Heritage brands compared; A lady's size guide to wax jackets

There's nothing quite like the perfectly fitting wax jacket—a steadfast companion for country walks and strolls through the city adventures during downpour alike. Yet finding your ideal fit amongst the finest heritage brands can be rather like navigating a maze. I thought I’d help you to demystify the sizing of these pieces to make your choice and your life slightly easier. 

General Fitting Notes

I understand that trying on these splendid jackets might not be possible in your local area, as each heritage brand has their select stockists and outlets. I do hope this lady size guide for wax jackets will prove valuable in your quest for the perfect wax jacket even though every women's body is different of course. Here's to many happy years in your waxed-for-weather companion. May it serve you splendidly through countless countryside rambles and city adventures alike.

A Barbour Ebberston Wax jacket, in a generous fit. Image credit: Barbour

Before delving into specific brands, be aware that wax jackets should allow room for layering. You'll want to comfortably fit a chunky woolen jumper or gilet underneath, particularly during the chillier autumn or spring months.

I wear thick Norwegian woollen jumpers as soon as the temperature drops between 10 degrees and therefore my jackets are ALWAYS one size too big. And I anticipate not on getting any skinnier as the years are ‘growing’ on me. Also, make sure the sleeve reaches your wrist bone when your arm is relaxed and hanging down besides you. 

Barbour

Ladies first because the grande dame of wax British-made wax jackets offers a comprehensive range from UK 8 to 18.

- UK 8 (US 4): Chest 32-33", Waist 25-26"

- UK 10 (US 6): Chest 34-35", Waist 27-28"

- UK 12 (US 8): Chest 36-37", Waist 29-30"

- UK 14 (US 10): Chest 38-40", Waist 31-32"

- UK 16 (US 12): Chest 41-42", Waist 33-34"

- UK 18 (US 14): Chest 43-44", Waist 35-36"

Fit Note: Barbour tends to be generous in fit leaving plenty of room for moving limbs. If you find yourself in between sizes, consider sizing down, particularly in their Classic fit range.

Dubarry

The ever so elegant Irish thoroughbred of outdoor-wear offers a trim, tailored fit that works brilliantly for a more streamlined silhouette.

- XS (UK 8): Chest 31-32", Waist 24-25"

- S (UK 10): Chest 33-34", Waist 26-27"

- M (UK 12): Chest 35-36", Waist 28-29"

- L (UK 14): Chest 37-39", Waist 30-31"

- XL (UK 16): Chest 40-41", Waist 32-33"

Fit Note: Dubarry cuts close to the body. Consider sizing up if you prefer a relaxed fit or plan to layer extensively as we talked about earlier. 

John Partridge

A traditional British cut that favours practicality and comfort. Wax jackets as they are supposed to were they to ask me, which the didn’t. 

- UK 8: Chest 32", Waist 25"

- UK 10: Chest 34", Waist 27"

- UK 12: Chest 36", Waist 29"

- UK 14: Chest 38", Waist 31"

- UK 16: Chest 40", Waist 33"

- UK 18: Chest 42", Waist 35"

Fit Note: True to size with generous arm room for countryside pursuits.

Belstaff

Luxury motorcycle heritage meets countryside chic with a modern, fashion-forward fit. I have a weak-spot for women on motorcycles. There, I said it. 

- IT 38 (UK 6): Chest 31-32", Waist 24-25"

- IT 40 (UK 8): Chest 33-34", Waist 26-27"

- IT 42 (UK 10): Chest 35-36", Waist 28-29"

- IT 44 (UK 12): Chest 37-38", Waist 30-31"

- IT 46 (UK 14): Chest 39-40", Waist 32-33"

- IT 48 (UK 16): Chest 41-42", Waist 34-35"

Fit Note: Belstaff typically runs small. Consider sizing up, particularly if you're between sizes. Especially when you are a motorcyclist, because you’d want to dress in layers. 

Driza-Bone

Australian practicality meets British styling, with a generous cut for freedom of movement. Because that’s what one needs when sitting on a horse in the outback. 

- XS (UK 8): Chest 33", Waist 26"

- S (UK 10): Chest 35", Waist 28"

- M (UK 12): Chest 37", Waist 30"

- L (UK 14): Chest 39", Waist 32"

- XL (UK 16): Chest 41", Waist 34"

Fit Note: Driza-Bone tends to run rather large. Size down if you prefer a more fitted look.

Measuring yourself

For the most accurate fit:

1. Measure your chest at the fullest point, keeping the tape measure level

2. For waist measurement, measure around your natural waistline

3. When in doubt, compare measurements to a (wax) jacket you already own and love

Final Thoughts

Remember that wax jackets often become more comfortable with wear, moulding to your shape like new boots. While precise measurements are invaluable, consider your wearing preferences and lifestyle when making your choice. A jacket for ploughing through the countryside might warrant a different fit than one primarily for urban exploration.