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. We'll look at how waxed canvas stacks up against other popular materials and quickly examine its use in bag-making. 

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. Manufacturers make most waxed canvas with paraffin-based wax; however, they also offer hybrid waxes that combine paraffin and fluorocarbon to increase water resistance. You can also accomplish waxing 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.

We make our bags from waxed canvas that is treated with fully biodegradable petroleum jelly and paraffin waxes, which are by-products from cracking crude oil to produce fuels such as gasoline.

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 were heavy, so they started treating the sails with fish oils and grease to waterproof them. 

The next stage in the development of waxed cotton began when sailors started adding linseed oil to the flax sails. This was a significant improvement over fish oil and grease; we're not talking about just the smell.
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, fishermen's slickers are still traditionally yellow.

 

Advancements and Expanded Uses

In 1795, Francis Webster Ltd, a Scottish sailmaker based in Arbroath, Scotland, perfected the process of treating flax with linseed oil. However, as the British Empire expanded and the demand for faster transportation from distant corners of the world grew, Tea Clippers found that sails made from flax and linseed oil were too heavy for their high-speed journeys.

With the demand for lightweight and efficient sailcloths, they started constructing sails from finer yarn Egyptian cotton and a more robust two-fold construction. This 2-ply cotton was not only stronger and could make larger sails but also took the linseed better. Cotton also made the fabric more suitable for use in outerwear.

From Flaxseed Oils to Paraffin

In the late 1800s, the United Kingdom's British Millerain, an established cotton finishing company, 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. This new process also created a breathable fabric, which meant that apparel made from waxed cotton was now flexible and comfortable to wear. 

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 in the production of their products quickly adopted waxed cotton. 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, camping equipment, and our favourite bags. 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.

Now, let's take a closer look at how we use waxed canvas in bag-making.

WAXED CANVAS BAGS

Waxed canvas bags have been a staple in urban and outdoor lifestyles for centuries. Their durability, style, and versatility make them a timeless choice for anyone looking for a reliable and fashionable accessory.

They come in various styles that fit every lifestyle and preference. Whether you need a bag for your work commute, a weekend getaway, or exploring the great outdoors, there's a bag designed for you. Let's look at the most popular styles and types.

EVERYDAY BAGS

Messenger bags are perfect for your daily commute. These bags are spacious enough to hold your laptop, tablet, and other essentials to get through the day. We recommend these for students, professionals, and anyone who wants a reliable companion for their daily adventures.

Large crossbody bags strike that perfect balance between size and convenience. They're usually larger than small crossbody bags but smaller than messenger bags. We recommend these as work or everyday bags.

Small crossbody bags are ideal for days when you need just the basics like your phone, wallet, and keys. We pick one of these when heading to concerts or coffee dates.

Tote bags are the most versatile bag. You can use a tote as a book bag, day bag, shopping bag and more.

TRAVEL BAGS

Weekender duffels are perfect for short trips, as carry-on luggage or as gym bags. We love them because they offer plenty of room for clothes and accessories and make us look great while travelling.

Oversized totes are perfect for carrying larger loads, or you can use them as a chic alternative to traditional luggage. They also make great overnight bags.

Dopp kits are designed to hold your grooming supplies. We recommend dopp kits to travellers, gym-goers and adventurers.

SPECIALIZED BAGS AND ACCESSORIES

Tool Rolls, Pencil Rolls, and Pouches are great for organizing your tools, pencils, pens and more. Because waxed canvas is renowned for its durability and water resistance, these pouches keep your tools safe from the elements.

Foraging Pouches provide a durable and convenient way to carry whatever treasures you find on your adventures.

Panniers attach securely to your bike, providing ample storage for gear during long rides.

Backpacks are durable storage solutions for hikers, campers and travellers. They are designed to withstand the elements and offer reliable protection for your gear on even the most rugged adventures.

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 its 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 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.

 

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT BAG FOR YOU

You must consider a couple of things when choosing the right bag.

Firstly, consider what you need the bag for. Think about your daily routine. Do you need a sturdy everyday bag, a roomy travel bag or a space to store your tools? Make sure the bag is large enough for your needs but not so big that it becomes cumbersome.

Secondly, consider your style and the occasion. Rugged designs work well for outdoor adventures, while more refined styles with leather accents are also suited for professional settings.

