The concept of waxed cotton was originally developed in the early 15th century by Scottish herring fishermen, with crews beginning to treat their sails with fish oils and grease to waterproof their rigging. Remnants of these waxed sails were then used as capes to withstand the high winds and sea spray, keeping the sailors warm and dry. Both their suppliers of waxed cotton; Halley Stevenson’s of Scotland (est. 1864) and British Millerain of England (est. 1880), have pioneered the development of the material. Its coating can be maintained by the end user by re-applying wax to the surface, keeping the material soft, supple, and weather-resistant. The finish ensures that the fabric looks better with age, as wax naturally picks up marks and creases through use – adding to the character of the fabric itself.
