Originally Posted by mj

I was actually thinking about getting a waxed cotton jacket, too. Not necessarily Belstaff, there's a bunch of other waxed cotton jackets available that are not ricidulously overpriced. I'm guessing that's because of Belstaff's LWR/LWD affiliation.

I'm wondering though not only how durable they are but also what their (dis)advantages are? Like do you boil inside when it gets hot? How waterproof are they really? What about funky smell after several hot days in the saddle? Are they easy to wash (aka do they have to be hand-washed or machine-washed, do they need special detergent, etc.) and how long do they dry?

I'm currently using a Pharao textile jacket that I really like - it has several big pockets, it's comfortable albeit quite heavy, but it's neither waterproof nor usable when it gets really hot due to lack of vents.

Originally Posted by Dodger

On very hot days you will find a waxed cotton jacket very warm ,they are usually black and will soak up the sun and they don't have much ventilation .
You can leave the cuffs open and partially open the zip to get some air in them .But on a 20c day they will be comfortable when you are moving on the bike , I find textile jackets warm too if they don't have ventilation flaps as well ,so not much difference really.

Hand wash only in mild soapy warm water , definitely no hot machine washing !
They usually don't have much of a lining so they dry fairly quickly ,--overnight maybe ?
I can't remember washing mine ,I just leave it out in the rain and the mud rinses off .

They are waterproof if you look after them and reproof them occasionally .

If you decide to buy a cheaper one ,have a hard look at the quality of the manufacturing .See previous posts about the Vincent jacket .
Stitching may not be up to the standard of Belstaff or Barbour and the fit may not be correct for riding on a motorcycle .

I've worn heavyweight Barbour jackets for years on the farm and for shooting ,as NOTHING else will stand up to abuse that they will take .Goretex will crap out after a couple of years and doesn't like being covered in mud and grime .

I've picked up nearly new Barbour Internationals on eBay for 50 pounds ,so they don't have to be expensive .

Waxed cotton is a natural product and is not as convenient as modern textiles as regards washing etc .
Funky smell ? Never noticed , buy a large size that will allow you to wear several layers underneath and wash the under layers ,not the jacket .
If you put the jacket away wet it may get mouldy , but then so would any other kind of jacket .

You either love 'em or you hate 'em .

Originally Posted by Smokin

I bought a nice waxed cotton jacket, and it is a traditional biker jacket, but it doesn't seem to be that resilient. In the event of a crash, how does it hold up? Will it and my skin be torn to shreds or is it actually a durable material?

Thanks.