Tested: The Best Waxed Canvas Jackets for Battling the Elements

With the advent of waxed canvas clothing, the once water-weary outerwear world was gifted new interpretations of the canvas jacket. These weatherized models could take on rain, snow, sleet, and hail, while still providing the classic look of their unfinished counterparts. Interestingly enough, they would also become lauded for their distinct patterns, which — thanks to continuous use — would become more apparent over time. In a way, each jacket told the story of its wearer, thanks to unique creases, abrasions, and wear marks, giving the style inherent appeal within the heritage menswear crowd. Below, we’ve scoured a handful of our favorite picks from around the genre, and dove deeper into their construction, fit, and feel in this hands-on guide.

How We Tested

Waxed canvas jackets can come in many shapes and sizes, so we made sure to gather a solid collection that has a little something for everyone. Obviously, the draw with waxed cotton canvas is the waterproof protection, but since it wasn’t raining during our testing, we had to get a little creative. We have a spray bottle in the office, and I made sure to get each jacket wet enough to test how waterproof they were. Again, every pick on the guide has a waxed cotton canvas shell, so they all stood up well to my tests. But I’ll let you know if a jacket surprises me in the individual write-ups.

How each jacket fits, and looks is also important, and considering waxed canvas jackets overlap with workwear, I made sure to inspect the seams, weight, and overall durability of each pick. While I do think comfort is important as well, these jackets slant more towards utility, which is something to keep in mind when shopping for one. Every jacket you see was paired with the same white tee (from our pals over at Buck Mason) and the same pair of jeans, so they’re all on an even playing field.

Measurements: I’m 6’2” and wear 34×30 pants – when it comes to jackets, I fall somewhere between L and XL. For this guide, I went with an XL for each jacket, and I’ll let you know if it feels oversized. However, given my in-between sizing, a baggy fit for an XL (on me) may not mean it’ll be baggy on others.

What to look for

Shell: Although style and preference will determine this for the most part, waxed canvas is originally made with 100% cotton canvas, so if you want a classic look and feel, that’s the move (especially if it’s from British Millerain). If you want extra protection, go for a jacket that’s waxed on both sides.

Weight: A waxed canvas jacket shouldn’t replace your winter coat, but a heavier option (~14oz) with something like a flannel lining can be useful in cold weather. Alternatively, if you want a jacket for brisk summer nights on the town where you may be taking it on and off, something lighter (~8oz) might be more comfortable.

Use: Waxed canvas jackets are used for everything from hunting to commuting, and many draw inspiration from classic workwear like the chore coat. If you have a specific use in mind, then make sure to get a jacket that can help with that. For example, we have a pick from Orvis on here with a large game bag on the back; useful for hunters, but not quite as useful for others.

Lining: An unlined jacket may be easier to layer under, but you’ll be missing out on warmth/possible moisture-wicking properties. For extra warmth, go with a jacket that’s lined with something like cotton or wool.

Fit: Waxed canvas jackets will often be a bit baggier, as you’re meant to layer underneath them. More modern options might opt for a true-to-size fit, and there’s nothing wrong with that, but just make sure you know how you’d like to use the jacket first.

Collar: While collars can definitely provide warmth (especially if they’re made with something like wool), they’re mostly a stylistic choice. Many waxed cotton canvas jackets will have a corduroy collar, which is a classic motif for workwear and hunting clothes.

Storage: We got into the different uses of these jackets above, and depending on the inspiration the jacket is drawing from, you’ll get a different amount of storage. Chore coats, for example, have at least three (generally large) pockets on the front, while moto-inspired picks will usually have one or two.

L.L.Bean Double L Waxed-Cotton Upland Down Jacket

Best Down Jacket: L.L. Bean’s Double L Waxed jacket is one of the industry’s finest (and most iconic) offerings. It sets the standard for traditional canvas outerwear, thanks to its British Millerain-designed fabrics, water-resistant, waxed-cotton shell, and abrasion-resistant qualities. Dive deeper, and you’ll find that the Double L also features an antimicrobial cotton lining for increased odor resistance, articulated sleeves for a greater range of motion, and plentiful pockets for in-the-field utility.

