The reason Barbour jackets are still a staple of our wardrobes is because they remain robust and reliable heritage pieces. The key to giving your jacket a long life is good after care.
Most importantly, wax jackets should never be cleaned with soap or any detergents, as this will strip away the wax to a point that it is not repairable. In addition, coats should be washed with cold water only, as hot water may melt away the wax.
You may notice some areas on your jacket drying out over time, particularly those that see the most wear such as your elbows, shoulders and seams. This is completely natural and is repairable. As such, we also recommend that jackets are rewaxed once a year. Rewaxing not only enhances your garments weather-protection, but it will also bring old fabric back to life, making your jacket look less worn with a bolder colour, much closer to the original you bought.
Rewaxing 6/8oz jackets:
- Clean your jacket by brushing off any dirt and then wiping with cold water.
- Meanwhile, soften your wax in hot water, this will take approximately 20 minutes.
- With a lint-free cloth or sponge, work the wax into the jacket. Pay particular attention to areas that receive a lot of wear and ensure you do not get wax on the lining or corduroy collar. You may want to keep your wax in the hot water, so it remains a useable consistency.
- Wipe off any excess, non-absorbed wax with your cloth
- Your jacket can be left to air-dry or for a more even finish, you can use a hairdryer. If using a hairdryer, ensure that it is not on the hottest setting or held too close or you will remelt the wax.
Rewaxing 4oz jackets:
- Ensure your jacket is clean and dry to start, when cleaning your jacket use cold water and no soap.
- Using a wax stick, apply even layers of wax to the jacket, starting at the back.
- Run over the wax with a hairdryer to melt the wax into the jacket.
- Using a lint free cloth, work the wax into the jacket.
- Dry your jacket overnight by hanging it and allowing it to air-dry.