3 alternatives to Barbour Thornproof Dressing

When it comes to maintaining a waxed jacket, the sheer number of options available can be rather overwhelming. It was to me at least when I embarked on this wax-endevour. Therefor I want to help you make a well-informed decision when you're selecting the right reproofing wax for your waxed coat or jacket.

In this modest bit of writing, I'm exploring more affordable alternatives to the universally acclaimed Thornproof Dressing from Barbour. I've worked with three alternatives that deliver a comparable lustre and finish, yet come in at a rather more attractive price point than the original.

The 3 Alternatives to Barbour Thornproof Dressing

Much like Barbour's Thornproof Dressing, I'll be discussing waxes that are fundamentally based on similar core ingredients. The primary component is of course paraffin wax, which is a petroleum-derived product. This substance provides excellent protection for the cotton fibres of your jacket whilst imparting that characteristic oily sheen that makes the garment look as if it has just been left te store.

Walker & Hawkes Cotton Dressing

This represents an outstanding alternative to Barbour. In terms of ingredients, it's a straightforward yet highly effective paraffin-based formulation that adheres to traditional recipes with minimal additives, providing robust and long-lasting protection. It emphasises affordability and versatility for both vintage and modern waxed cotton, resulting in a natural, non-greasy finish.

Given that shipping a tin to Norway proved somewhat costly, bloody tarrifs, I've only had the opportunity to test it once, but I must say I was thoroughly impressed. The wax was remarkably easy to spread and yielded a beautifully even final result. The application process was entirely uncomplicated, and the finish was precisely what one would hope for in a quality reproofing treatment.

Gold Label Wax

This product relies on a standard paraffin wax matrix, comparable to generic alternatives, with undisclosed softening agents for reproofing purposes. I found it exceedingly difficult to ascertain the exact list of ingredients, and customer satisfaction appears to be somewhat mixed based on what I've observed.

I tested it myself on a cotton summer jacket. The wax reminded me rather of petroleum jelly in its consistency. After using my heat gun to melt the wax into the cotton, I noticed some light white marks appearing on the surface. I wasn't entirely able to determine whether these marks were caused by the wax itself or by the cotton fabric. However, after reheating the jacket and polishing it with a piece of cotton cloth, all the marks vanished completely. It's worth noting that this product requires a bit more attention during application, but the end result can be satisfactory with proper technique.

Halley Stevensons Wax

Once again, we have a paraffin-based alternative, though this one contains several reinforcing elements that make it potentially more suitable for heavier-duty jackets. You'll notice that this wax produces a somewhat stiffer result than the two aforementioned options.

Personally, I find this rather agreeable, and I frequently opt for a stiffer wax because I've made rather a hobby of tramping through Norwegian forests for entire days in search of mushrooms. Consequently, I'm constantly brushing against branches and undergrowth. A stiffer wax provides superior protection against such obstacles and substantially prevents holes from developing in one's jacket. The additional rigidity acts as a sort of armour for the fabric, which I've found invaluable during my woodland expeditions.

Subtle distinctions worth noting

Walker & Hawkes excels in do-it-yourself scenarios, spreading evenly over older jackets and cost-effectively restoring faded and dried-out cotton. I believe this comes closest to replicating the performance of Barbour's Thornproof Dressing. The ease of application combined with the professional-looking results makes it my top recommendation for those seeking value without compromising quality.

Gold Label serves as a more straightforward reproofing solution, ideal for occasional touch-ups where precision is less critical. For a simple summer jacket that you only don occasionally when a rain shower passes through, this wax represents an excellent alternative. It's the sort of product one might keep in the cupboard for quick maintenance rather than comprehensive restoration work.

Halley Stevensons requires careful heating owing to the higher density of the wax mixture, and delivers a premium, glossy coating that's suited to rather more rugged conditions. Therefore, if you're looking to waterproof a simple summer waxed jacket, I would perhaps have opted for Walker & Hawkes. However, for serious outdoor work or particularly harsh weather conditions, the Halley Stevensons formulation provides unmatched durability.

In conclusion

I recommend matching the dressing to your jacket's fabric and intended use: Walker & Hawkes for value-driven maintenance, Gold Label for simplicity, and Halley Stevensons for maximum durability. I strongly suggest testing small areas first, as excessive application with any of these products can lead to unwanted stiffness, which only I seem to be a fan of.

For bespoke requirements, DIY paraffin-beeswax hybrids can bridge certain gaps, though I'd advise sticking to the original formulations if warranty compliance is a concern. If you're interested in exploring natural and environmentally-friendly alternatives, or perhaps mixing your own wax, I've written several articles on those topics previously that you might find enlightening. Find those articles at the bottom of this one.