The Bean is an undisputed legend in the outdoor space, and the label’s hunting gear is a big part of its history. This jacket is a modern take on the hunting jacket, boasting a rugged waxed cotton construction that’s waterproof, and duck-down filling that’s made with water-repelling DownTek down. What I love most about this jacket is how modern the look and fit are, while still having the utility you want out of a hunting jacket. While we weren’t able to go hunting, the durable construction, storage space, and lightweight warmth make me confident that it will perform. Speaking of the storage, I really liked the inclusion of handwarmer pockets above the flap pockets (which are a bit higher than I was used to, but not high enough to be inconvenient). There’s also a zippered pocket inside the chest that’s a lot bigger than you’d expect and a perfect storage spot for more valuable gear like a wallet. It’s finished with brass hardware and corduroy accents on the collar and pocket flaps.

Regarding the fit, I felt it was mostly true to size around the waist and in the chest area, but the arms were definitely on the puffy side, and fit a bit longer on my arms. It’s also super warm, which is great but not really ideal for indoor settings, as I found myself getting pretty hot inside. It also took a bit longer to dry compared to other jackets on the guide, but it’s still waterproof.

Verdict: For a sub-$300 waxed jacket, this pick is incredibly sturdy and reliable, coming from an absolute legend in the outdoor scene. The down filling (along with the quilted design) results in a unique waxed canvas jacket that’s just as warm as it is stylish.

Orvis Heritage Field Coat

Best Hunting Jacket: Like L.L. Bean, Orvis’ reputation within the world of waxed garments has been earned over years of hard work. Its aptly named Heritage Field Coat is a perfect representation of why the Orvis name is so renowned, thanks to its classic integrations. These include a formidable dry-waxed cotton canvas, helping the jacket to resist water and abrasion, and a pair of lower bellows pockets with snap-closure flaps, among other things. But what makes this iconic garment so special is its adaptability. To keep things modern, Orvis has included a handful of quality-of-life upgrades to the garment, including gusseted underarm panels, reinforced elbows/shoulders, a corduroy collar, and a rear-entry game bag that’s been imbued with waterproof qualities.

Field jackets are definitely a practical choice with military roots, and heritage brands like Orvis (who’ve been around since the 1800s) are keeping it modern while still respecting the style’s roots. This jacket looks and feels like a true classic hunting jacket, with a complementary corduroy collar and corduroy-lined cuffs. For storage, you really get it all, with two internal chest pockets, two flap pockets on the front, two hand warmer pockets, and a large back pocket on the back designed to hold your game. While we weren’t able to actually go hunting in this one, it’s clear that it’s designed to make things easier, from the gusseted underarm panels for more range of motion, to the reinforced elbow patches and shooting patches on the shoulders. As for how waterproof it is, it passed the spray test with flying colors and dried very quickly.

The fit is a little long, but field jackets are naturally longer, and it doesn’t take away from the style. I will also say that it’s a bit of a shame that it’s not manufactured in the States, given Orvis’ history as an American outdoor brand, but it still feels incredibly durable, and Orvis offers plenty of US-made products if you’re interested.

Verdict: If you want an absolutely classic look and feel (and a true hunting jacket/field coat), this pick from Orvis is for you. You get a truly impressive amount of storage, with a game bag in the back to boot, making this a great pick for any hunter.

Iron & Resin Rambler Jacket

Best Moto-Inspired Jacket: Iron & Resin’s Rambler jacket is a great-looking model that draws its inspiration from coastal moto culture. Each USA-made garment features a 100% cotton Martexin waxed canvas, a comfortable corduroy collar, and a tack button/zippered front closure for impenetrable protection. If you’re abject to the nomadic, on-the-road lifestyle that this jacket was created to abide by, you’ll find that it’s equally as viable within your traditional outerwear rotation, thanks to its plentiful button-flap pockets, side-welt hand warmers, and conventional appeal.

