Divya Rao

How to Reproof Your Waxed Jackets and Trousers

Traditional garments like the waxed jackets and trousers can prove extremely waterproof, rugged, and durable while still looking fashionable and on-trend for years to come. These features make them an everyday and popular item in many people’s closets, especially the hobbyist geared for the outdoors.

After many excursions, repeated use of your wax jackets or trousers may leave you wondering if your worn-looking garment needs replacing or repairing? How is this done, and do you need a professional? Reproofing your garments without replacement is easier than you think and will restore them to just about a newly bought condition. Furthermore, reproofing regularly, which is a sure-fire way of promising the jacket and trouser’s long-term use, can be done an indefinite number of times.

Caring for your waxed jackets and trousers with reproofing helps the clothing to continue safeguarding from water, snow, dirt, grime, and other forms of stains. Only needing a few hours, avoid reproofing from taking over your whole weekend by understanding how easy the actual process is!

Two essential steps make reproofing garments a straight-shoot and will have your garment looking good as new, possibly even richer, such as with leather materials when colors tend to deepen into a glow. All you need to know is how to surface-rinse your garment and apply a fresh layer of wax.

Notable warning:

To keep the original wax protectant on the garment’s surface, never dry-clean, machine-wash, or use any hot water and soap when cleaning your waxed jackets or trousers.

The Step-by-Step Process:

1. Cleaning Accumulated Dirt, Debris, or Residues

Collect needed cleaning items: cold water and a sponge or soft cloth.
Bring the jacket or trousers to room temperature if stored in a colder area.
Lay the jacket or trousers flat on a sturdy work surface, such as a table.
Place a plastic sheet or table cloth over the work surface to protect it.
Dip the sponge or cloth in cold water, squeeze out excess, and gently wipe down the garment.
Go over the entire surface area to give a quick rinse, removing any dirt, debris, or residues trapped in the fabric. Particularly pay attention to get into any seams, creases, and areas of most wear and tear.

2. Applying Fresh Wax to Reproof

Prepare wax that comes in a tin container, such as the British Millerain Original Wax, by placing the tin in a bowl or basin of water. Water needs to be hot enough to melt and soften into a smooth wax.
Use a clean, sturdy work surface, covered with any needed protective plastic or tablecloth, and preferably in a well-ventilated area.
Place the cleaned jacket or trousers flat and spread out on the work surface.
Dip the sponge or soft cloth in the melted wax and work an even layer over the garment surface to provide a coat. Pay close attention to any seams and creases, worn-out areas, or areas that are drier.
Make sure to cover the entire jacket or trousers and be careful not to apply wax over regular cloth surfaces, including the insides of pockets, any lining material, or corduroy used for collars, elbows, knees, and cuffs.
Hang your garment in a warm place to dry thoroughly overnight.
Bonus tips:
- Do not use the treated garment immediately to avoid spreading moist wax onto contact surfaces.
- Use a hair-dryer in a low-heat setting and run over the newly waxed or reproofed garment to help speed up the drying process and settle the wax into an even coverage.

To maintain the garment’s best quality, ideally, reproof your jacket and trousers at least once a year—plan to reproof your jacket and trousers more frequently if used often. In between your garment’s use, store in a cool place to increase your jacket or trousers’ longevity.