Seasonal storage for your waxed jacket: why cotton garment covers are worth a consideration

When I first embarked upon the craft of rewaxing jackets, I quickly discovered that it demands a certain degree of logistical consideration. Space, as it turned out, was at a premium in the tiny apartment I was living in. In fact, it still is.

My wardrobe was already brimming with blazers, shirts, and jackets fashioned from materials quite different to waxed cotton. Consequently, I found myself in search of a practical solution, one that would allow me to store my freshly treated jackets without compromising any other pieces hanging in my wardrobe. Cotton garment bags, as I soon learned, proved to be the answer.

The problem of grease transfer

As previously mentioned, a newly waxed jacket can feel somewhat greasy and tacky to the touch for a period following treatment. Naturally, one would prefer not to have these oily residues migrate onto ‘neighbouring garments’. The wax, whilst marvellous for waterproofing, has a propensity for occasionally leaving stubborn marks on other clothing, after applying a fresh coat of wax. This is particularly liable to occur during the settling period immediately after waxing, that crucial window when the jacket must hang undisturbed before any surplus wax is buffed away.

The risk intensifies when jackets are stored right next to finer garments such as woollen suits or cotton dress shirts. A single careless brushing of fabric against fabric can result in an unsightly and maddeningly persistent stain. It is a predicament I encountered more than once in my early days, and one I am keen to help others avoid.

Why cotton garment bags are indispensable in my modest opinion

When considering seasonal storage for your waxed jacket, cotton garment bags are an excellent idea. They distinguish themselves through their breathability, a quality entirely absent in their plastic counterparts, which trap moisture and encourage the development of mildew on waxed cotton. These bags envelop the jacket entirely, forming a protective barrier that prevents wax particles from contaminating neighboring items, whilst simultaneously permitting airflow to keep the fabric dry and free from musty odours.

Beyond mere protection, cotton bags bring a sense of order to the wardrobe. Each jacket occupies its own designated 'zone,' eliminating clutter and allowing for easy retrieval without the need to rummage through layers of potentially greasy outerwear. This is especially valuable for those of us residing in smaller living quarters, as I do, where storage space is decidedly limited and every square meter must be thoughtfully utilised.

Furthermore, when paired with broad wooden hangers, these bags help maintain the jacket's structure. The shoulders remain well-shaped, and the fabric is spared from the creases and folds that, over time, can lead to premature wear and additional maintenance. After all, the last thing one wishes to do is fold a waxed jacket when storing it away for the summer months. Folding invites unnecessary stress on the fabric and can compromise the wax coating, leading to cracks and reduced water resistance.

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Re-waxing before seasonal storage of your waxed jacket

I must confess, I wear my waxed jacket throughout much of the year, save for the depths of winter, naturally. Where I live, temperatures of minus twenty degrees Celsius are far from uncommon, rendering even the sturdiest waxed cotton inadequate to keep warm. As a result, there are stretches of several months during which my jacket remains unworn. This dormant period presents an ideal opportunity to refresh the jacket with a new coat of wax, sparing one the task come early spring when one is eager to venture outdoors once more.

Here, the case for cotton garment bags becomes even more compelling. Once the rewaxing process is complete, the jacket must be left to cure, a period of approximately 24 to 36 hours during which the wax settles and hardens. Thereafter, it can be safely enclosed within a cotton garment bag. Any residual wax will be absorbed by the cotton fabric of the bag itself, rather than transferring onto other cherished items in your wardrobe. It is a simple measure, yet remarkably effective.

By storing your waxed jackets with care in cotton bags, you invest not only in the preservation of their quality but also in the tranquillity and orderliness of your wardrobe. It is a small effort that yields substantial rewards, for your clothing, your cupboard, and ultimately, for the environment.

The power of rituals and routines

What matters most to me is that you care for your jacket properly, so that it may, ideally, last you a lifetime. To ensure this, it is essential to uphold certain rituals and routines. It is not merely about re-waxing or mending when necessary, but also about mindful storage and regular attention to detail. The more care you lavish upon such particulars, the deeper your affection for the jacket grows, and the less likely you are ever to part with it.

This principle, I should add, is not one I devised myself. It has its roots in Stoic philosophy, a tradition that emphasises the value of discipline, intentionality, and respect for the objects that serve us. I would definitely encourage you to explore this further; you may find, as I have, that tending to one's possessions with deliberate care fosters a profound sense of satisfaction and connection.