Smelly wax jacket? here's why!

This Barbour has litterly had the Wax eaten away. There are a few things that will do this to a wax jacket, One is Mould and two is Mud.

Photos show a before and after. 😍

1. MOULD

Mould growth on a wax jacket occurs when fungal spores colonise the waxed cotton surface under conditions of elevated humidity, limited airflow and the presence of organic debris such as soil or sweat.

The hydrophobic wax coating slows evaporation, allowing microclimates of trapped moisture to persist within folds and seams. These damp and nutrient rich areas provide an ideal substrate for mould metabolism and sporulation.

Prolonged exposure to such conditions not only produces visible mould colonies and musty odours but can also compromise the integrity of the wax layer and underlying cotton fibres.

2. MUD / SOIL

Mud and soil in prolonged contact with waxed cotton can accelerate the degradation of both the wax coating and the underlying fibres.

Acidic soils (low pH) may gradually break down the protective wax layer through chemical etching, leaving the fabric more permeable to moisture and microbial activity. Alkaline soils (high pH), by contrast, can saponify or weaken certain wax compounds, reducing their hydrophobic performance and causing a patchy or uneven finish.

In both cases, the abrasive nature of dried soil or mud particles can physically erode the wax coating, exposing the cotton base. Together, these chemical and mechanical processes diminish the jacket’s water resistance, increase its susceptibility to staining, and create favourable conditions for further mould and fibre degradation.