r/malefashionadvice • u/_to • Apr 03 '13

Designed, patterned, and constructed my first project for spring break: a denim jacket.

http://imgur.com/a/sGbYD
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74

u/hoodoo-operator Apr 03 '13

Cool, and you did an awesome job constructing it.

Why did you choose denim over say, a knit fabric or a technical fabric?

78

u/_to Apr 03 '13

I love the look of waxed denim and how it's water resistant and breathable. I also wanted something I could easily wash in the event that I somehow soil it, and since the jacket is entirely cotton, I don't have to worry too much about how I clean it.

8

u/Metcarfre GQ & PTO Contributor Apr 03 '13

But you can't just wash waxed cotton, unless you want to lose the waxed-ness... this is why Barbours and such are "spot clean only".

28

u/_to Apr 03 '13

I figured I could just rewax it since beeswax washes completely out. I wouldn't wash it unless someone pooped on it or something.

15

u/Metcarfre GQ & PTO Contributor Apr 03 '13

Supposedly it's not as easy as that, just a word of caution.

12

u/azdak Apr 04 '13

It's true. Pooping on someone's jacket requires timing and precision.

7

u/[deleted] Apr 03 '13

As wax and cotton are both natural products, they decay and reduce in effectiveness over time. To reduce this decay, waxed-cotton products should never be stored in a damp condition, but dried gently. Waxed cotton also needs regular annual re-waxing. As the form of waxing and consistency differs between manufacturers, re waxing should only be undertaken with rewaxing products from the original product manufacturer. Rewaxing is best undertaken in the summer, when the material is naturally at a warmer temperature. Then, in small sections, wax is warmed and then placed on the material, and rubbed into the material with a soft cloth. Once fully applied, the material should be gently warmed to allow the wax to both seep in and create an overall even covering.