Read: 11 Rugged Waxed Jackets Perfect for Fall Weather
By: Eric Twardzik
Before technical fabrics, there was waxed cotton.
This natural fabric gains its water resistance from a thick coating of either paraffin or beeswax-based wax, creating a barrier that beads away water droplets. In the early 20th century, when innovations like Gore-Tex and taped seams were still decades away, it became a popular way to weatherproof jackets worn for traditional British sporting pursuits, like riding, hunting, fishing and sailing.
Tom Beckbe is the American contribution to the world of waxed jackets, and the Alabama-based brand continues to manufacture its flagship Tensaw jacket domestically. Designed for the sporting life, it features a bi-swing back, set-in shoulders and gusseted underarms to guarantee a full range motion and boasts no less than seven pockets—including an internal “Napoleon” pocket that keeps valuables safe and dry. As a final salute to its home environment, the jacket is lined with cotton dyed the color of Alabama red clay.
Shop the Tom Beckbe Tensaw Jacket