I used to think a wax jacket was reserved for royalty or celebrities who were partial to a weekend at Worthy Farm. In fact, I've almost lost count of the number of pictures I've seen of Kate Middleton wearing one to a public engagement, or Alexa Chung styling said jacket over a satin midi for Glastonbury. But over the last couple of years, the attitude towards wax jackets has changed. No longer found on the floor of a coatroom after a dog walk, wax jackets are now sitting on the shoulders of fashion editors and influencers alike, as well as on the back of our very own Grazia desk chairs.
Designers are having fun reworking the classic wax jacket too. Take one look at Barbour, for example, whose collaborations with Ganni almost run like clockwork, creating a collection of waxed jackets, which, quite frankly, deserve to be worn to more than just the local pub. Or, its latest partnership with Farm Rio, which injects a tropical twist into the classic. Yet, it's Toteme's iteration, the Oversized Corduroy-Trimmed Waxed Organic Cotton Jacket, that makes me want to finally invest in a wax jacket (it's a decision that's been weighing on me for a while now, considering I live in the countryside).
Shop: Toteme's Oversized Corduroy Trimmed Waxed Jacket
Net-A-Porterwww.net-a-porter.com
Toteme's brown wax jacket is destined to go viral this autumn/winter, and it's such a great piece to have in your wardrobe that can be layered too. Made from waxed organic cotton, the jacket features a plush corduroy collar and matching elbow patches, as well as a purposely oversized shape.
Toteme's take on the wax jacket sells out every year without fail, and it's easy to see why. For a start, its design comes in two incredibly versatile and wearable colours, brown and khaki, which means that even if you end up grabbing it on your way out of the house, it's likely to go with the outfit you've already got on. The oversized waxed jacket also features some unique and elevated details, like its plush collar and matching circle elbow pads, which means that yes, it can be worn on a dog walk, but it can also be worn in the city. And trust me, you will see it in the city. Plus, you could wear it on its own or layered depending on the season, and it will easily add polish to a pair of jeans and a white tee.
Net-A-Porterwww.net-a-porter.com
Toteme's cult wax jacket is also available in a khaki green colour that's perfect for this time of year. With the same corduroy detailing and oversized design, style with your favourite pair of jeans and a white tee.
Even though I'm going to assume that your plans probably don't include frolicking around the gardens of Balmoral, it's clear that wax jackets are no longer reserved for countryside jaunts or something to just throw on on your way out of the house. Instead, the wax jacket just got a whole lot more intentional. Toteme's sell-out version has become a fashion favourite. So, if you're lucky enough to catch it in stock, expect it to take over all of your autumn/winter outfits (and maybe a little envy from anyone who spots it hanging on the back of your office chair, too).
Shop: Alternative Wax Jackets
M&S www.marksandspencer.com
If you're on the hunt for a jacket that's a similar style to the Toteme iteration, but without the three-figure price tag, M&S has come to the rescue. Its jacket features a zip closure and four buckle fastenings, as well as a corduroy collar and flap pockets.
COS www.cos.com
COS has taken the classic wax jacket and reimagined it to include a cinched waist (thanks to an internal drawcord). Made from a durable cotton canvas, as opposed to wax, COS' Suede-Collared Field Jacket features chocolate brown detailing and an option to style it with a funnel neck.
Barbourwww.barbour.com
Of course it wouldn't be right to not add a Barbour jacket into the mix, and its Acorn style is as classic as it comes. With a relaxed fit and an inner that features Barbour's iconic tartan lining, style the jacket with a pair of wellies and a chunky knit.
Alignealigne.co
Aligne also has an excellent barn jacket offering, this time with a more modern look, thanks to its press stud fastening down the centre and patch pockets. The zip makes for easy on and off, and the jacket is elevated with a corduroy collar.
Main image credit: Instagram/@johannapiispa
Gemma Lavers is a fashion commerce writer at Grazia, where she tracks down viral pieces and is as comfortable navigating the M&S new-in page as she is dissecting the latest celebrity look. When not writing, shopping or at Reformer Pilates (a cliché but she's hooked), Gemma will likely be planning her next holiday (and what she's going to wear).