Hands-On: Line of Trade Waxed Ranch Jacket

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Here’s a quick history lesson: Waxed outerwear originated from fifteenth-century Scottish sailors. They figured, hey, we storm-proof our sails this way, so why not weatherproof ourselves? Some centuries later, the chore coat was invented in France for manually skilled professionals. Finally, in the ever-innovative USA, the two concepts married to bring the world the waxed ranch jacket.

This classic piece of Americana is a favorite of mine. Maybe it’s because I’m a good American, or maybe it’s because it’s one of the most versatile, practical garments you can have in your closet. I’ve worn many, many models, and I’ve found Line of Trade’s Waxed Ranch Jacket to be one of the most high-value in the market—perhaps the most high-value.

From construction to style, here’s my experience with this trusty coat.

Images by Karlton Miko Tyack

Hands-On: Line of Trade Waxed Ranch Jacket Review

Specs: Classic with Modern Creature Comforts

Mercifully, the Line of Trade Waxed Ranch Jacket comes in a wide range of sizes, from S to XXXL. I’m not a big guy. At 5’7” and 135 lbs, a small would’ve fit me in a more classically relaxed way. However, I actually like a slightly oversized fit when it comes to flannel-lined coats. I wear a medium, which drapes me just fine. It isn’t too baggy, and the lines fall cleanly.

Speaking of, that flannel is a fantastic touch. Western ranchers may not have always needed it, but the heavyweight lining allows us non-ranchers to consider this handsome garment as a viable winter coat.

The exterior is a classic cotton canvas, waxed just enough to repel water, look great, and be non-greasy. The entire jacket is equipped with brass hardware, which is strong but not heavy. Plus, each button is signed with a Line of Trade embossing, adding an antique workwear aesthetic.

Hands-On: Line of Trade Waxed Ranch Jacket Hardware

Deceptively simple, the jacket pockets are a testament to Line of Trade’s thoughtful but not overbuilt approach to details. The main pockets are angled for easy access. Still, they’re deep enough that your items remain secure. Not once has anything fallen out of this coat during the thousand times I’ve worn it.

There’s also a flapped chest pocket. Uniquely, it’s a slit pocket, which gives the chest a cleaner look. Style-wise, this jacket is well-balanced without compromising any utility. Ranch jackets with no chest pockets are a pet peeve of mine. Sure, it’s neater-looking, but where will I put my pocket knife?

And on the topic of style, this ranch jacket comes in five colorways. You get your classics, like black and olive. There’s a bark variation, which is a darker, earthy green hue, and the one I have. Then there’s a safari-adjacent field tan and a dapper garnet-hued version.

Hands-On: Line of Trade Waxed Ranch Jacket Collar

Tough and Cozy Construction

When I’m reviewing any piece of workwear, whether it’s a chore coat or a pair of jeans, I test its strength. Essentially, I earnestly try to tear it apart. With this ranch jacket, I put on some gloves and pulled hard on the hanger loop only for it to stay athletically in place. I’m a small gent, but I’m surprisingly strong—I was a prop in high school rugby. I even tried ripping it off with a metal hook. Nothing.

Hands-On: Line of Trade Waxed Ranch Jacket Wearing Front View

I basically tried tearing off any part of the coat that slacked, from the pockets to the cuff. I even tried ripping the buttons off using a hammer claw. I learned that this is a well-built piece of outerwear.

Hands-On: Line of Trade Waxed Ranch Jacket Side View

The level of warmth this jacket provides was initially quite shocking to me. I’ve always associated ranch jackets with autumn. I’ve never encountered one that can do the work of, say, a proper winter puffer. Between the shell exterior and soft, thick flannel lining, I was able to wear this jacket on 30-degree days. In fact, when paired with thermal long johns, a button-down, thick sweater, gloves, and a hat, I was able to wear this jacket when it was near zero outside. I wasn’t perfectly comfortable, but it did the job.

One more note about that lining. It is cozy. On a cab ride home from a pub crawl, it kept me so warm and snug, that I just comfortably dozed off until I got home. And no, it wasn’t because of the whiskey.

Hands-On: Line of Trade Waxed Ranch Jacket Inside Pocket

Purpose-Built Protection: From My Kitchen to the Seas

I wore this ranch jacket on a fishing trip for my buddy’s birthday. I figured it would be a nice nod to the aforementioned 15th-century sailors of Scotland. All that to say, this coat was really tested that day. It turned out to be outstandingly choppy, rainy, and cold (though that didn’t stop me from catching (and releasing) a baby shark). 

When the rain was light, the water truly just rolled right off the waxed surface. It was impressive, considering how consistent the drops were. Then, the rain became moderate. It was never really heavy, but it was steady enough that my jacket did get wet. However, it didn’t soak through into my clothes. For a non-raincoat, this was a pleasant surprise.

Hands-On: Line of Trade Waxed Ranch Jacket Sleeve

Relatedly, I had a dinner party at home, a big celebration that required me to dust off my wedding china. I was advised not to put such finery in the washing machine, so, after the merry-making, I hand-washed it. I’m a messy washer, so I actually wore my ranch jacket to protect my tuxedo. It did the trick.

And finally, I was able to wear my ranch jacket on an actual ranch (I’m from California). The relaxed fit allowed me to wear layers underneath and still have my full range of motion. I chopped wood, worked the stables, weeded, and fed animals. The shell design protected me from flying wood chips, potential splinters, and splashes.

Hands-On: Line of Trade Waxed Ranch Jacket Wearing

Handsome and Unstuffy Style

I place my Line of Trade Ranch Jacket in the Mount Rushmore of my closet’s workwear jackets. The others are a Norfolk coat, a corduroy-collared quilted field jacket, and a classic denim. These are all light-to-moderate pieces of outerwear meant for work. From a style perspective though, ranch jackets are less haughty than Norfolks, more relaxed than quilted field jackets, and classier and more understated than denim or leather jackets.

Ranch jackets are rugged and practical, yet easy to pair with outfits. I wear a suit and tie to work every single day. My ranch jacket brings that combination down to earth in a way that a Norfolk couldn’t. Meanwhile, I could also wear this guy with jeans, cargos, or even in a smart casual situation.

Hands-On: Line of Trade Waxed Ranch Jacket Flat Lay

Another neat thing about waxed work jackets is how uniquely each patinates. The wax lines and markings will change and develop based on your specific movements. I think this quality adds a pragmatic yet graceful element, one that’s connected to your story and no one else’s. I guess you can say that each Line of Trade Ranch Jacket is one of a kind.

Price: $158

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