British quality wax jackets at an affordable price: a viable alternative to the premium marques?

My 'journey' with Walker & Hawkes began, quite serendipitously, with a second-hand discovery. Whilst driving through the Norwegian countryside, I happened upon a small shop selling pre-owned clothing and various curiosities. Old furniture, endless boxes of comic books and kitchy artifacts of dubious origin. After browsing for a while and engaging in conversation with a gentleman who must have been at least seventy years of age, I was delighted to discover a Walker & Hawkes waxed jacket in excellent condition.

Truth be told, I wasn't particularly familiar with their range at the time, but I found myself pleasantly surprised by the jacket's quality.

As it turns out, this could prove to be an excellent alternative in my search for affordable waxed jackets that rival the classic British styling of more expensive marques such as Barbour or Belstaff. As an enthusiast of durable, vintage-inspired outerwear, I was immediately drawn to their offering: robust waxed jackets with that typical gorgeous corduroy collars and tartan linings, perfectly suited to Norwegian autumns and Scandinavian rambles of all sorts. 'Value for money' is the mantra upheld by this family-run Birmingham enterprise. And for good reason.

The heritage of Walker & Hawkes

Take me back! Because Walker & Hawkes was established in the early 1980s as a small family business in the Birmingham area, initially focusing on the production and wholesale distribution of traditional countrywear. They evolved from manufacturing simple waxed outerwear to offering a broader range including tweed jackets, plus-fours, flat caps, breeks, and accessories for shooting, fishing, and dog walking. During the 2000s, they transitioned to e-commerce, and now primarily sell through their own web shop to customers throughout Great Britain, Europe, and beyond. The brand exudes classic British outdoor aesthetics: one thinks of farm life, shooting estates, and countryside pursuits, all whilst maintaining Birmingham as the heart of their operations.

But why are Walker & Hawkes wax jackets so affordable?

Walker & Hawkes deliberately positions itself within the budget segment of heritage brands. Whilst a Barbour Bedale jacket readily commands €300-€500 and Belstaff's Trailmaster approaches €700, they offer comparable field coats or gilets for often half that price – typically €150-€250. They market themselves as 'British-made' using traditional materials such as waxed cotton from established suppliers, but without the substantial marketing and brand-building expenditure associated with the major names. This makes them ideal for budget-conscious buyers like myself, who desire the aesthetic and functionality (bellows pockets, storm cuffs, weather resistance) without unnecessary embellishments.

What do others think?

Reviews are predominantly positive, with 4-5 star ratings on Trustpilot, where buyers praise the sturdy construction, comfortable fit, and weather resistance. I've read accounts of jackets and gilets that have endured years of daily farm or outdoor use, requiring only simple rewaxing whilst retaining stylish details such as tartan linings. Compared to Barbour, they score highly on value for money, with generous sizing and prompt delivery. That said, there are some criticisms: certain users report that waterproofing fails after repeated exposure to rain. Personally, I'm rather sceptical of this claim. With a proper wax coating, these types of jackets can be made thoroughly waterproof.

Should one consider a Walker & Hawkes wax jacket?

Consider the following for yourself: Are you purchasing your jacket to traipse through the woods endlessly? Or do you wish, insofar as it's still possible, to make an impression on others? If the answer is both, then you can certainly consider Walker & Hawkes. Naturally, Barbour is considerably more fashionable, and a Belstaff might afford you greater cachet. However, for me, Walker & Hawkes represents the perfect entry point into British waxed jackets. If the concept appeals to you, you can always ascend the hierarchy of waxed outerwear in due course and ask your better half for a substantial Christmas present next year.

Take me to Walker & Hawkes