The Rambler Jackets was originally dropped in 2013 and was a big inspiration for many other waxed cotton jackets to come (namely Flint and Tinders Waxed Trucker Jacket). The moto-inspired silhouette blends trucker jacket style with 10.5oz of British Millerain Co. waxed canvas, and was the first cut-and-sew piece the label made. Off the bat, I loved the true-to-size fit and modern look of the jacket, and it’s unlined, which offers more layering options. The hardware feels really sturdy, with custom I&R branded shank buttons and a UCAN zippered front. As for the water test, the outer layer dried very quickly, but since it’s unlined, it may start to seep through in especially heavy rainfall. It’s backed by a lifetime guarantee, and it’s proudly made in the States, resulting in a jacket with true heirloom quality. 

Really, the only downside with this jacket is the fit for me; personally, I usually wear an XL when it comes to jackets, but the XL here felt a little more tailored. I’m guessing this is just because I’m on the larger side, because it felt a little tight in the chest, but it’s a trucker jacket at the end of the day and fits exactly how one should. 

Verdict: This pick is effortlessly cool and serves as a moto-inspired take on the classic trucker jacket. Although it was a bit tight on me personally, I really like the modern look, and it’s clear that Iron & Resin takes pride in their craft.

Flint and Tinder Flannel-Lined Waxed Trucker Jacket

Best Trucker Jacket: Flint and Tinder are masters of their craft, and when it comes to heritage garments, there are few who can compare. The brand’s Flannel-Lined Waxed Trucker is one such example. Boasting a handsome, field-jacket-inspired silhouette, weather-resistant Martexin 7 oz. sailcloth, and fully-lined sleeves for additional comfort, the Waxed Trucker is sure to keep you protected from the elements, without sacrificing style and presence. The best part? Since the jacket’s fabrics take on a persona of their own, every task, outing, or meet-up will add a little bit of character to your garment, making it uniquely yours.

Here we are with the famous jacket worn by Pedro Pascal in The Last of Us, and a breakout hit that dominated 2023. It starts with 7 oz of waxed sailcloth from Marxetin that’s waxed on both sides for more protection, and lined with flannel, which is noticeably warm. The jacket itself also has this out-of-the-box softness that I noticed immediately (definitely helped by the soft lining, which has a really nice skin feel), and it looks more rigid than it actually is. As for the fit, it was true to size and fit exactly how you want a trucker to fit, hitting just at the waist and a bit tighter in the midsection. Sleeves may be short on some, but FnT has made some changes to make sure that this doesn’t happen as often, and they fit just fine when I was wearing the jacket. 

I do wish the media pocket on the inside had some sort of closure, but it’s big enough to hold most smartphones and a nice inclusion. Also, compared to other waxed canvas jackets, this one has a bit less storage, with just one chest pocket and two hand pockets. Flint and Tinder also offer the jacket in a tall cut, which I recommend for taller people with longer torsos. It’s also lacking a bit in the storage department in general (compared to Filson’s jacket and even Iron & Resin’s), but that’s not a deal breaker.

Verdict: This jacket had a big 2023, and for good reason; it’s durable, stylish, and a lot softer than it looks. While storage could be better, this trucker jacket is a true icon, and built to last for years to come.

Filson Tin Cloth Work Jacket 

Best Work Jacket: Filson’s Tin Cloth Cruiser arrives hot on the heels of the genre’s other heritage-inspired pieces, and if we’re being honest, it’s got its work cut out for it. That being said, this great-looking model is already one of our favorites, thanks to its cleanly tailored outdoor appeal. It boasts a water-repellent and abrasion-resistant oil finish Tin Cloth construction, synthetic-lined sleeves, and a hip-length hem to keep things snag-free whenever you’re in the work environment. However, if you’re more interested in the jacket’s stylish appeal, you won’t be disappointed to hear that it’s accompanied by a tab-adjustable waist, button cuffs, and a dry-finish Cover Cloth lining that’s sure to add insulating warmth to the jacket’s long list of positive traits.

