Best Motorcycle Wax Jacket

A wax cotton jacket is a type of motorcycle jacket that was first produced in the 1920s. Due to its high demand, it remained in production until the 1950s. These jackets are highly sought after by motorcycle enthusiasts and collectors worldwide. 

The jackets are made from a specific type of heavy cotton with a water-resistant coating on the outside. The wax coating makes the jacket waterproof, extremely durable, and warm.

PRODUCTS FEATURES
Top Pick
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  • Popular brand
  • Long-lasting
  • Made for riders
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  • Affordable
  • Heavy-duty zipper and fastens
  • Corduroy collar trim
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  • Quilted tartan lining
  • Two way zip with dual storm flap
  • Heavy-duty twelve ounce wax cotton
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  • Affordable
  • Made for motorcycle riders
  • Waxed leather
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  • Affordable
  • Removable lining and protection
  • Fully taped seams

Top Pick!

The new and improved Trialmaster Pro is Belstaff's most iconic style. It is the epitome of classic British motorcycle clothing with its three-quarter length, belted jacket design, and four front pockets. The wax cotton (already repellent) is backed up by a waterproof and breathable micropores membrane and a removable quilt lining.

Top Pick: Belstaff Trialmaster Jacket

It’s overall a supremely comfortable, protective, yet good-looking jacket.

What we like

Attention to detail: Belstaff has also protected your bike’s fuel tank from scratches by using rubber snaps on the bottom.

Features: The four deep patch pockets with waterproof flaps and snap buttons, an adjustable collar, shoulder, and elbow reinforcement patches, and the signature adjustable belt at the waist.

Zips, buttons, belt: It is closed with a sturdy zip that runs down the middle, and a flap with old metal snap buttons to keep the wind and rain.

Pros
  • Popular brand
  • Long-lasting
  • Made for riders
Cons
  • Expensive

How to care for a waxed jacket

Taking care of a waxed cotton jacket is a good idea, since it costs a bit. Looking they are treated to be waterproof (in most cases) and generally are durable. We have a few commonly asked questions below.

How to clean

Cleaning regularly is a good idea since it prevents dirt from turning into stains. With a sponge, wipe the surface with cold water and allow it to dry for 24 hours. In addition, you shouldn’t wash it in a washing machine or tumble dry it.

Can you re-waterproof a waxed jacket

Most wax-cotton jackets are wet, as the wax is liquid. Initially, they will feel wet, but after a few weeks, they will feel dry. Purchase a tin of reproofing wax, lay your jacket on a flat surface, gently warm the area with a hairdryer, apply the wax, and rewarm. Apply the wax to the area with a soft cloth, then let it dry naturally. You will need to reproof any areas where rainwater no longer beads up.

Note this hardly ever needs to be done. Only if the jacket is a few years old and you notice it’s not waterproof in areas.

Can you fix a tear

As cotton dries out, it becomes less supple and is more likely to tear. If your jacket tears, you will be able to get a new patch sewn on. However, this area may not be fully waterproof.

Motorcycle Wax Jackets Reviews

Get this jacket if you want a well-made waxed jacket at an affordable price! It does the job of keeping the rain out, and the material is not too stiff with a nice lining that matches the jacket. It comes with all the features you want, the front 4 pockets, inside pocket, and a fully adjustable belt.

Walker & Hawkes Brown Jacket

What we like

Tartan lining: The tartan lining complements the vintage motorcycle jacket design.

2 colours: It is available in brown and black.

Budget-friendly: It’s a nice affordable option. 

Pros
  • Affordable
  • Heavy-duty zipper and fastens
  • Corduroy collar trim
Cons
  • Brown is very dark

This British Made Heavy Duty wax cotton jacket with corduroy inner cuffs and collar can be considered a bit in the mid-range pricing bracket, and it comes with a lot of features to enjoy. It has inside pockets, thick fleece tartan lining, making it the ideal choice if you're riding in winter or on cold days.

What we like

Durable: It has reinforcement to critical wear areas to stop tears on rips on the shoulders and elbows.

Good design: The outer pockets have that fold-over top so that they stay dry.

Better fitting: There is definitely tapering on the arms, but it doesn’t seem to be an issue with a chunky jumper underneath.

Pros
  • Quilted tartan lining
  • Two way zip with dual storm flap
  • Heavy-duty twelve ounce wax cotton
Cons
  • Nobody armour in the jacket

This is a little bit different compared to the other models. It's a waxed leather jacket instead of cotton. However, it's still reasonably priced, and it has a removable armour piece making it a bargain for the price.

A drawback is the strange black polyester Airtex style netting lines the inside of the jacket behind the zip-in padded liner. The net lining is loose in the sleeves, especially without the armour, and needs to be adjusted as you put the jacket on, or it will hang awkwardly out of the bottom of the sleeves.

What we like

Treated leather: An age-treated full-grain leather garment with a hand waxed and oiled finishing that makes it water-resistant.

Great protection: The jacket has removable soft protectors on shoulders and elbows that meet European CE Technical Standard CE1621-1 and a softback protector.

Fastenings: The collar is fastened by a buckled throat latch, and the waist is tightened by a leather belt that passes through five leather belt rings.

Pros
  • Affordable
  • Made for motorcycle riders
  • Waxed leather
Cons
  • Small pockets

This is a budget-friendly option. Although there are drawbacks for the price it's a decent pick. It is good heavy wax cotton sewn well with good stitching. The size is as advertised, and the zipper and poppers won't come loose

It has removable lining and armour, and it has Velcro attached so it won’t move around when putting the coat on.

What we like

Pockets: Four deep front pockets, inside pockets, and pre-curved sleeves provide reduced fatigue and enhanced riding comfort.

Protection: With CE-Tested removable shoulder, elbow, and back armours, this jacket provides class-leading impact protection while remaining lightweight.

Removable: Removable quilted lining inside. The fixed lining inside contains pockets for armours.

Pros
  • Affordable
  • Removable lining and protection
  • Fully taped seams
Cons
  • Not as waxed looking as the other picks

Verdict

Nothing beats riding your cafe racer in style, and the best way to do that is to get a motorcycle waxed cotton jacket! Our top pick is the Belstaff Trialmaster Jacket. It’s admittedly on the pricey side. But you get what you pay for, and it shows in the quality of this product. When you get it, you won’t be able to take it off; luckily, you can wear it when not on your bike. 

Making it 100% worth the money. What are your thoughts? Let us know below.