Australian wax jackets... Wait, what?

When one thinks of Australia, arid plains, red-hued sands, and a myriad of creatures that seem intent on ending your day might come to mind. While that's certainly true, Australia also boasts a robust outdoor culture, deeply rooted in its cattle-farming heritage. Particularly in the northern, eastern, and southern regions, the weather can turn torrential at times. Combine that with a strong historical British influence, and it's easy to see why the Australian-made wax cotton jacket has gained such popularity.

Australian Wax Jacket Manufacturers

Just like Britain, Australia has its own iconic brands. Currently, three stand out: Driza-Bone, Burke & Wills, and Claybourn.

An Australian wax jacket in its natural habitat. Photo by Taylor Brandon on Unsplash

One of the most iconic brands, Driza-Bone (short for "dry as a bone"), has been producing wax jackets for over 120 years. Originally designed for stockmen and farmers, these jackets have become a staple in both rural and urban settings. The exquisite dark brown jackets from their Heritage Collection are of outstanding quality, evoking images of weathered cowboys and vast herds of cattle.

Burke & Wills is another prominent producer of high-quality wax jackets, albeit with a slightly more fashionable edge compared to Driza-Bone’s Heritage Collection. In terms of aesthetics and craftsmanship, these jackets are somewhat reminiscent of Barbour, if the comparison is to be made at all. My personal preference leans towards the Darwin model, though that might be due to my rather conservative taste.

A somewhat newer player in the market is Claybourn. Claybourn produces wax jackets that share some similarities with Driza-Bone. The exceptional quality, craftsmanship, and materials used make Claybourn a serious contender in the world of wax jackets. The modern elegance, combined with traditional design elements, is, in my opinion, a delight to behold. I'm particularly enamoured with the shoulder patches, so characteristic of traditional Australian wax jackets.

The Price of Australian Wax Jackets

I can understand if the prices give you a moment's pause. However, it’s important to remember that these jackets are not just a fleeting fashion choice. Despite their fantastic appearance, the focus is primarily on the incredibly high quality and durability of the materials used. When you purchase such a jacket, keep in mind that your children might well wear it in the future. With the right care, these jackets can last for generations.

Burke & Wills jackets are the most accessible in terms of price, starting just above $300. However, if you opt for a jacket from the Heritage Collection of Driza-Bone, you can expect to pay over $500. But again, this is a jacket for life, designed to be worn for decades.

I Found a Second-Hand Claybourn and Rewaxed It

During a recent trip through Denmark, I never imagined I’d stumble upon a genuine Australian outback jacket in the form of a dark brown Claybourn. I mean, Denmark of all places.

The jacket was still in excellent condition but clearly in need of a thorough rewaxing. Once home, I first gave the jacket a meticulous cleaning. If you’d like to know how to clean a wax jacket, I’ve previously written an article on the subject.

I then used a wax mix that gives the jacket a somewhat heavy-duty finish. By adding less beeswax, the wax, once melted into the fibres, results in a much stiffer finish. I find this suits the heavy-duty nature of the jacket, especially with that rugged cowboy image in mind.

The day I rewaxed the Claybourn, the Norwegian autumn was already on the doorstep, the workshop was in fact rather chilly. I therefore decided to reverse the waxing process. Where it would normally melt the wax first before applying it onto the jacket, I now decided to rub it on first, and melting it in after. Simply because the melted wax would turn hard too fast before I would be able to melt it into the fabric properly.

I meticulously treated all the seams and edges with great care, even double-waxing the distinctive shoulder patches to ensure no moisture could penetrate. Once the entire jacket was coated in a smooth layer of wax, I used my heat gun set to 200 degrees Celsius to gently melt the wax into the outer fabric.

The process was fairly straightforward, allowing me to easily identify any areas that weren't fully covered. I promptly applied a bit of extra wax to these spots, melting it in afterwards.

I was quite pleased with the outcome. The jacket felt slightly stiff, but that was intentional – sturdy and perfectly prepared for rugged outdoor use and the harsh Norwegian weather.

These jackets become even more beautiful with time, developing a subtle, lived-in patina. During the next sale (sign up to the newsletter to know when), I hope the rewaxed Claybourn finds a new owner. After all, a jacket like this, in its current condition, has the potential to last for generations to come.