What Is Waxed Canvas?

Originally only available in black or shades of olive green, waxed canvas is making an appearance in the world of sustainable and vegan friendly fashion in full color. This highly durable, waterproof, and classic material can be used to make bags and jackets with a rugged yet chic look. We explore how to make waxed canvas, why it is sustainable and exciting vegan options. 

What is Waxed Canvas?

Waxed Canvas refers to canvas, a type of woven cotton, that has been treated with a waxy substance to make it waterproof and durable. It’s colored with a natural patina that very convincingly mimics the appearance of aged fine leather with unique marks and scratches. For this reason, it’s a popular alternative to leather for people who are vegan and concerned with the treatment of animals. As it can be made from sustainable resources, it has the additional benefit of being an excellent choice for eco-conscious fashion lovers.

How to Make Waxed Canvas?

The most popular waxed canvas on the market is made using nylon and polyvinyl chloride, these lightweight polymers allow for the material to be created in a sustainable and affordable way without sacrificing quality. Because of the dying process, it was originally only possible to make waxed canvas in dark browns, olive greens, and black and each unique product was a slightly different color. When Barbour, the jacket company, embraced the material and paired it with a complimentary corduroy collar, these colors became iconic. 

Is Waxed Canvas Waterproof?

Yes! Waxed canvas is waterproof, there is a long tradition of using wax as a technology for waterproofing. If you are looking for a product that can withstand the elements, waxed canvas is a perfect choice. It’s an excellent material for jackets and bags, which regularly are exposed to rain or snow, as the hardy material can weather generations of bad conditions. For these same reasons, waved cotton can be an excellent interior material for bags. Hozen features waxed cotton canvas as an interior material for their adorable and chic vegan leather cinch hobo bags. 

Of course, if you are wondering, “is waxed canvas waterproof?”, because you plan to submerge it totally underwater, the answer to that question is No. If you threw a waxed canvas bag in a washing machine or if you went swimming in a wax canvassed jacket, they would take a beating. Luckily, waxed canvas can be re-waxed fairly easily! 

Is Waxed Canvas Vegan?

Wax canvas can be made without using animal products. The material actually has its roots in sixteenth century sailing, when sails had to be carefully prepared to withstand powerful elements. At that time, waxed canvas sails were waterproofed and made more durable with fish products and animal grease. To this day some swear by this old-fashioned approach as the best way to increase waxed canvas durability.

Luckily, for those that prefer to go without grime, waxed canvas can easily be made from natural and plant-based products. For example, VEJA, a brand invested in the vegan lifestyle, made a pair of sneakers from a material that’s uses corn by-products to fortify the material and give it a durable and waterproof quality.  

Is Waxed Canvas Sustainable?

Not all wax canvas is sustainable, but, with growing efforts from fashion brands worldwide to invest in green technologies, that’s changing. Biodegradable materials are being used to treat canvas which makes it easier to recycle or ethically dispose of. Also, because wax canvas is so durable, it’s possible for brands to repurpose and recycle existing canvas sails or tarps to create innovative and vintage inspired articles of clothing. 

These exciting developments in the production techniques of wax canvas mean that ecologically conscious brands can play with this sturdy and classic material to design beautiful handbags and jackets.