Do wax jackets smell? Do they need any special care?

[AintNobodyHereButUsChickens]

My trusty parka broke yesterday (not bad going really, for an 8yr old coat from Asda!) and I'm on the hunt for a new parka style coat. I had a google and came across these from a company called Lands End. Anyone bought from this company? Should I get the coat? It seems an absolute steal at £65, way cheaper than an actual Barbour anyway!

Whoops, should say waxed jacket!

Land's End is good brand, I find, decent quality and have been around for ages. I've had coats from them before.

Waxed Barbours do have a particular smell and can't be washed or drycleaned but the coat you've linked to says it can be machine washed so I don't think it's comparable to a Barbour.

I don’t think they smell no, if you sniff them they smell of something just the same as nylon or cotton.
Also thanks for the link! I just bought a £200 down jacket for £18

I can definitely smell waxed jackets. It's not a bad smell as such, just a noticeable one.

I’ve only had Barbours but yes, they have a distinct smell most likely from the wax. Good in wet weather and useful pockets. I’ve worn one since I was a small child 😎

Wax barbour jackets smell awful to me. But not sure all are like this.

Yes, they smell horrible, especially if you have them in a cloakroom.

Barbours are better but are they that much better for you to justify the extra cost.
My waxed coat does not have storm cuffs so I get a draught up my arms,
I don't have hand warner pockets.
The sleeves are not quite long enough.
If you only walk the dog round the block on a wet day, prob OK. If you are out for an hour in all weathers then be careful what you buy.

I have one, had it for years. It does smell a bit yeah. But I quite like it and weirdly, my kids admitted the other day that they sniff it when I'm away 'cos it reminds them of me. While I thought was quite nice in a strange way but definitely underlines that it does have a distinctive smell!!

You can buy a hardly used pre-loved Barbour. They'll probably need re-proofing, which isn't difficult. The dressing is about £10 and will do several coats.

I ordered it! It arrived a couple of days ago and it is SO warm, but without being stifling. I love it! It doesn't feel how I expected it to feel though, although I don't think I've ever felt a waxed jacket but I kind of expected it to feel waxy? Maybe like a candle but flexible? 🤣 I don't know, what does a waxed Barbour feel like?

I find that Barbours smell. They’re also heavy, cold, uncomfortable and a pain to maintain! Never again but you might come to a different conclusion.

@AintNobodyHereButUsChickens , sort of like waxed paper. It doesn't feel greasy but it doesn't feel dry either.

@CosyFanTucci , I think people either like them or not. I don't find mine a pain to maintain and have one for the qualities they have, but a regular coat is better for about town (no wax being removed by train seats, lighter, no smell, can chuck a regular coat in the washing machine etc).
Maintaining a Barbour IMO is easier than having a dry clean only coat.

Yes me too. It looks great but they're too high maintenance.

I don't wear mine for how it looks, it's a workhorse.

I agree. I am a country person and outside a lot and traded my Barbours in years ago for lovely quilted coats/jackets. So much more practical and warmer.

I can wear my Barbour anywhere. The puffer with the repaired rip in the sleeve looks tatty.

OP you look as if you’re got a brilliant bargain there!

I have had Barbour’s since I came to live in the countryside (2 in 27 years) and I don’t regard them as winter coats, they are meant to keep you dry not warm. They are also good at protecting from thorns and brambles.

I mostly wear mine on wet but warm days when they are a lot more comfortable than many synthetic waterproofs, which can get sweaty inside.

They do ‘smell’ of the wax, and it can rub off on other clothes so you have to be careful.

...they are meant to keep you dry not warm. They are also good at protecting from thorns and brambles

Very true but on a hard day's picking up they don't really cut the mustard.

Ah well, I am not too bothered about looking 'tatty' where I live!

They definitely smell. Not just Barbours either. They’re great for dog walking or doing the horses, but I’d never choose one for a day to day coat.