What is Waxed Canvas?

Waxed canvas has been around for centuries and has a rich history in the world of outdoor gear and workwear. Its use in clothing and bags has proved to be a durable and versatile material that will last a lifetime and is still relevant today.
In this blog post, we'll examine the origin of waxed canvas, its evolution and how it became the material we know and love today.

WHAT IS WAXED CANVAS? 

Waxed canvas is tightly woven cotton fabric coated with wax to provide an extra layer of protection against the elements. The density of the weave, the thickness of the yarn, and the quality of the wax determine the strength and quality of the material. Most waxed canvas is made with paraffin-based wax; however, hybrid waxes that combine paraffin and fluorocarbon to increase water resistance are also available. Waxing can also be accomplished with natural waxes, such as beeswax, but this is a more costly method.
Waxed canvas is a breathable, extremely robust, and durable material. When it's hot, the fabric becomes soft and stiffens when cold.

WHAT IS THE HISTORY OF WAXED CANVAS?

We can trace the origin of waxed canvas back to the sailing industry in Scotland, where they used it to make waterproof sails for ships. Sailors were at the mercy of wind, rain and sea, and their clothing offered little to no protection. They noticed that wet sails caught better wind, but wet sails are heavy. That is why they started treating the sails with linseed oil.

Linseed oil treatment prevented the sailcloth from becoming soaked, keeping it light and therefore, efficient in the strong winds. They often used the leftover pieces and crafted them into crude smocks. The men on deck would wear them to protect themselves from the harsh winds and sprays. These early garments were the precursors to modern waxed canvas jackets.

The downside of linseed oil was that it cracked and turned yellow with time.

FUN FACT: Because linseed yellowed with time, to this day, fisherman's slickers are still traditionally yellow.

 

Advancements and Expanded Uses

By the 1700s, with the demand for lightweight and efficient sailcloth, they started constructing the sailcloth from heavy-duty flax to finer yarn cotton and a more robust two-fold construction. Cotton made the fabric more suitable for use in outerwear.
In the late 1800s, the United Kingdom's British Millerain began developing new fabric treatments with paraffin wax to tackle the cracking and yellowing of linseed oil. Paraffin wax creates a more stable and longer-lasting waterproof finish than one made with linseed oil.

Why does waxed cotton work so well? The wax doesn't just coat the fibres; it fills them. Cotton fibres themselves are hollow and soak up water when wet. Wax fills up these fibres and spaces between them.

 

Over the years, the use of waxed canvas extended beyond the sailing industry. Other industries where protection from the elements was necessary quickly adopted it in the production of their products. Outdoor companies began making weatherproof jackets and bags for hunters, farmers, and travellers. During World War II, the British Army utilized it to make waterproof clothing for its troops. After that, waxed canvas made its way into the fashion and millinery industries.

Today, waxed canvas is used in items like clothing, shoes, bags and camping equipment. Waxed cotton is a rare example of a fabric invention that has passed the test of time. Although techniques and uses have evolved throughout time, waxed canvas has a long history that reflects the tenacity of those seafarers.

WHY CHOOSE A WAXED CANVAS BAG?

• Waxed canvas doesn't just look rugged; it actually is. Properly cared for, your bag will last you a lifetime of adventures and still look good and fashionable.
  
  
• It looks better with age. Every scratch, every fold, and every mark infuse the fabric with character. Over time, your bag will develop a wonderful patina that tells a story - your story.
  
  
• It's easy to clean. Because of the waxed coating, scuffs and marks add to the bag's character rather than making it look dirty. A trusted bag should have some spots and stains to prove it's been somewhere and back again.
  
  
• It's water-resistant. Thanks to waxed coating, this fabric naturally repels water, keeping your belongings dry and protected from the elements on your outdoor adventure.
  
  
• Its connection to the past. Now that you've read its rich history, you can almost feel how waxed canvas is connected to the time when craftsmanship and quality were paramount. When you carry your bag, you carry that tradition with you. 
  
  
• It's environmentally responsible. It's is an eco-friendly choice. Cotton is a natural fibre, and the waxing process has a relatively low impact. Also, the durability of waxed canvas bags means less frequent need for replacement and reduced consumption.

To see how we honour this great tradition, check out our collection of rugged crossbody bags, totes and pouches.

FAQ

Here are some common questions about our favourite fabric and its usage.

IS WAXED CANVAS WATERPROOF? 

No, it's not waterproof, but it is water-resistant. In the rain, it will repel water with ease for a prolonged period of time. However, if you go swimming with your bag, it will leak.

IS WAXED CANVAS DURABLE?

Waxed canvas is a robust and hard-wearing material that is resistant to tearing. Properly maintained, it will last a lifetime of adventures. 

IS WAXED CANVAS FLAMMABLE?

Compared to most synthetic materials, waxed canvas is less flammable. It will burn if sufficient heat is applied, but it is not combustible.

DOES WAXED CANVAS RUB OFF?

Generally, no. Only scorching temperatures combined with the excessive wax application would cause the wax to rub off onto another material.

Industrially made waxed canvas is not made by rubbing wax onto the fabric but by embedding wax into the fibres. Therefore, you shouldn't have any problems with wax rubbing onto your clothes.

To preserve the integrity of the bag, we do not recommend leaving your waxed canvas bags sitting in a hot car for a prolonged period of time.

DOES WAXED CANVAS STAIN?

Because it's is water-resistant, it will not stain easily. If you happen to get an oil stain, apply corn starch to the area and leave for forty-eight hours, then scrub it off with a bristle brush. If necessary, repeat the process. You can also use cold water and a mild soap. Remember to re-wax the canvas after treatment.

HOW TO CLEAN A WAXED CANVAS BAG?

The first rule is to go easy with cleaning. A few marks, scuffs and a little dust won't harm your bag. If you get dust or dry dirt on your bag, scrub it away with a bristle brush.

Leave wet dirt or mud to dry, then scrub it off with a brush. For persistent dirt, spray the bag with cold water. You can use a small amount of mild soap (not detergent) on persistent spots. Then rinse with cold water and allow to air dry. Never dry clean, or machine wash your waxed canvas bag!

The second rule is to avoid the heat. Please do not put a waxed canvas bag in a dryer, and do not try to clean it with hot water! Exposure to extreme heat will break down the wax coating.

REMEMBER: a dirty bag is a sign of days well spent and a bag well used. A trusted bag should have some spots and stains to prove it's been somewhere and back again.

HOW TO SOFTEN A WAXED CANVAS BAG?

Waxed canvas will soften on its own with use and in warmer temperatures.

HOW TO BREAK IN A WAXED CANVAS BAG?

The only way to do it is to use your bag. Don't treasure it. You have to wear your bag. Don't be gentle. Mark it with your adventures. Make it yours!