From a fashion perspective, farmers aren’t exactly the first muse to spring to mind.
The mud, the livestock, the weatherbeaten brows and the disgustingly early morning starts - it doesn’t scream catwalk chic, does it?
But farmercore has been quietly casting its charm over us all, even those who have never been at the business or, in fact, the party end, of a tractor.
The uniform of the agriculturalist and countryperson can be found in practically every corner of London, from City workers in padded gilets and checked shirts marching to their desks to North London cool kids in overalls edgily styled for the club.
The one thing that looks good on everyone, no matter what? A waxed jacket.
Resilient to the last, this rendition of outerwear may have been initially designed for country pursuits (just try and find a Royal without one) but can look just as wholesome and quietly luxurious in the urban jungle, suggesting the wearer has just been blown in from a rustic pile somewhere in the Home Counties.
Protected with paraffin-based wax over tightly woven cotton for water- and wind-resistance, wax coats and jackets are typically finished with metal hardware in popper fasteners and delightfully deep pockets that bypass the need for a handbag.
How to clean a waxed jacket or coat
The wax means washing machines should be avoided when it comes to cleaning. Instead, use a soft brush to remove dirt, going over the grimy areas with a damp sponge and cool water if needed and allowing to air dry. A wax coat will also need re-waxing to retain its water resistance.
Barbour, one of the biggest names in wax coats, suggests doing this annually either yourself or by booking a service with one of its professionals for a small fee.
It’s a small price to pay for the lifetime of use you’ll get out of a well-made and well-maintained wax coat.
If you’re willing to invest in a coat designed to last a lifetime, buy well with our edit of the best waxed coats and jackets for men and women below.
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Barbour Women's Beauly Waxed Jacket
The Beauly jacket has a more relaxed A-line fit and a weatherproof 6oz waxed cotton finish. Though more oversized than traditional riding jackets, it offers a wonderfully warming and casual silhouette complete with two handwarmer pockets and an inner storm skirt.
Buy now £289.00, Very
Belstaff Iris Jacket
From motorcycle kit specialist Belstaff comes a chic cropped jacket that’s perfect for city living. Don’t be fooled by the finish; this isn’t leather but breathable cotton made supple with wax to shield against the elements. It’s available in all black too, with sizes spanning UK4 - UK14.
Buy now £495.00, Belstaff
Aligne Barnaby Reversible Check Trench Coat
How’s this for girl math: this coat is technically half-price because it is reversible and so you get two for the price of one? On the one side is a neutral-toned wax finish but on the other is a heritage check. Both are complete with cord detailing at the collar and cuffs. Chic.
Buy now £249.00, Aligne
LOEWE Cropped corduroy-trimmed waxed cotton-canvas jacket
Cut in a trapeze shape Loewe's offering brings a serious dose of luxe to the wax jacket landscape. This cropped jacket bears all the hallmarks of a classic wax jacket style - cord collar, roomy cargo pockets and heritage check lining - with the masterful cut of a high-flying designer.
Buy now £2600.00, Net-A-Porter
M&S Collection Pure Cotton Padded Wax Jacket
When you need a dependable coat to see you through this winter and many beyond, M&S has your back. It’s brought out a version of the wax jacket with extra padding and a corduroy collar for extra comfort. There are two wide and deep pockets at the front, plus another two inside to keep valuables close. The piece is finished with a water-repellent, trademarked Stormwear finish that will stand up to light rain showers so best to keep a brolly handy.
Buy now £150.00, M&S
M&S Collection Pure Cotton Wax Jacket with Stormwear
If your pockets aren’t deep enough to stretch to a genuine Barbour, all is not lost. Head to M&S where you can find this waxed beauty, finished with a corduroy collar, bronze-coloured poppers and a zip to keep the wind and rain firmly out. Hand warmers and deep pockets complete the utilitarian picture on the outside, while you’ll find more internal pockets to keep precious bits and pieces.
Buy now £130.00, M&S
Boden Heritage Wax Jacket
Adding a pop of joyous pink to the trad wax jacket formula, Boden’s coat is perfect for hybrid city and country folks. The straight design is loaded with popper-fastened pockets, staying true to the heritage look by adding protective wax over the cotton shell.
Buy now £165.00, Boden
House of Bruar Men’s Outback Wax Jacket
“There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes”: this famous saying from our Scandinavian friends is proven true with House of Bruar’s coat, blending timeless design with practical function. From the cord collar that sits comfortably against the neck to the wind and rain shielding fasteners and more pockets than you’ll know what to do with, the generous fit is ideal for layering over knits and sweaters when cold weather hits.
Buy now £149.95, House of Bruar
Plümo Doherty Waxed Coat - Tartan
Keen to embrace the full Queen-at-Balmoral look? Take your cues from the former monarch in Plumo’s full coverage waxed coat, with tartan on the shell for an extra Gaelic touch. The slightly shortened sleeves mean you won’t need to constantly pull them back, while deep pockets can keep hands warm should you find yourself without gloves. The lightly coated cotton can withstand poor weather, making it a rainy-day must-have.
Buy now £398.00, Plümo
Barbour Utility Waxed Jacket, Olive
Pairing fashion with function, this olive-hued Barbour jacket will make an excellent shield against whatever the British winter throws at you. Available in sizes 8 - 18, it’s been treated to 20 per cent off.
Buy now £209.00, John Lewis
Barbour Gunnerside paneled cotton-canvas, denim and corduroy jacket
Save for its vibrant collaborations, Barbour’s aesthetic leans towards the neutral ends of the design spectrum so when we saw the Gunnerside paneled jacket, we were intrigued. It retains the country charm that the brand is known for but breaks from the norm with a patchwork-like clash of denim, canvas and corduroy.
Buy now £300.00, Net-A-Porter
