Looking for the best waxed jackets for men in 2023? You’ve come to the right place.
Jackets made of waxed canvas or twill are tough as nails, last forever, and look great. I’d go as far to say that they rival leather jackets as the most rugged, stylish, and durable piece of outerwear a guy can own. The wax also adds beautiful but subtle color variation and serious water resistance to boot.
The ideal fabric for an everyday, do-anything jacket, waxed jackets pair perfectly with denim and elevate any outfit from casual to ‘casual-but-well-put-together.’
I’ve tried a ton of them and found that waxed jackets tend to fall into two categories: super rugged, functional, outdoorsy ones and more fashion-forward ones that take their style cues from denim jackets and chore coats more than hunting and hiking apparel.
In this article, we’ll land on this list of the best of the best waxed canvas jackets: the best overall, the coolest, the best value, and the toughest, with a couple of runners-up and honorable mentions along the way.
Why Discover The Best Waxed Canvas Jackets?
Why should you take the time to discover the best waxed jackets currently on the market? I’ll give you four reasons:
1. Waxed Jackets Are Tough as Nails
Whether you’re wearing canvas or, in the case of one of the picks on this list, twill, you’re wearing extraordinarily dense cotton that’s incredibly resistant to tears and abrasion. I’ve torn open a leather jacket on a nail before; that won’t happen with these. Canvas and twill (remember that denim is a kind of twill) have always been the go-to fabrics for workwear for this very reason: if you buy a good one, you probably won’t need a second.
2. Waxed Jackets Are Water Resistant
Adding a layer of wax to your jacket makes it water resistant. Wax is hydrophobic, and as you can see in the gif above, water rolls right off of it. It’s not as waterproof as Gore-Tex, as the wax wears away with time, especially on the stress points like the elbows. But anyone can rewax their jacket with ease.
3. They Look Cool as Hell
Wax is a patina cheat code. Adding subtle color variations that deepen with age, a well loved waxed jacket looks as cool as well loved leather boots. They simply look better with age and reflect how lovingly you’ve worn them.
4. It’s Cheaper Than Leather
We love leather jackets as much as the next guy, but the best American-made leather jacket will run you a solid $900. The best American-made waxed canvas jacket is under $300.
[Further reading: The Best Waxed Canvas Backpacks]
The Best Waxed Jackets For Men In 2022
Let’s not waste any more time: what are the best waxed jackets for men in 2023?
In this breakdown of the hottest picks currently on the market, we’ll offer 7 of the best men’s waxed jackets. No matter your price range, style preferences, or use case, we’ve got a pick for you on this list. And, the first pick on this list is the official jacket for punching zombies.
1. The Best Waxed Canvas Jacket: Flint and Tinder – Flannel-Lined Trucker Jacket
- Short, trucker jacket style
- Flannel lined for comfort and warmth
- 7 oz canvas
- Available in 8+ colors and 2 fits
- Made in USA
- Price: $298
A truly iconic waxed canvas jacket that's American made with American materials, it's perfect for work and play — plus it comes in 8+ colors and two fits.
It’s no coincidence that this is the most popular waxed jacket on the scene — it’s Flint and Tinder’s flagship model and has well over three thousand reviews on Huckberry.
It rocketed to pop culture prominence when worn by Pedro Pascal on The Last of Us, but this trucker style jacket was already an institution. So popular that two fits have been released (“Classic” and “Tall”) and it comes in at least a half dozen colors at any given time, the Flannel-Lined Waxed Trucker even spawned several “sequels” that include a wool-lined version (it’s not that much warmer) and a longer, hunting-style offering.
But there’s no beating this original. Stylish yet minimalist and lined with polyester flannel to elevate the comfort, it deserves the fame. And if you want a waxed canvas jacket that is made in the USA — the canvas is even from New Jersey — it’s pretty damn hard to get it for a better price.
Flint and Tinder Waxed Trucker Jacket Fit
- Short, trim trucker jacket fit similar to a denim jacket
- “Tall” version available with roomier body and longer length
It’s a classic fit, as opposed to an athletic, modern, v-shaped fit. This means it’s relatively straight-up-and-down and short at the torso, like classic denim jackets, but like those denim jackets it has waist cinches to help customize the fit.
