ENSIGN x WAXED COTTON

Waxed cotton has long been a traditional technical textile with its roots traced back as far as the 15th century. Early mariners realized their cotton sails were more effective when wet and denser than dry, and so would apply fish oils and grease to their sails.

Around the 1850’s the first waterproofed cotton appeared with linseed oil applied but with age, turned stiff and yellow, the sails would then need to be replaced and mariners would use the old yellowed fabric for waterproof coats known as slickers.

Established in 1880, it was British Millerain who were the first to commercially wax cotton in Britain and perfect its manufacturing recipe, and thus exported this specialist textile around the world. Since, waxed cotton has become a desirable textile in both industry and fashion due to its weather proof and functional qualities.

Red

Yellow

Slate

Olive

Black

This Autumn/Winter, Walsh collaborates with British Millerain using their Staywax Romano, a lightweight fine cotton with pale surface wax designed to mark and fade under stress and wear giving a unique aged look.

Available in 5 solid colourways for preorder at the Walsh online store!