What wax changes on canvas
The wax feeds the fibres and closes the weave: water beads and runs off instead of soaking through, which makes the canvas water repellent in a shower. It also gives that slightly oily, marbled finish that marks under the fingers, creases at the folds and lightens at the corners: that is the character of the material, as on a waxed jacket. It does not make the bag waterproof, though: seams and openings remain entry points in long rain. The thick waxed canvas messenger bag with two straps shows this grain well, and the waxed canvas flap messenger bag takes two padded dividers for a camera.
Crossbody, laptop or weekender: choosing the size
The size depends on what you carry. For a laptop and its cables, the 15.6 inch waxed canvas laptop bag is carried by hand or on the shoulder. For two or three days away, the roll top weekender bag holds the things of a short stay. To keep both hands free, the vintage flap backpack or the waxed canvas sling bag are easy to forget during the day.
Waxed canvas and leather: the finishes in this selection
Several models pair the waxed canvas with cowhide reinforcements on the handles, corners or base, where the bag rubs and rests. The leather ages at the same pace as the canvas, and the two materials end up echoing each other. Other models keep straps and tabs in canvas or in a leather coloured material: each product sheet states what is announced, nothing more. For unwaxed canvas, see also our canvas messenger bags for men and men's canvas crossbody bags.
Caring for a waxed canvas bag
A soft brush is enough for dust, once mud has dried. Wipe a stain with a barely damp cloth, without soap or detergent. Never use a washing machine: hot water and detergent strip the wax. When the canvas lightens and soaks up water instead of shedding it, rub in a canvas wax with a cloth, then warm it slightly with a hair dryer so it gets into the weave.
Frequently asked questions
Is a waxed canvas bag waterproof? It is water repellent: a shower runs off the canvas. In long rain, water can get through the seams and openings, so it does not replace a waterproof bag.
Are marks and creases normal? Yes. Wax marks under the fingers and at the folds, and these traces make the patina of the canvas over the months.
Can I machine wash a waxed canvas bag? No, washing removes the wax. Brush it dry, wipe with a damp cloth, and rewax when the canvas lightens.