Given this trim fit, some guys asked for a “tall” version, which comes in four colors. With a longer length and a roomier body, it’s preferable for huskier guys as well as taller ones.
A truly iconic waxed canvas jacket that's American made with American materials, it's perfect for work and play — plus it comes in 8+ colors and two fits.
2. Best Waxed Jacket for the Outdoors: Tom Beckbe – Tensaw Jacket
- Made in USA
- Brimming with functional pockets
- Longer, hunting jacket look
- Made with 8 oz or 6 oz canvas
- Price: $495
With roots as a hunting jacket, the Tensaw is a killer American-made garment that can be just as easily worn in the field as out on the town.
As mentioned in the introduction, waxed jackets are typically either stylish and modern or functional and outdoorsy. Tom Beckbe merges both of these aesthetics to make a lovely hunting style jacket that won’t look too out of place when worn out on the town.
Tom Beckbe is a heritage-inspired hunting apparel company, but their flagship jacket has become a cross-cultural phenomenon for good reason.
First and foremost, this is a hunting jacket. It’s practical, full of pockets, and comes in enough sizes and lengths that you can easily find one that’s roomy enough to allow complete mobility when out in the field.
But while it’s far from the world’s dressiest jacket or even the dressiest waxed jacket, it looks more at home when worn out on the town than some of its British contemporaries, like Barbour and Belstaff. Tom Beckbe did a wonderful job crafting a jacket that can go from the field to a restaurant — maybe not fine dining in a lord’s manor, but it would certainly fit in a at a steak house. It looks a lot cooler and more subtle than most functional outdoor apparel but it remains a timeless, rugged look.
[Read the full Tom Beckbe Tensaw Jacket review]
Tom Beckbe’s Tensaw Jacket Fit
- Roomy fit for practical wear and burlier guys
- “Tall” sizes available
- Size down for more modern fit
The fit and build are a blend of traditional, functional elements and some more modern style inspired choices. It has set-in sleeves that provide the more trim look you find in British shooting jackets — essentially, the shoulder area extends down sleeve — and they used gusseted underarms and a bi-swing back to allow more mobility.
If you buy your usual size, you’ll get a jacket with a relaxed fit that allows for a lot of mobility and a variety of body types. If you prefer a more modern or slim look, I recommend sizing down and ordering the “tall” version.
For reference, I’m usually a Large, but I’m wearing a Medium Tall in the picture above.
With roots as a hunting jacket, the Tensaw is a killer American-made garment that can be just as easily worn in the field as out on the town.
3. The Coolest Waxed Jacket: Rogue Territory – Supply Jacket
- Minimalist design
- Dresses up easily (for a waxed jacket)
- 10 oz canvas, unlined
- Made in America
- Worn by James Bond, Ryan Reynolds, and James Marsden
- Price: $325
Famously worn by not only James Bond but characters played by Ryan Reynolds, James Marsden, and James McAvoy, this unlined jacket has secured a permanent place in pop culture.
This is far and away the best men’s waxed jacket for those looking for a stylish, modern pick. It’s much easier to dress up and wear around the city than the outdoorsy Tensaw jacket or casual Flint and Tinder trucker.
The Supply Jacket has become its own pop culture phenomenon, typically known as the James Bond jacket after being worn for a (actually very short) sequence in No Time to Die. Since then, it had a starring role on Ryan Reynolds in The Adam Project (characters have multiple discussions about it), Boyd Holbrook had a modified version in The Predator, and the grey version adorned James McAvoy in Split.
With two hand warmer pockets, one slim exterior welt pocket on the chest, and one interior one that mirrors it on the left side, it’s pretty bare bones and it’s hard to pack much into these pockets. But sleek is the name of the game, here: it’s unlined, slim, and almost shacket-like. With nickel buttons and a classic collar, you can wear this over a casual button down or any old t-shirt with ease, plus it actually comes in a ton of different fabrics if you’re interested in trying a version made with denim or sashiko.
The identifying mark is the extra button hole between the second and third buttons, which isn’t a button hole. It’s meant to be reminiscent of when men had an extra slit for their pocket watch and it’s become a core part of the brand’s identity, but most people will think you’ve missed a button.
