THE SCIENCE, STORY & CARE OF BYBROWN FOREVER TEXTILES
At BYBROWN, we don't believe in disposable fashion. We design high-end, urban raincoats built for longevity, durability, and protection. Central to this philosophy are our Forever Textiles, premium waxed cotton materials that combine timeless heritage with contemporary design.
Due to its incredible resilience, this raincoat is the ultimate sustainable item in your wardrobe. It is built to age beautifully, developing a lived-in character that evolves uniquely with you, making it a true heirloom to be handed down from generation to generation.
Below is the story, the technical brilliance, and the essential care guidelines behind your BYBROWN raincoat.
Treat it well and wear it forever.
FROM SAILS TO CONTEMPORARY RAINCOATS
Our Forever Textiles are rooted in centuries of maritime survival, carrying a legacy that moves from the rough oceans straight into our modern urban designs.- 15th Century (The Scottish Mariners): Waxed cotton was born out of pure necessity on the rough oceans. Sailors noticed that heavy, wet sails slowed down their ships. They discovered that treating the sails with fish oils and animal fats repelled water and kept them light. Scraps of these treated sails were often crafted into capes and jackets to protect the crew.
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18th Century (Linseed Oil): Fish oil was later replaced by linseed oil. While it worked well, it had major drawbacks: over time, the fabric became stiff, turned yellow, and would crack or fracture in cold weather.
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The Paraffin Breakthrough (1930s): Pioneering British mills developed a breakthrough technique to impregnate cotton with a paraffin-based wax. This resulted in a fabric that was highly water-resistant, breathable, remained supple, and lacked the foul odor of older oils.
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Military & Battlefields (1940s): Due to this breakthrough, the fabric was officially adopted during World War II. It became the legendary armor for British Royal Navy submarine crews standing on freezing, storm-swept decks, as well as military motorcycle dispatch riders who needed ultimate protection against the elements.
Because our raincoats are crafted from a unique Waxed Cotton Textile, they require a completely different approach to maintenance compared to standard garments. Treating them like a regular jacket can permanently ruin the premium wax finish.
The Golden Rules (What to NEVER do)
- NEVER machine wash: The combination of hot water and detergents will strip the wax entirely from the cotton fibers.
- NEVER dry clean: The harsh chemical solvents used in dry cleaning will dissolve and permanently ruin the wax finish.
- NEVER: use alchohol-based products.
- NEVER tumble dry: Intense machine heat will cause the wax to melt, leak, and create permanent stains.
How to Clean Your Raincoat Properly
- Dry and Brush: Let any mud or dirt dry completely first. Once dry, gently brush it off using a soft-bristled brush.
- Cold Water Only: Use a sponge or cloth dipped in pure, cold water strictly no soap or detergent! and gently wipe away any stains or marks.
- Air Dry: Hang your raincoat in a well-ventilated area to dry naturally. Always keep it safely away from radiators or direct heat sources.
RESTORING & REWAXING YOUR WET WAXED COTTON COAT.
(Nova and Connect)
Depending on how often your BYBROWN raincoat faces the elements, the finish should be refreshed every 12 to 21 months to maintain its water repellent abilities.
You can easily reproof your coat at home using a tin of specialized wax and a regular hairdryer:
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Step 1: Ensure the garment is completely clean (free of dried mud) and thoroughly dry.
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Step 2: Place the tin of wax in a pot of hot water until the wax melts into a completely liquid, clear consistency.
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Step 3: Using a sponge or an old cloth, work the liquid wax evenly into the fabric. Work section by section, paying extra attention to the seams and high-wear areas.
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Step 4: Use a hairdryer on a mild setting to help the fabric absorb the wax smoothly.
RESTORING & REWAXING YOUR DRY WAXED COTTON COAT.
(Spats and Canter shorts)
Our dry wax raincoats offer a completely grease-free, matte touch and require a different approach:
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The Spray Method: Use a specialized dry-wax spray. Spray evenly onto the clean jacket from a short distance and gently rub it into the fibers with a clean, cloth. Let it air dry. You can use Millerain wax dressing
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The Heat Reactivation Method: If the wax has simply shifted through movement, you can reactivate it. Place a protective pressing cloth over the raincoat and iron on a very low setting. The mild heat will melt the internal dry wax back into place, instantly restoring its water-repellent performance.
How to Restore the Finish
Over time, friction and washing will naturally deplete the dry wax within the fibers.
- Spray application: To restore its water-repellent properties, lay the clean, dry garment flat.
- Apply treatment: Spray a specialized Dry Wax Eco-Spray evenly across the surface from a distance of about 15–20 cm so it can absorb into the fabric.
- Set the finish: Use a clean cloth to wipe away any excess droplets, then let it air dry completely
Treat your BYBROWN raincoat well, restore it when needed, and wear it forever.
Storage & Longevity Tips
- Storage: Always store your waxed garments in a cool, dry, and dark wardrobe. Storing them in damp environments can lead to mildew, while storing wet wax next to light-colored garments may result in minor wax transfer from the surface coating.
- The Water Beading Test: If you are unsure whether your garment needs maintenance, flick a few drops of water onto it. If the water sinks in and darkens the fabric instead of pooling into neat droplets, it is time for a refresh.
- Longevity: Regular reproofing will maintain weatherproof qualities of the fabric and prolong its life.
THE BYBROWN CRAFT: RESPONSIBLE & PREMIUM PRODUCTION
To create a true BYBROWN raincoat, we collaborate exclusively with the world’s leading heritage mills. Every meter of our Forever Textile passes through a rigorous, responsible production cycle before it is tailored into your jacket:
- Sustainable Sourcing: We care about our planet. All cotton used for our raincoats is proudly sourced from BCI-certified farms (Better Cotton Initiative), ensuring sustainable farming, reduced environmental impact, and fair working conditions.
- Inspection & Laboratory Testing: The raw cotton undergoes strict initial testing to ensure the highest yarn strength and quality.
- Dyeing & Batching: The fabric is expertly dyed to match BYBROWN’s signature, deep color palettes.
- Specialist Coating & Waxing: Depending on the specific raincoat design, a product-specific treatment is applied. Either our traditional Wet Wax or our clean, grease-free Dry Wax. The wax is deeply embedded into the core of the fibers.
- Quality Control & Despatch: A final, strict round of testing and QC sign-off guarantees that the textile meets our high standards for premium weatherproofing before it is packed for despatch to our atelier.
A BYBROWN waxed cotton raincoat relies on natural, mechanical brilliance to shield you from the elements.
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Natural Breathability: Our Forever Textile is a natural fibre that breathes. When your body warms up, the cotton fibers allow moisture and excess heat to escape naturally.
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The Self-Sealing Effect: The engineering behind our raincoats is beautiful in its simplicity. When the fabric comes into contact with water, the cotton fibers swell. Together with the premium wax treatment, the weave completely seals itself, creating an excellent, impenetrable barrier against heavy rain and piercing wind.
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Evolving Patina: A BYBROWN raincoat is designed to age beautifully. Through movement and daily wear, the wax layer develops light creases and lines (known as the crease effect). This gives your garment a gorgeous, lived-in character that evolves uniquely with you, making it a true personal heirloom.
