Hey everyone!
I just picked up a military surplus trench coat that’s a polyester/cotton blend. It has that dry, coarse feel, and it’s a bit rustly when you handle it.
I was thinking of waterproofing it with oil or wax to make it feel heavier and softer, plus add some water resistance. But I’m worried about ruining it.
Has anyone here tried waterproofing a coat like this before? Any advice on how to go about it without wrecking the fabric?
Depends on what you mean by ‘waterproof.’
I have an unproofed one I wear to work, and it’s fine for shorter walks in the rain. If you want full waterproofing, maybe skip true wax—it’s a pain to apply—and go with something like Nikwax Cotton Proof. I’ve had good results with that on my kids’ jackets and my own coat.
@Zya
My main goal is actually to make it less coarse and more ‘flowy,’ maybe a bit heavier. The waterproofing would just be a bonus.
I thought oil or wax might achieve that effect, but I’m concerned about ruining it.
@Vance
That sounds like the USMC trench coat I used to have. It’s notoriously crinkly and coarse. To be honest, you might be better off with a waxed canvas trench if you’re looking for something softer that’ll break in over time. Leather could also work for that heavy, supple feel, but it’s pricier.
There’s no way you’ll make it truly waterproof. You could wax it, but without taped seams, it’ll start leaking with the first rain.
Marley said:
There’s no way you’ll make it truly waterproof. You could wax it, but without taped seams, it’ll start leaking with the first rain.
Agreed. These coats were designed for light weather resistance, not full waterproofing. Officers in WWI could escape into dugouts while grunts had ponchos, so trench coats were for light rain or wind—not downpours.
@August
I’d only use this around town, not outdoors or camping. I just like the look and want to improve the feel a bit without ruining it.
Vance said:
@August
I’d only use this around town, not outdoors or camping. I just like the look and want to improve the feel a bit without ruining it.
In that case, try a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) coating. It’ll help without changing the fabric too much. I have a trench coat I treat with DWR once a year, and it holds up well.
Marley said:
There’s no way you’ll make it truly waterproof. You could wax it, but without taped seams, it’ll start leaking with the first rain.
If it’s similar to my old military coat, you won’t get it fully waterproof without heavy treatment that changes the look.
Honestly, I’d skip trying to waterproof it. A waxed canvas poncho might be better.
Noor said:
Honestly, I’d skip trying to waterproof it. A waxed canvas poncho might be better.
I’m mostly looking to make the fabric less coarse and heavy—not for camping. I just thought some wax or oil treatment could help.
Trench coats like these were never fully waterproof. They’re usually cotton twill or a blend, so I’d recommend a product like Nikwax Cotton Proof. It won’t make it waterproof, but it should help it resist water for a while.
@Darby
Thanks! Mostly trying to make it less rustly and coarse. Waterproofing is just a bonus.
If you’re using beeswax, try applying it with baking paper and a warm iron—it makes the process much easier.
Ming said:
If you’re using beeswax, try applying it with baking paper and a warm iron—it makes the process much easier.
Thanks for the tip!
Go go gadget waterproof!
It might already have some water resistance from the military treatment.
Nova said:
It might already have some water resistance from the military treatment.
Possibly! Mainly trying to make it less coarse and more comfortable.
If you’re after water resistance with a softer feel, an oilskin duster might be more what you’re looking for. You re-wax them every few years, and they’re waterproof.
Ollie said:
If you’re after water resistance with a softer feel, an oilskin duster might be more what you’re looking for. You re-wax them every few years, and they’re waterproof.
I appreciate it, but I’m really after the classic trench coat look!
