Did you know that the concept of waxed cotton was originally developed in the early 15th century by sailors? Scottish North Sea fleets began treating flax sailcloth with fish oils and grease in an attempt to waterproof their sails, keeping them light and efficient. Remnants of these sails were used by the sailors as capes to withstand high winds and sea spray, keeping them warm and dry. Genius!

What is it?

Waxed cotton is cotton that has been infused with wax in order to make it water resistant. We source our waxed cotton from Halley Stevensons in Dundee, who have been innovating textiles since 1864. All of their cotton is certified by the Better Cotton Initiative, which exists to make global cotton production better for the people who produce it and better for the environment.



Via Halley Stevensons


How is it made?

Halley Stevensons sources loom state cotton from mills in India and Pakistan, one the fabric is at Halley Stevensons, they prep and dye it in their in-house lab. The next step is to apply the water repellent wax coating. The wax is heated, melted and put into a trough section of the waxed cotton machine, where the fabric is processed through and the wax is applied to the fabric. The wax cools and solidifies and can be reused in the next production run, so little waste is produced.


Why have we chosen to use it?

When sourcing fabrics and yarns, we always have durability, longevity and functionality in mind. Waxed cotton has proven it can stand the test of time and so it was the perfect fabric to use for our Modular Anoraks. As a breathable fabric, the wax adjusts to ambient temperature to be softer/more breathable in warm weather and stiffer/more wind proof in cold conditions, making it the perfect seasonless fabric.



Via Halley Stevensons


What products are made from it?

Modular Anoraks


Certifications Include

Better Cotton Initiative, ISO 9002 standard

Via Halley Stevensons