Rogue Territory Supply Jacket Fit
- Unforgivingly slim and short
- Most guys don’t button it though
- Some size up and tailor the waist
This is the biggest issue with the jacket: it’s very slim.
The fit can be very flattering, especially given the fact that most American waxed jackets are relatively boxy and cut for greater mobility, but guys with bellies may have a problem. The jacket works best on slim guys, after that huskier guys can try sizing up. Guys looking for an athletic V-taper are at the biggest disadvantage: it doesn’t taper at the waist and there are no button cinches to help you along.
My advice? Accept the possibility that you might not button it up when you buy it. Think of it like a leather jacket: they always look better unzipped, right? Take that approach with this jacket as well. If it looks good buttoned up it’s a bonus, if it doesn’t then tell yourself you weren’t planning to wear it like that anyway.
Famously worn by not only James Bond but characters played by Ryan Reynolds, James Marsden, and James McAvoy, this unlined jacket has secured a permanent place in pop culture.
4. Best Value Waxed Jacket: Iron and Resin – Rambler Jacket
- Trucker style jacket
- 12 oz waxed canvas
- Corduroy accents for comfort
- Made in USA
- Price: $275
Made of thick 12oz canvas, flannel lining, and it's made in the USA, Iron and Resin's flagship jacket has value in spades at just $275.
A runner-up for the best waxed canvas jackets from a value standpoint is Iron and Resin, a brand that anyone reading this should check out. This motorcycle-inspired brand has a considerable collection of canvas jackets that will definitely have the style you’re looking for, though it’s worth noting that some are made in the US and some aren’t — but if country of origin isn’t a matter of concern for you they’ve got some great deals, like this (currently-sold-out-but-maybe-it’ll-return-or-something-like-it) $190 Mechanic Jacket.
Iron and Resin is a motorbike focused brand, but their canvas jackets are pretty everyman. Their first model ever produced is the Rambler jacket, which differs from some of the other entries on this list with its corduroy accents. This makes for a slightly less minimalist look, but it definitely brings greater comfort to your neck and wrists. It’s also a bit broader in the shoulders and fits athletic guys pretty well.
5. The Best Waxed Jacket for Work: Filson – Tin Cloth Short Lined Cruiser
- Very thick 14 oz waxed canvas
- Tall sizes available
- Size down for trimmer fit
- Not made in USA
- $350
With ultra thick 14oz canvas and lined sleeves to keep it comfortable, the Tin Cloth Cruiser is a century-old landmark in waxed jackets.
Filson was founded in the 19th century to help outfit miners and prospectors headed to the Alaska Gold Rush, and while their prices today mean they’re more likely to be worn by weekend warriors, their gear is still as hardy as ever.
Guaranteed by a lifetime warranty, you can be confident this jacket will last the rest of your life: if a button or a stitch comes loose, you can send it back to Filson and they’ll fix it right up for you, free of charge. (I’m happy to note I’ve experienced this personally when my Filson backpack and duffle needed some TLC.)
At 14 ounces per square yard, the canvas is nearly twice as thick as Flint and Tinder’s, but the extra tight weave means it’s not as bulky and cumbersome as the weight might suggest. Cut right at the hip, this is a shorter jacket, but longer sizes are available and there’s also a long version we’ve reviewed if you’d like to compare.
Just note that one of Filson’s biggest selling points, being made in America, no longer applies to this jacket, which is now made in Southeast Asia. The material itself, though, is the same British-born canvas it’s always been.
Filson’s Tin Cloth Lined Cruiser Fit
As a workwear brand, Filson’s sizing is loose in order to accommodate more room for swinging your arms around doing manual labor, and to accommodate the standard American body.
Expect a loose fitting jacket. If you prefer a waxed jacket that fits more like a denim jacket or trucker jacket, size down one size and you’ll be pleased.
It’s also worth nothing there are button cinches at the waist to help customize your fit.
6. Also Consider: Freenote Cloth – Riders Jacket
- Made in the USA
- 10 oz canvas
- Nice balance of classic ranch jacket design and a riding jacket
- Close attention to detail
- More forgiving fit than Rogue Territory, if a hair less versatile
- Price: $450
This pleated jacket takes its cues from riding wear and Southwestern fashion, making for a burly, American-made piece of outerwear that'll last decades. Use code "STRIDEWISE5" for a 5% discount.
