Barbour International Wax Jacket Care: How to Clean and Re-Wax
A wax jacket is built to last for years, but only if you look after the wax. This guide explains how to clean a Barbour International wax jacket, how and when to re-wax it, and how to store it, so it keeps out the weather and ages the way it should, from an official Barbour International stockist.
The short answer
Sponge it clean, never wash it, and re-wax it once a year. Wipe it down with cold water and a sponge, let it dry naturally, and re-wax it about once a year with a wax dressing, paying most attention to the seams and creases. Never put a wax jacket in a washing machine or take it to a dry cleaner.
Why the wax matters
It is what keeps the rain out. Waxed cotton is woven cotton coated in wax, which makes it highly water-resistant and windproof. The wax wears thin over time, most of all at the creases, seams, shoulders and cuffs where the jacket bends, and that is where water starts to get in. Re-waxing puts it back, and the jacket's patina and character build up each time. Shop Barbour International · Barbour International at 90
Cleaning
Cold water and a sponge, nothing else. Brush off any dried mud first, then wipe the outside of the jacket with a sponge and cold water. Do not use hot water, soap or detergent, and never machine wash or dry clean a wax jacket, because that strips the wax permanently. Hang it up and let it dry naturally at room temperature, away from radiators and direct heat.
Re-waxing
Once a year, at home. Use a wax dressing made for the job, such as Barbour's own Wax Thornproof Dressing. Stand the open tin in a bowl of hot water for around twenty minutes until the wax turns liquid, then work a thin, even coat into the clean, dry jacket with a cloth or sponge, concentrating on the seams, creases and any dry-looking patches. Wipe away any excess, and leave the jacket hanging somewhere warm overnight so the wax can settle. A hairdryer on a low setting helps to smooth any streaks.
Storage
Hang it, and let it breathe. Store your wax jacket on a wide hanger somewhere cool and dry, never folded and never in a plastic bag, because waxed cotton needs air. If it gets wet, let it dry fully on a hanger before you put it away.
Wax or waterproof
Know which one you have. A wax jacket, such as the Barbour International Duke in 6oz thornproof waxed cotton, is water-resistant and needs re-waxing. A waterproof jacket, such as the Barbour International Endley, has a waterproof finish instead and should be cared for exactly as its label says. The same principles apply to other waxed jackets, including Lyle & Scott's waxed hooded utility jacket, but always check the care label first. The best designer jackets · Shop outerwear
Common questions
How often should I re-wax a wax jacket?
Can I wash a wax jacket in the washing machine?
What wax should I use on a Barbour International jacket?
Why does my wax jacket smell?
Is a wax jacket waterproof?
Still unsure
Ask the team if you are not sure. Tell us which jacket you have and what it needs, and we will point you in the right direction, because we are an official Barbour International stockist. Contact us · Shop Barbour International
Written by the Spiral Seven buying team · Updated 10 October 2026 · Official Barbour International stockist