Much like Orvis, Filson is a true authority in rugged wear, with decades of experience in the space. With this jacket, the outer cotton shell feels quite similar to Flint and Tinder’s trucker jacket, and has a nice modern fit and look. It’s definitely beefier, though, and has a noticeable weight. The side entries in the flap pockets are a really nice touch, with flannel lining to add warmth. This pick felt the most water-resistant to me, likely because the canvas is saturated with paraffin under high pressure and heat. Also, the wool collar adds a unique textured look to the jacket and is surprisingly warm. Speaking of warmth, I felt the cover cloth (a lightweight polyester) kept me warm enough, but it definitely wasn’t as warm as Flint and Tinder’s trucker jacket. 

The sleeves here ran a bit long on me, and I think the garment just runs a bit large in general. I probably could’ve gone with a large, which makes me think that others should size down for a more true-to-size fit. The lack of chest pockets may also be a downside for some, but the flap pockets offer a solid amount of storage.

Verdict: Filson is known for crafting some of the best outdoor gear, and this jacket is no exception. It’s warm, heavyweight, and built to take a beating, with convenient side entry pockets on the front.

Buck Mason Dry Waxed Canvas Highland Jacket

Best Chore Coat-Inspired Jacket: Buck Mason calls this piece a jacket, but it’s genuinely a chore coat, and it’s one with remarkable weatherized properties. The Dry Waxed Canvas Highland Jacket is constructed using premium fabric sourced from a world-famous Scotland mill and a blanket lining for optimized warmth and comfort from top to bottom. It’s rounded out with sturdy white stitching, a corduroy collar for maximum style, and a cold weather-ready look that’s undeniably ideal around autumn.

Buck Mason has mastered the blend of modern and classic design, and this jacket is the perfect example of it. Inspired by the chore coat, this 100% cotton waxed canvas jacket has four generous pockets on the front, with a warm blanket lining made of a polyester and wool blend. I felt the fit was a bit baggy in the front, but chore coats should naturally drape in a more relaxed way, and Buck Mason designed this pick to be layered with. That said, I recommend you size down if you prefer a closer fit. I really liked the look of this pick in general, and found that even though it was a little baggy, it had a more flattering fit compared to other chore coat-inspired jackets (like Orvis’).

I wish there were some hand pockets on the front, or at least a side entry in the front flaps like Filson has, but otherwise, the four pockets on the front offer plenty of storage. Speaking of storage, this pick offered the most out of any other on the guide, so if you’re in need of extra space, then this pick is definitely for you.

Verdict: Inspired by the absolutely classic chore coat, Buck Mason offers a modern spin on things with this warm and stylish jacket. You’re getting plenty of storage on the front with four pockets, and it’s finished with classic corduroy details.

Barbour Classic Bedale Wax Jacket

Best Premium Jacket: This British staple features a lauded Sylkoil waxed cotton construction, a traditional zip and snap-front placket, and a corduroy collar for comfortable utilization on those days when the rain and wind won’t seem to let up. Its waterproof design is complemented by a classic Tartan cotton lining, two front flap pockets, and elastic inner cuffs to seal in warmth, making it even more attractive as a fall/winter piece.

Barbour is such a legend in this space and an absolute must-have in any waxed canvas jacket guide. Made in England, this premium pick is expertly crafted with a waxed cotton outer shell, and lined with the iconic Barbour tartan pattern. Everything about this jacket just oozes class; it has a clean, true-to-size fit that offers enough room for layering underneath without looking too baggy. You get a corduroy collar, two bellow pockets, and two handwarmer pockets above them for plenty of storage. Something I really liked about this jacket was the ribbed cuffs on the sleeves, preventing the sleeves from falling past my wrist, and the inclusion of studs around the collar if you want to attach a hood. The look overall is also really nice, conjuring a very old-school English vibe (the plaid lining drives this home) that’s still modern.

