Barbour Wax Jacket Showdown: Thornproof vs Sylkoil!

What is better?

[tvmcrusher]

From Barbour themselves:
Sylkoil is an “unshorn” wax where the cotton comes straight from the loom while it’s slightly fluffy and is then dyed and waxed. The natural imperfections of the weave are reflected in the rich variations of color and finish. Over time, this fabric softens into a lovely, slightly peachy looking cotton between waxes.

Thornproof is a lustrous wax with a deep color and even touch. The cotton is calendered between rollers and then dyed. The resulting finish is smooth cotton which we term Thornproof because it is extremely resistant to snags and pulls from spiky plants such as brambles and hawthorn.

Conclusion: The finish of the delivered product is different but both require maintenance with thornproof wax.

[karlroberts]

Good video. I have several Barbours. It's my understanding that the oil/wax is the same, but the fabric is different. One is carded (or combed or something, I don't know the terminology), and the other is not. I have a 'Gamefair' jacket I bought at Harrods during my honeymoon in 1993. It is the shiny Thornproof version. After wearing it as a 'dress jacket' for several years, it got stinky. Then I used it for fly fishing and upland birding. I keep it out in the garage, as it smells. I reproofed it many times, although it developed many pinholes. I had worn it DAILY for several years and wasn't upset with the lifespan I receive from the jacket. It held up well. A few years ago I purchased a Sylkoil 'Beaufort' jacket. It is softer and more pliable, especially when it gets cold. I like the look of the old Thornproof, but the new Sylkoil is probably more comfortable. They're comfy when walking in cool temps, but quickly get sweaty if you are walking in a shop....

[karlroberts]

(further to below)... I also have an old Thornproof Westmorland with the leather armholes. Love it. Very comfy. I don't wear my Barbour stuff to be stylish. I'm too old to worry about that. If you reproof it yourself, use a hairdryer and a rag. DON'T use too much wax, or it'll be wet and smell strongly. I'd never send it in. I always do it myself in about an hour. Easy. What I love about my Barbours are that I can wear it over a suit jacket or fishing waders in the same day! Remember to wax them or you WILL develop pinholes on the elbow creases, pockets and cuffs.

[carlrydfors]

I feel I must correct you on this. The sylkoil is actually Barbours oldest and most original wax whereas the thornproof wax was introduced as an improvement a long time ago.

Thats why the Sylkoil Bedale is sold as "Bedale Classic".

I prefer the thornproof wax anyday.

[CraigDAllen-srzb]

although there is a difference between the sylkoil finish and thornproof waxed finish when you purchase coats from Barbour, if you decide to send a sylkoil finished coat back to Barbour, or want to reproof one yourself, there is only one type of reproofing wax - the thornproof wax.  You can choose never to reproof a sylkoil finished coat, but they eventually lose their waterproofing (I know because I have a To Ki To limited edition Barbour that came with sylkoil finish and it eventually stopped shedding water).  So, unless you intend never to wear the sylkoil finished coat in the rain, you will eventually need to wax it, making the finish identical to the thornproof finish that comes from Barbour.

[neworder]

I use my Barbour all year round the sylkoil is just what they use in the factory up north these days. but you have to re proof it each yeah with the wax dressing, I reproof and repair holes (often from barbed wire fences) summer and winter. the best way to tell is when it looks dry.

[redlady]

I love your level of detail. Other reviewers don't go into such detail and I'm left with so many questions

[breifne]

How about trudging through a good few acres of tall brambles and see what the thornproof v Silkoil is actually about? lol

[DrawnInk]

Just how many Barbours do you own? Great vid.

[pbxl]

I got a beaufort in sylkoil which after years looks like leather.. so no the silkoil will not remains as news.. but can aged beautifully it depends what you do with it.. I do make the stables and horse riding (even if it's not a bedale :-) ).. and need to be rewax frequently.

[welshgoldferret]

I have a Border A200 from the 90's like new, I love how they last, going to re-coat it with wax now ready for winter :)

[axiomist]

These are cool looking jackets. Do you guys here only wear them in the wilderness? If not, why can't they be worn w/o the wax? Seems like a lot of trouble. Just a friendly question.

[neworder]

all barbour jackets need to be waxed each year even the Sylkoil.

[Melvorgazh]

ps: I am actually making a kite.
And 2 actually.
But working on my 1st one the moment.
And I am planning to use some type of tissue paper, or already waxed paper.
And I remember when I had a hunting coat in my teenagehood with the scouts I used that coat often.
When it rains... you know the water stays out.
And the smell is nice.
Then for my 2nd kite I am planning to use organza silk.
And I am wondering if waxing this silk can be a good idea.
Greetings from wet Brussels, Belgium :) 🌧 oh, just right now the Sun is coming through the clouds, I thought it was gone. 😹
Nice video, an well explained waxing stuffs.

[bheinatz]

A great review and explanation! Thank you!

[runthomas]

i love my barbours...and thornproof is generally harder wearing than sylkoil...the sylkoil is like a very light suede feel to it because the cotton has not been rolled and pressed tight like a drum...and has a suede feel that a spike from a rose bush or hawthorn can catch ....i think of sylkoil as dressy....thornproof as out in the wilderness tougher stuff.

[Melvorgazh]

Oh, I almost forgot.
What type of wax is that Thronproof?
How is it made?
Cheers

[stuartpaterson]

The wax is exactly the same as its always been. It's the finish on the material that's different.

[Atropin]

finally got a A320 :). your videos were very useful to decide on one!

[Graeme]

Thank god this is so old, it's all wrong. Hard to find anything that is correct.
It's the fabric, not the wax.