We field a lot of questions about waxed canvas and why we’re so keen on it. Sure we may be a little biased but there are many reasons why it's our material of choice.

Waxed canvas or waxed cotton first appeared around the 1500s when sailors discovered that waxed canvas sails got more out of the wind than standard dry sails but were also a lot lighter than wet sails. From there they would use the worn out waxed canvas to make waterproof capes to keep dry, thus creating the original fisherman’s slicker. It wasn’t until the 1800s that it started getting used on land by pioneers and travellers who found that the durability and water resistance of waxed canvas was ideal for work and recreation outdoors. 

Our waxed canvas apron after a days work

Other than the practical benefits of waterproofing, waxed canvas is a natural material that doesn’t make use of synthetics. However, our favourite aspect is the way waxed canvas ages. A lot like leather, over time it will scratch and wear and develop a patina that makes every item completely unique.

And just like with leather, it is good to maintain your waxed canvas products, this can be done by reapplying canvas wax every so often. We’ll put together a bit of an guide how this is easily done with our canvas wax bars. 

The Common Goods firewood carrier making life easier.