FIX IT UPCreative director Sean Lehnhardt-Moore on the business of mending a Belstaff jacketHow often do Belstaff jackets need rewaxing? What does this process entail?
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Re-waxing is purely a personal choice of the wearer. We have Trialmaster jackets in our archive that vary from having been waxed so many times that they have a finish that looks like leather, to being very dry with colour fading from the sun. They both look incredible, so it depends on your taste.

If you are wishing to maintain the weatherproof element of the material, Belstaff waxed cotton jackets would require reproofing when water no longer beads on top of the surface. With regular wear, this would mean reproofing your jacket once a year. If the jacket isn’t one that you wear every day or you prefer a ‘worn-in’ look with character, you could easily skip a year.

The process entails first brushing any dirt or grit off your jacket and then cleaning it with a damp sponge and cold water. Let your jacket air dry before applying Belstaff Wax.

You can soften the tin of wax by heating it over hot water. Wax the exterior of the jacket thoroughly (avoid the interior corduroy collar and cuffs as well as the plaid lining) using a cloth or a soft brush. Once waxed, hang your jacket up to dry avoiding any direct sunlight. Drying can take from 24-48 hours.

What’s the oldest jacket you’ve had in for repairs?
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There isn’t one specific jacket that comes to mind, but we do get Trialmaster jackets dating as far back as the 1950s in for re-waxing and repair. Some of these have been handed down through the generations within the same family. We get great enjoyment from restoring them to continue their story.

As it is such a timeless design, it is a wonderful process to breathe new life into these old pieces. Many of these jackets are now highly sought-after collector’s items.
What is the most common repair?
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Common repairs can include replacing a zipper, a snap or missing button. Some Belstaff customers wear their waxed cotton jackets in challenging conditions, so it is natural that some hardware may need repairing or replacing over time. Most things can be repaired, the severity of the damage just impacts how the repair can be done and the final look.

Why is it important for Belstaff to repair its jackets?
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At Belstaff, we are wanting to create timeless garments that aren’t too precious and can be worn for everyday life. Quality is paramount in everything we do but hard wear does mean that accidents may happen and parts may break. Our pieces stand the test of time and we wish to lengthen their lifespan so that the wearer can continue to enjoy their Belstaff product. These repairs end up being part of the history of the jacket.

Is there anything that can’t be fixed?
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Depending on the placement and severity of the damage, the method of repair can vary from being hardly visible to being more of a distinctive feature of the piece. We have often been inspired by seeing how customer’s jackets have been worn and repaired throughout the years.

How does making a jacket that will essentially never wear out make business sense?
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Belstaff is sustainable by design. We see real value in keeping clothes for longer; we take great care to design clothing with style, quality and durability to take you on your journey. Great style never goes out of fashion, but discarding clothes after a wear or two feels like it has. That is not Belstaff. Our Bonneville 6oz jackets are built for life. We re-wax and repair them when you need it.
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