their take on the perennial style. Whether you’re looking to invest in a classic that will last for many years to come, or you want to branch out to something a little different, here are eight of the best ones to have on your radar this fall.
The editors of Robb Report scour the globe (and the Internet) for the best of the best and only endorse products we love—and think you’ll love, too. If you purchase a product or service through a link in this story, we may receive a small commission.
-
Barbour Stratford Waxed Jacket
Image Credit: Saks Fifth Avenue Wear it to work, wear it hunting, wear it the next time you visit the Royal Family at Balmoral—there’s no wrong way to wear a classic Barbour jacket. Even on the blusteriest days, the jacket keeps you surprisingly insulated from the elements, thanks in part to the combination zip and snap button closures. The more you wear this jacket, the more it will subtlety mold to your body over time. And if you take care of the wax (Barbour has an entire guide to this online, and will rewax it for you), this jacket will get considerable mileage.
-
Belstaff Carrier Jacket
Image Credit: Belstaff Whereas most waxed jackets have a cotton canvas base, Belstaff goes a step further and is known for hand-waxed leather jackets. This timeless bomber silhouette, complete with a detachable shearling collar, is an heirloom-quality piece—the kind of thing that will only get better with time.
-
Filson Fleece-Lined Waxed Jacket
Image Credit: Filson This waxed jacket doesn’t have the stiff upper lip that some UK-designed versions tend to have. Its much more casual vibe comes from the diamond-quilted exterior, functional elastic cuffs and fleece lining for lightweight warmth. Designed by Seattle-based Filson, it’s intended for cool, misty climates when you need a bit of protection but a heavier jacket feels like overkill.
-
Purdey Hanning Corduroy-Trimmed Dry Wax Cotton Jacket
Image Credit: Mr Porter Only Italians could produce the details of this jacket so elegantly: a beautiful herringbone cotton canvas base, a perfectly proportioned funnel neck and four symmetrical pockets which add panache and not bulk. The length of this jacket is just right for covering up in cooler weather, and the dry wax finish keeps unexpected rain showers from soaking through.
-
Mackintosh Drizzle Dry-Waxed Jacket
Image Credit: Mackintosh For a heritage brand like Mackintosh, this dry-waxed chore jacket feels surprisingly modern. Aptly named the “Drizzle,” consider this one for those damp days you need a lightweight cover, as opposed to drenched days which call for something more substantial.
-
Ami Paris Waxed Single Breasted Coat
Image Credit: Farfetch Waxed jackets aren’t all about hunting and the great outdoors, as this trench-inspired coat suggests. The length, the minimalism and the tied waist all suggest a very French je ne sais quoi, making this a much more natural choice for layering over a suit than some of the more casual waxed jacket styles out there.
-
Sid Mashburn Waxed-Cotton Jacket
Image Credit: Mr Porter Rainy days are dreary enough—brighten them up with a shock of color. This flap-pocketed Sid Mashburn number is inspired by classic hunting jackets, but comes in a bright red waxed cotton to keep the elements at bay. Lightweight and unlined, it’s great for adding a dash of irreverence to more sober attire.
-
Alps & Meters Alpine Anorak
Image Credit: Alps & Meters As a brand, Alps & Meters is out to prove that heritage materials—like waxed cotton—can be just as functional as their contemporary, higher-tech counterparts. Inspired by the standard issue jackets of the 10th Mountain Division, every aspect of this retro-inflected ski anorak is thoughtfully considered. It’s constructed from a fortified waxed canvas by Millerain (the UK’s top waxed canvas producer) that, over time, will develop a unique patina. It’s designed as a ski jacket but we see this as a viable option for any and all cold-weather outdoor pursuits.
