A Driza-Bone Ranger Heritage Coat; the timeless appeal of Australian waxjackets... if properly maintained.

Australia is a land that captivates the imagination. From its rugged landscapes to its legendary wildlife, much of which seems determined to put and end to you as soon as possible. Truly a place that embodies 'adventure'.

Unsurprisingly, it’s also the birthplace of some of the most iconic outerwear, including the rahter legendary Driza-Bone brand. With a strong heritage rooted in outdoor culture and agriculture, the oilskin jacket has become synonymous with Australian resilience and practicality.

Recently, I had the good fortune to acquire a stunning vintage Driza-Bone Ranger Heritage Coat. This model, along with the Driza-Bone Rider Heritage Coat, is a modern interpretation of the classic Australian oilskin (or wax jacket). Known for its utilitarian design—large pockets, broad shoulders, and exceptional weather resistance when properly maintained—this coat is a triumph of form meeting function. However, like all waxed jackets, it requires care to keep it in peak condition. That brings me to 'the art' of reproofing a Driza-Bone Ranger Heritage Coat.

Rewaxing your Driza-Bone Ranger Heritage Coat in 5 steps

To maintain your Driza-Bone riding coat and ensure it remains waterproof, reproofing is essential. When the fabric starts to appear faded or dry, it’s time to refresh the wax layer.

Step 1: Cleaning the coat

First and foremost, never machine wash your Driza-Bone coat. Doing so will ruin the wax layer. Similarly, avoid using soap. Instead, clean the coat gently with a damp sponge and cold water to remove dirt, mud and dust.

Step 2: Choosing the type of wax

As these jackets are referred to as oilskin, their waterproof properties historically came from oil. Today, most use a blend of wax and a small amount of oil. Driza-Bone sells its own reproofer, but if sourcing this locally proves challenging, alternatives such as Otter Wax or Barbour Wax are excellent options. You can also mix your own wax blend, though bear in mind that Driza-Bone oilskin coats are relatively stiff, so a softer wax may be preferable.

Step 3: Melting the Wax

Use the au-bain-marie method to melt your wax safely. Place the wax tin in a saucepan with a bit of water and bring it slowly to a boil. Once the wax turns transparent and liquid, you’re ready to start. Never heat wax directly, as it can ignite due to its oily content.

Step 4: Applying the Wax

Carry out the waxing in a warm, well-ventilated space to prevent the wax from hardening too quickly. Lay your coat flat on a surface, such as an unfolded cardboard box, to absorb any excess wax.

I recommend using a paintbrush for application, as it ensures a thin and even layer. Work on one side of the coat at a time, heating the wax with a hairdryer or heat gun as you go.

As I just applied a layer of wax on the right frontside of the coat, it's rather easy to see when one wants to reproof a jacket or coat; the cotton looks rather faded and dry.

This helps the wax penetrate the fabric. Pay extra attention to hems, seams, and areas around buttons, as these are prone to water ingress. Given the generous size of many Driza-Bone jackets, you may need to reheat the wax mid-process as it will likely to cool down while you're half-way through.

Step 5: Final Steps

Once the entire coat is coated, hang it in a warm room, heat it over once more for any surplus wax to melt into the cotton. Avoid wearing the coat immediately—ideally, let it rest for 24 hours in a warm room to ensure the wax has fully cured. And finally, use a brush to brush off any leftover bits of wax.

I fell in love with the Driza-Bone Ranger Heritage Coat

While reproofing my coat, I found myself falling in love with it. Its rugged charm and practicality are unmatched and fitted surprisingly well with the Norwegian sweaters I wear through autumn and winter. These exclusive coats, whether the Ranger or the Rider, aren’t easy to find in physical stores if you don't reside in Australia. If you’re considering purchasing one, you’ll likely need to order online. To help, here’s a size guide to ensure the perfect fit:

Size	Chest Measurement
XXS	85cm
XS	90cm
S	95cm
M	100cm
L	105cm
XL	110cm
2XL	116cm
3XL	122cm
4XL	128cm