The only thing going against this jacket is the price, but honestly, $400 for a jacket that’s built this well from a true legend in the space is not bad. Other than that, this jacket was probably my favorite on the list, and a truly classic piece from a legend in the space.

Verdict: Barbour and waxed cotton are like peanut butter and jelly, which means this pick is about as classic as you can get. While it’s a little on the expensive side, Barbour’s Bedale offers some rugged English style, finished with that iconic tartan lining.

Waxed Canvas Jacket Comparison Chart

WHAT EXACTLY IS WAXED CANVAS?

After noticing that wet sails weren’t nearly as effective as dry sails (which probably didn’t take long), 15th-century sailors started curing them by rubbing linseed oil in the fabric, and waxed canvas was born. The water-repellent properties that waxed canvas provided meant it was quickly adopted in sailor’s clothing as well, and it began getting used for everything from bags to jackets. The company British Millerain would pioneer the use of paraffin-based wax, making them the originator of the waxed cotton canvas that’s still used today. Eventually, the industry ditched linseed oil for paraffin wax thanks to BM (because it gets less stiff in cold weather), and waxed canvas jackets continue to be rugged and weather-resistant garments.

WHY IS WAXED CANVAS GOOD?

While the wax does provide a water-proof barrier, it doesn’t make the jacket fully waterproof, as water can get still inside. So if that’s what you’re looking for, then a rain jacket is more appropriate, but there are options that have covered the entire jacket in wax. These jackets are perfect choices for light rain during chilly days because you get warmth from the material construction (and sometimes a lining), and a waterproof shell to keep the elements at bay. The fabric also has a leather-like look and feel (without the leather price).

HOW TO RE-WAX YOUR JACKET

Once you notice the oil getting light (or if you just want to touch things up), you can re-wax your (freshly cleaned) jacket by applying the wax of your choice (usually paraffin or soy wax), letting it dry overnight, and wiping off the excess. Heating the wax before letting it dry with something like a hair dryer will help the wax get into the jacket and make it more durable, so keep that in mind.

How to Clean a Waxed Canvas Jacket

You may have noticed that the vast majority of waxed canvas jackets require spot cleaning and/or professional help if it gets too dirty. This is really the only downside to the fabric, as you can’t just wash and dry it in a machine like you would with other clothing because it’ll damage the wax coating. No need to fret, though, because hitting it with a damp towel (using cold water) and some gentle soap should take care of most mild stains and dirt. Labels may have specific care instructions, too, so pay close attention to those and follow them accordingly.

Honorable Mentions

Worn by Daniel Craig in No Time to Die, Rogue Territory’s Supply Jacket is a sleek, 007-approved jacket with a slim fit that’s designed to flatter. It’s made with 10oz of canvas and features hand-warmer pockets. As we like to say around these parts, if it’s good enough for James Bond, it’s probably good enough for you.

Thursday Boots may be better known for its footwear, but the label’s Waxed Canvas Field Jacket is worth a look. Made with waxed canvas from Halley Stevensons, it comes in six different colors for a custom look.

The Freenote Cloth Riders Jacket Waxed Canvas is a premium pick that blends ranch and riding jacket styles. It’s made in the States with custom metal trims from Kentucky and satin sleeves from Japan.

Much like Thursday Boots, Tecovas is better known for its shoes, but the Buckaroo Waxed Canvas Jacket captures that same Western vibe the label is known for, finished with antique brass hardware.

Taylor Stitch’s The Clutch Jacket in Soil Waxed Canvas is another retro, moto-inspired jacket, and it’s made sustainably with an organic cotton shell and lining. On top of that, the fabric was custom-developed by Halley Stevensons.

The Best Field Jackets for Stylish Utility

What better way to add to this rugged ensemble than with a pick from our best field jackets guide?