Caring for Waxed Cotton

The treatment that gives waxed cotton its breathable waterproofing is a natural one — it will decay over time. Fortunately, it’s also one that’s easy to restore, unlike a synthetic shell with a chemical treatment.
Re-waxing a cotton jacket can be done at home, or most manufacturers offer a restoring service in-house. The process is fairly simple — softly-heated wax is rubbed into the jacket with a cloth, then allowed to sink in for several hours. The jacket is than gently warmed itself, which lets the wax spread evenly throughout its fibers.
In day-to-day use, the fabric is tough and relatively low-maintenance. If left damp and wadded it can mildew, but hung to dry it largely takes care of itself, apart from the occasional re-waxing.
Important – DO NOT dry clean these jackets.  Use cool water and clean with a wet rag.  Again – do not use harsh chemical cleaners.
One jacket can last a lifetime or more, properly treated — and, unlike a synthetic shell, a rip can be patched, waxed, and incorporated into the jacket like new.