Patagonia’s Eco-Friendly Waxed Cotton Jacket: A Modern Take on Classic Outdoor Gear

Patagonia’s new fall/winter release, the Lightweight Waxed Cotton Jacket, might just replace that old Nano Puff as the go-to piece of outdoor gear in your closet. This jacket not only delivers style and durability but also addresses an important environmental issue—goodbye, forever chemicals!

What Makes Patagonia's Lightweight Waxed Cotton Jacket Different?

Synthetic jackets have long been a staple of outdoor gear, but many come with hidden downsides—namely, PFCs and PFAS. Known as “forever chemicals,” these harmful substances are found in many water-repellent jackets and have been linked to serious health and environmental concerns. Enter Patagonia’s Lightweight Waxed Cotton Jacket: a stylish, durable jacket that skips the synthetic chemicals for a natural, sustainable alternative.

A Step Toward Sustainability: Waxed Cotton Over Synthetic DWR

Patagonia has committed to eliminating PFCs and PFAS from its products by 2025. The Lightweight Waxed Cotton Jacket is part of that initiative, providing weatherproofing with a plant-based wax made from food-industry waste. This wax coats the jacket’s 6.9-ounce organic cotton ripstop exterior, offering a natural defense against the elements—perfect for rain, snow, sleet, or hail.

Waxed cotton has been used for centuries, particularly by sailors. Patagonia spent over a decade modernizing this age-old fabric into a reliable alternative for outdoor enthusiasts. This jacket blends heritage with high-performance, all while maintaining Patagonia’s environmental commitment.

Key Features and Design

Here’s a quick rundown of what makes this jacket a standout:

• Breathable Weather Resistance: Made from organic cotton ripstop, the jacket is treated with Halley Stevensons EverWax™ Olive, a plant-based wax that adapts to ambient temperature. It becomes more breathable in warm weather and stiffer in cold, offering protection and comfort year-round.
• Interior Lining: The soft, 55% hemp and 45% organic cotton muslin lining makes layering easy and ensures the jacket feels great against your skin.
• Weather Protection: With a three-panel hood and a zip-through collar, this jacket provides excellent protection from the elements.
• Ample Storage: Bellowed hand pockets and an internal zippered chest pocket offer plenty of storage space while keeping your essentials secure.
• Timeless Design: Available in four colors—Slab Khaki, Forge Grey, and two different blues—the jacket's waxed cotton exterior develops a unique patina over time, creating a personal, lived-in look that gets better with age.

Waxed Cotton Care: Simple but Specific

To keep your Patagonia Lightweight Waxed Cotton Jacket looking and performing its best, it requires specific care. Avoid machine washing, tumble drying, or using soap, and re-wax when necessary to restore its weather-resistant properties. Spot cleaning with cold water will do the trick for most maintenance.

Price and Availability

Priced at $369, the Patagonia Lightweight Waxed Cotton Jacket is available now, just in time for fall and winter adventures. It’s made in a Fair Trade Certified™ factory, supporting workers and ethical production practices.

If you’re looking for an eco-friendly, high-performance jacket that combines heritage styling with modern functionality, the Patagonia Lightweight Waxed Cotton Jacket is a no-brainer. Its timeless design, sustainable materials, and impressive durability ensure it’ll be a mainstay in your wardrobe for years to come.