Why You Should Rewax Your Barbour Jacket

BY Natasha Bailey ON 05 May, 2025

The practice of rewaxing Barbour jackets dates back to 1921, when Malcolm Barbour introduced the service to extend the life of the company's waxed cotton garments.

Over the years, rewaxing has become integral to Barbour's sustainability strategy. The company now reproofs over 25,000 jackets annually at its South Shields facility, emphasising repair over replacement. In 2019, Barbour launched the “Wax for Life” program, encompassing rewaxing services, repairs, and the “Re-Loved” initiative, which upcycles jackets into new products.

Rewaxing is about preservation. Barbour jackets are made from waxed cotton, which makes them water-resistant and windproof, perfect for the unpredictable weather we all know too well. Over time, though, exposure to the elements wears down the wax coating. You might notice your jacket starting to look patchy, dry, or even absorbing water in areas it shouldn’t.

It restores that protective layer, keeping your jacket performing as it should. But it’s more than just maintenance. Barbour Wax jackets are built to last decades, not seasons. When you rewax, you’re buying into a philosophy of longevity.

In today’s fast-fashion world, where clothing is often designed to be thrown away, rewaxing your Barbour jacket is an act of sustainable rebellion.

Instead of replacing a worn-out coat every couple of years, rewaxing gives your existing jacket new life, over and over again. You reduce waste, conserve resources, and minimise your environmental footprint.

You don’t need to rewax every few months, but Barbour recommends doing it once a year, if you regularly wear your jacket. If you’re a country dweller regularly braving the weather, you might need to rewax more frequently City wearers who could go longer between treatments.