It's not exactly a revelation that wax jackets have shed their once-stuffy reputation to become one of the most stylish outerwear options on offer. Of course, they've always had a timeless quality – Barbour was founded in 1894 and has made the wax jacket the very core of its business – but, considering fashion's current preoccupation with Argyle knits, tweeds, checks and, yes, wax jackets, there's never been a better time to invest in one of these classic coats.
Indeed, designers took inspiration from British country style for this season, with everyone from Chloé to Burberry, Tommy Hilfiger to Anna Sui showing off looks which wouldn't look out of place at Balmoral. A wax jacket is arguably the pinnacle of this aesthetic, and one which feels both traditional and contemporary all at once. Take Barbour's collaborations with the likes of Alexa Chung and Ganni, both of which represent a very modern take on personal style, while the brand's latest partnership with Erdem (launching on 30th January) blends all of Barbour's practicality and performance with the beauty and craftsmanship of a luxury fashion label.
Naturally, thanks to their popularity, wax jackets are now ubiquitous, with countless brands incorporating them into their collections. From high street stalwarts like M&S to brands such as Loewe and Toteme, there are cropped styles, long versions and many colour combinations from which to choose. To save yourself the trouble of scrolling through thousands of examples to find your favourite, however, we've done the hard work for you and curated an edit of the very best wax jackets that are really worth your money.
Wear them with jeans and jumpers of throw over midi dresses and boots for an Edge of Love vibe – either way, if you're in the market for a mid-length jacket, look for slightly oversized styles rather than something too fitted (even the Princess of Wales has eschewed her very tailored wax jackets in favour of something altogether cooler, with a boxy silhouette). For a shape which is particularly on-trend right now, try a cropped coat – Loewe's is so good, it's almost sold out completely – which will look excellent with high-waisted trousers and loafers.
Shop: The Best Wax Jackets To Buy Now
www.meandem.com
One of the chicest styles on the high street, this ME+EM jacket is waterproof, with stylish cord trim. It will look particularly good with jeans and ankle boots.
www.marksandspencer.com
You'd be forgiven for thinking this jacket is designer, so good is the finish and fit. It's also fully lined, so will keep you warm, without the need for endless layers underneath.
www.freepeople.com
A more casual take on the trend, this jacket is so good, it has already sold out in some sizes in certain colours. The ivory version feels like a fresh spin, plus the oversized fit makes it perfect for layering over slouchy shirts and cosy knits.
reallywildclothing.com
With its subtle check print, this boxy jacket will pair well with floaty midi skirts and biker boots. Plus, there's a huge 60% off now.
www.asos.com
Part of a collaboration between Barbour and the William Morris gallery, this classic wax jacket is lined with a glorious William Morris print, making for a lovely contrast when you turn up the sleeves.
www.zara.com
Have no doubt that this jacket will sell quickly, so add to basket while you can. It's the perfect casual style which will layer easily over hoodies or even fleece jackets when it's really cold.
www.mytheresa.com
For a true investment piece, it doesn't get much better than Miu Miu's oversized jacket with its leather collar. It really is oversized, so I'd go for a size smaller than usual to avoid it looking too big, but it will look as great over tailored pieces as it will with jeans and wellies for a weekend in the country.
www.net-a-porter.com
Part of Barbour's collaboration with Ganni, this jacket gives a twist on the traditional style with an oversized cord collar and slightly oversized fit. There's even a hood for rainy days, making it practical as well as chic.
www.whistles.com
If you prefer long coats to short jackets, Whistles has this waxed overcoat which will go with everything in your wardrobe.
Hannah Banks-Walker is Grazia's head of fashion commerce. She has previously written for the likes of Harper's Bazaar, The Financial Times, Glamour, Stylist, The Telegraph, Red, i-D and The Pool on everything from fashion to curly hair (hi!) to the patriarchy. Not necessarily in that order. Find her on Instagram and Twitter. But please don't look for her MySpace profile, which until now was the last time she wrote about herself in the third person.