Wax jackets and patina; a solid and long-lasting marriage

From a young age, old objects have held a strong attraction for me. I grew up in an environment with deep roots in the mysterious Middle Ages. Within a radius of 10 kilometres, there were at least 8 castles. When I played there as a small boy, I was always impressed by the apparent permanence of these structures, the hundreds of years of history embedded in their walls, and the weathered beauty of the stately and robust buildings. As a child, I was also mad about flea markets. Old weathered books that looked discarded, old furniture that was made long before my parents were born, and curious oddities whose purpose I couldn't fathom.

Patina

All these objects had something in common. These buildings and objects had, first and foremost, the merit of still existing. Those old books, for example. Fragile in themselves, yet through their quality they commanded a certain respect from their owners throughout their existence. Thus these books survived many generations. A wonder in itself. Only much later did I learn that there was a word for that quality: Patina.

Derived from Italian, it means "a thin layer of coating on a surface". Now a bit more about the elusive aesthetic of patina. Patina adds depth, richness and uniqueness to objects, making each piece truly unique. On leather articles, patina develops richer colours, softer textures and a subtle sheen that transforms everyday items such as wallets and jackets into personalised objects with character and beauty. On metals and wood, patina brings forth complex hues and patterns that enhance visual appeal.

Moreover, patina is a sign of quality and authenticity. It shows that an object is made from high-quality materials that age beautifully rather than deteriorate. It reflects genuine craftsmanship and durability, qualities that are particularly valued in antiques, vintage watches, furniture and heirlooms. The presence of patina can confirm the authenticity and history of an item, something that collectors and enthusiasts greatly appreciate.

Patina also creates an emotional bond by containing the stories and memories that become anchored in an object through use. This connection can make patinated items feel like living companions that gain value over time, evoking feelings of attachment and fostering a sense of continuity between generations.

Finally, appreciating patina contributes to sustainability. By embracing ageing and reuse rather than throwaway culture and replacement, the growing interest in patinated objects aligns with environmentally conscious values. Natural ageing is thus seen as a form of beauty rather than a defect.

The Wax Jacket and Patina

After what you've just read, it's not difficult to understand how my love for old things seamlessly transitioned into a great appreciation for wax jackets, and particularly for specimens that have already accumulated considerable wear and thereby proved to have been owned by people who had an eye for that same quality and respected it through thorough maintenance. Buying a wax jacket is no art. Maintaining it and ignoring all the noise of fashion fads and perceived social status is another art altogether.

And therein lies precisely the key. Buy a wax jacket and keep it for the rest of your life, because the beautiful patina on wax jackets is a unique and lovely transformation that comes with time, use and exposure to the elements. This patina forms as the wax coating on the jacket subtly wears away in areas of frequent movement and contact, whilst the remaining wax thickens in other places, creating a rich, varied texture and depth of colour.

The patina enhances the jacket's aesthetic by developing a slightly polished, glossy appearance combined with softer, worn areas, giving the garment a characterful, lived-in look that is both rustic and refined. Each jacket ages uniquely, depending on how it is used, making the patina a personal imprint of its wearer's lifestyle and adventures.

This organic ageing process emphasises the quality and durability of waxed cotton, and the resulting patina is widely cherished for its visual appeal and the story it tells through the jacket's natural evolution over time.

Conclusion

I've described my lifelong fascination with old objects and the beauty of ageing. Having grown up amongst mediaeval castles and captivated by flea markets, I discovered the concept of 'patina' - the unique weathering that quality objects acquire through time and use.

Patina adds depth, character and uniqueness to objects. It is a mark of quality and authenticity, creates emotional bonds and aligns with sustainable values by embracing reuse over throwaway culture.

This appreciation culminates in my love for wax jackets. A well-maintained wax jacket develops a personal patina through use - the wax coating wears unevenly, creating a rich texture and depth of colour. Each jacket becomes unique and tells the story of its wearer. The message: buy a quality wax jacket and cherish it for a lifetime, because true beauty emerges over time.