This is another terrific option if you’re after the coolest waxed jacket on the market. (I’d also nominate Bradley Mountain as a serious contender.) The Rider jacket is crafted with a pleated design that’s a little reminiscent of trucker jackets, described as a combination of a classic ranch jacket and a riding jacket.
Strictly going by aesthetics, I think it’s more interesting to look at than other brands , especially because it has a cool southwestern print on the Japanese-made blanket lining.
Made with 10 oz Martexin waxed canvas that’s sourced from the United States, the attention to detail is superb: the jacket and its metal trims are custom made in Kentucky and the leather patch even comes from SB Foot Tanning, the tannery owned by America’s favorite boot company, Red Wing.
Another reason this is an excellent choice for anyone seeking the best men’s waxed jacket: the fit is looser, making for a nice balance of a work jacket you can rake leaves in and wear to a bar afterward.
7. Thickest Waxed Jacket: Ship John – Wills Jacket
- USA made
- 24 oz twill
- Available in Long sizes
- Takes a year-plus to arrive
- Price: $598
Made of an astonishingly thick 24oz waxed twill, this jacket currently takes literal years to arrive after ordering, but it can't go unmentioned in a discussion of the most notorious waxed jackets.
To some, the best waxed jacket is synonymous with the thickest waxed jacket. The thickest waxed jacket I’ve gotten my hands on is the legendary Ship John Wills Jacket. This is the only entry on this list that’s made from twill rather than canvas, though the practical differences are minimal: they’re both extremely dense, tear resistant cotton, twill just has a more diagonal pattern on it (like your favorite jeans — denim is a kind of twill) because of it’s more complex weave.
My buddy Troy has had his Wills jacket for over three 3 years and filmed the video review that we’ve embedded above. He’s thoroughly obsessed with it and loves how it’s aged.
There are two hurdles with this jacket: the price and how hard it is to order. Ship John opens up for sales only once every month or two (via an e-mail signup you’ll need to get on) and they always shut down orders that same day — usually that same hour — because there are so many people clamoring to get their hands on this jacket. The current wait time? Over a year.
We’re not about to say whether it’s worth all that time and money or not, but you can’t walk about waxed jackets without mentioning the legendary Wills. It is a thoroughly bombproof super jacket you’ll fall in love with.
Ship John Wills Jacket Fit
Twill this thick takes some time to break-in and soften up; it can usually stand up on its own when it’s fresh out of the box. But the headline is that despite its 25 oz weight, the Wills isn’t restrictive to wear due to the brilliant pattern used and little design touches like the gusset-like pleats on the back panel.
Fitting less boxy than Filson but not as trim as Rogue Territory, consider sizing down if you want it to fit like the latter, sizing up for the former.
Made of an astonishingly thick 24oz waxed twill, this jacket currently takes literal years to arrive after ordering, but it can't go unmentioned in a discussion of the most notorious waxed jackets.
8. Best British Waxed Jacket: Barbour – Bedale
- 6 oz waxed cotton
- Accommodates a zip-in liner
- Hunting jacket aesthetic
- $325
The Bedale takes its cues from hunting jackets worn by the English gentry — there are countless pictures of Royal Family members wearing it on a hunt.
There’s no shortage of pictures of the Royal Family wearing their Barbour jackets on fox hunts so if you want a jacket with serious pedigree, Barbour is the brand for you. It’s not entirely clear if this jacket, or how much of it, is made in England. The surprisingly low price would suggest it isn’t. But it’s still made the same way it always has been, with hardy 6 oz waxed cotton, corduroy accents for comfort, and a length that’s shorter relative to the model it’s often compared with, the Beaufort.
This means the Bedale is the most versatile Barbour jacket, that’s hardy enough to be worn on the English countryside but oozing more than enough class to be worn to a nice restaurant. The upper class recognizes Barbour. You’ll get the nod.
Wrapping Up The Best Waxed Jackets Of The Year
There you have it – the best men’s waxed jackets currently on the market in 2023. I have zero doubt that you’ve found the best waxed jacket for you on this list. From thickest to dressiest to most functional and more, there’s something for everyone here. Whichever item you go with, it’ll last for years, look better as it ages, and look damn cool as it does. Let us know in the comments which one you went with.
Nick English
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