Wax Jackets have been around for a long time and is of course typically synonymous with British country life. Although the origins went all the way back to Scotland in the 1700’s and 1800’s where many were sold to fishermen and the Royal Navy at the time, mainly due to its ability to repel water and keep people warm in bad weather.
The practicality of a wax jacket is obvious, hence it’s growth in popularity with professions like game keepers and people within the outdoor country pursuits environment.
Slowly but surely, the wax jacket took on its own personality and was not only durable and practical but also entered the world of fashion. It’s development for men and ladies alike may have largely been through the aristocracy beginning to wear wax jackets during shoot days. One could argue that it almost became an aspirational garment because of this.
Either way, it’s use today is wide spread and ever popular with people that live in town’s and cities as well as the country side.
There are a number of companies that excel within this market and a few that remain based in the UK from a design and manufacturing perspective rather than outsourcing abroad, which certainly tends to ring a patriotic chime with many people. A company in Yorkshire called Rydale have been part of this select few who are based in Britain and have significant history producing wax jackets. 3 generations and counting have been passionate about country clothing. A refreshing view from Rydale, considering the amount of companies manufacturing abroad, it is a good thing that a British invention like this, remains supporting manufacturing excellence here and keeping the quality at the highest levels.
