A Guide to Waxed Canvas

In an aim to create beautiful functional products, we use waxed canvas for its utility, style, and eco-friendly nature.

What exactly is waxed canvas?

Waxed canvas, or sometimes referred to as waxed cotton or oilcloth, is cotton material that has been soaked or woven with paraffin or wax which creates a waterproof barrier.

Waxed canvas can feel a bit harder to the touch than other cotton fabrics, however this fades as it is worn in over time and will eventually develop a patina, much like leather does. 

Where did waxed canvas originate and what is it typically used for?

Waxed canvas was first used by sailors as early as the 15th century when they discovered that coating their sails in fish oils and grease improved sailing performance. They made themselves rain capes and slickers from the remanence, which became the first clothing to be made from waxed canvas. 

As time went on, improvements were made on the types of oils and wax used, and in the early 1900s, the military started using it for applications such as uniforms, tents, and duffles because of its durability, comfort, and water resistance.

After WWII, waxed canvas started being produced commercially in Britain as heavy duty rainwear. You can now find waxed canvas used in a wide range of consumer products, from clothing to shoes to bags and camping gear. And of course, dog rain jackets!

Will waxed canvas stand up to my dog’s adventures?

Wag Theory waxed jackets are made with 10oz waxed canvas and lined with lightweight nylon ripstop, specifically chosen to balance durability with comfort so that your pup will not be restricted in movement, but will stay dry during all of his rainy day activities! 

How to care for and wash waxed canvas

After each use, simply shake the water off your pup’s jacket and allow it to air dry. If there are loose dirt particles, they will easily come off once the jacket has dried.

To clean, gently use a scrub brush with water, rinse, and let dry. For spots or stains, use a bar of mild bar soap, saddle soap, or waxed canvas cleaner, but always test a small area first. 

Do not machine wash, dry clean, or use detergent on your waxed canvas products, as this will remove the protectant coating.

See the following video for a tutorial: 

How to rewax your dog’s waxed canvas jacket

After significant wear (such as your jacket has dried out or lost water repellence), it is suggested that you re-wax your item with a product such as Otter Wax. 

Lay the jacket on a clean flat surface and look for areas that might require additional waterproofing, such as the underbelly and back. 

Using a fabric wax bar, gently rub the bar on the area that needs attention, using a quick back and forth motion while applying downward pressure to create friction. The heat generated from this motion will help spread the wax evenly over the surface, but you can also use your fingers to smooth out the wax and create an even coating. If you need to treat seams, apply the same method using the edge of the bar.

The Wag Theory collection

Head over to the in-stock jacket section to browse our latest available jackets. You can also check out Instagram to look through the tagged photos to see a mix of pups adventuring in their jackets!

And if you have any additional questions about waxed canvas, feel free to drop them in the comments below!

Also in Journal