Thirdly, consider additional features and details like adjustable straps and secure closures. Leather accents, for example, elevate the ruggedness of the waxed canvas. Multiple compartments and reinforced bottoms work great for outdoor activities that require more durable gear.

Check out our collection of rugged crossbody bags, totes and pouches, to see how we honour this wonderful material.

HOW DOES WAXED CANVAS COMPARE TO OTHER MATERIALS

In this last part, we'll explore how waxed canvas compares to other popular bag-making materials in terms of durability, appearance, maintenance and water resistance.

In our opinion, it is a unique blend of strength, water resistance, visual appeal and charm that separates waxed canvas from other materials. But we might be biased.

So, let's examine how it stacks up against leather, regular canvas, and nylon.

1. Waxed canvas vs leather

• Durability: Waxed canvas is strong and water-resistant and needs occasional re-waxing. With proper care, it will last a lifetime. Similarly, leather can last a lifetime and requires conditioning to prevent cracks.
• Appearance: Waxed canvas gets a rugged patina over time. Not all leather develops a patina. We use vegetable-tanned leather in our bags, which also develops a beautiful patina and ages well but can crack without proper care.
• Maintenance: Waxed canvas is easy to clean - just spot clean and re-wax when needed. Leather, on the other hand, requires regular cleaning, conditioning, and waterproofing.
• Water Resistance: Waxed canvas repels water naturally but needs regular re-waxing. When treated, leather may provide slightly better water resistance but needs to be meticulously maintained.

2. Waxed canvas vs regular canvas

• Durability: Compared to regular canvas, waxed canvas lasts longer and naturally resists water and wear. Regular canvas is not water resistant and starts showing signs of wear faster.
• Appearance: While waxed canvas ages well and develops a unique patina over time, regular canvas keeps a consistent look but, unfortunately, doesn't age well.
• Maintenance: Waxed canvas is low maintenance but needs occasional re-waxing. Regular canvas is easy to clean and often machine-washable. It doesn't require any extra maintenance.
• Water Resistance: Waxed canvas repels water and is, therefore, harder to stain and easier to clean. In contrast, regular canvas absorbs moisture and stains more easily.

3. Waxed canvas vs nylon

• Durability: Waxed canvas is highly durable because of the tight weave of the fabric and wax coating. Nylon, especially ballistic or ripstop varieties, excels in abrasion resistance. It is ideal for environments where bags are likely to scrape against hard surfaces.
• Appearance: Waxed canvas has a vintage, outdoorsy look that improves with age. Nylon stays the same and has a more modern or sporty aesthetic.
• Maintenance: Waxed canvas needs minimal cleaning but requires occasional re-waxing. Nylon, on the other hand, is easy to clean and requires no special treatments.
• Water Resistance: Both fabrics repel water very well. The main difference is that you can re-wax waxed canvas to restore its water resistance. Nylon, however, doesn't require additional maintenance, but its water-resistant properties may degrade and can't be restored.

FAQ

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

WHAT MAKES WAXED CANVAS A MORE SUSTAINABLE CHOICE?

1. Natural materials and production
Waxed canvas is made from cotton, a natural and renewable resource. Several manufacturers, including our suppliers, now use organic cotton and eco-friendly waxes during production, minimizing the use of harmful chemicals.

2. Minimal chemical use 
Our waxed canvas is treated with natural, fully biodegradable waxes rather than the toxic chemicals commonly used in synthetic waterproofing methods. This treatment minimizes exposure to harmful substances, making it a safer choice for consumers and the environment.

3. Biodegradability
Waxed canvas is biodegradable -  it naturally breaks down over time at the end of its life cycle. Unlike synthetic materials, which take centuries to decompose, waxed canvas leaves a small environmental footprint.

4. Durability and Longevity
One of the best qualities of waxed canvas is its durability. The material is designed to withstand wear and tear. Products made from waxed canvas can last for years, if not decades, with proper care. This longevity means you won't need to replace your items frequently, and fewer items will end up in landfills. 

5. Maintenance and Repairability
Waxed canvas items can be regularly reproofed to maintain performance for many years, making them uniquely sustainable. Many synthetic man-made fabrics end up in landfills once they are no longer water resistant. Worn-out waxed canvas items can also be repaired. Instead of tossing them, you can have them repaired to extend their life and use.

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 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 bags sitting in a hot car for a prolonged period of time.

DOES WAXED CANVAS STAIN?

Because it 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!