WHY WAXCOATS?

The wax-coat, it seems, represents the epitome of age-old British countryside-chic. Spanning the length of the Island, from the Cotswold’s to our very own St. Andrews, big spenders, gentlemen-farmers and yes, most definitely university students can be seen wearing these earthy toned coats. Yet why are these impenetrable coats, with their sticky, odd smelling layers the most coveted and worn item in St. Andrews? Ah yes, the weather. These purely British designs do defend the wearer against the notorious and continuous British meteorological tragedy especially if a warm pile lining (bought separately) is clipped ever so efficiently into the coat. However the famed wax properties make rain slide off the shoulders and torso and onto legs and shoes…if only wax-jeans existed.

One must not forget that the wax coat is a high maintenance garment; regular re-proofing must take place to avoid leakage. I often wonder; is it wrong to assume that similarities in most of the coats designs, no matter Barbour or Purdey, would be off-putting to many fashionistas? For do trendsetters not crave attention and originality by endlessly searching for and carefully selecting key pieces from significant designer’s collections? It even appears that the wax coat has become a uniform or signature look for St. Andrews students, alongside red cloaks.

For a new take on this ‘uniform’ check out the latest attractive alternatives, most notably from Barbour (barbour.com). At Barbour emphasis has been placed on revitalizing traditional styles. The current ‘heritage line’ offers fur trimmings, flattering military-esque shapes and bolder colors, a definite move away from the infamous dark greens. The renewed belted wax coats (originating from the pre-war era, initially used as motorcycle jackets) are impressive as they offer a contemporary twist on traditional designs by dividing horizontally resulting in a closer more flattering fit whilst always remaining functional.

Essentially, should we spend around two hundred pounds on a raincoat? In short yes, as this coat represents something more significant, more stylish than your average trench can ever hope to accomplish. The wax coat suggests the practical, sophisticated and classical person, someone who is not afraid to leap into a torrential wind/rain-combo sort of day and look good doing so.