04/27/2021
Waxed denims: what are they and where are they from ?
Waxed denim have entered the common rotation of most trendsetting figures in the likes of Carti, Travis or Kanye to name a few. Fashion enthusiasts are increasingly seeking the coated denim silhouettes and prices for those have skyrocketed as a result.
Yet, this is also in part because iconic labels, such as Rick Owens, or Ann Demeulemeester are up to date with the trend and consistently produce such incredible garments as part of their staple items. In keeping with the importance that the most influentials figures attribute to it, we want to know what waxed denim are and where they originate ?
Coated denims and fabrics draw their origins in sailors who coated sails and clothes in linseed oil, not for its distinctive look but mostly for its waterproof properties since the 18th century. With time however the cloths would encounter problems of decolouration and smell which led it to be replaced in the 1920s by innovative processes that used paraffin to impregnate the fabrics.
While there was not much interest from high fashion for the fabric as it was mostly endorsed for its utility by armies during WWII or motorcyclists across the 20th century, it joined the emergence of leather in the 70s.
Indeed, waxed denim shares similarities with leather in their glossy and textured look even though the former are less shiny and feel more granulated and rough to the touch. Leather pants were spearheaded by rock’n’roll icons and the following gothic and punk aesthetics; waxed pants followed the trend.
The most iconic silhouettes that employ the fabric tend to be skinny pants, often endorsed since the 2000s by music and fashion icons, at a time when they were shown reinvigorated interest.
As previously mentioned, Rick Owens was one of the figures at the forefront of this newfound love for glossy textures and the current fashion landscape is simply in awe for his works. Thanks to his second line DRKSDW, the designer has constantly innovated in fabrics, using coated fabrics.
Waxed denims are really tasteful and we believe they are here to stay in as much as they convey a mysterious and sophisticated look.