Halley Stevensons

History

The concept of waxed cotton was originally developed in the early 15th century by sailors. Scottish North Sea herring fleets operating from east coast ports began treating flax sailcloth with fish oils and grease in an attempt to waterproof their sails, keeping them light and efficient. Remnants of these sails were used as capes to withstand the high winds and sea spray, keeping the sailors warm and dry. These capes were the forerunner to the fisherman’s slicker. The east coast Scottish textile manufacturers, many of who had their own fleets of sailing ships, would bring in linen and flax from the Baltic’s, hence our “Baltic Works”. With care and a commitment to innovation, sailcloth evolved and by the mid-1850s, was made from lighter-weight double-fold cotton yarns, treated with linseed oil. Early Royal Navy sailing ships and tea clippers were amongst the first to use these lightweight cotton sails, famously “The Discovery“, that still sits in Dundee’s port today. However, linseed oils yellow and stiffen through weathering. Through this oxidation process, the oil would eventually lose its water-proofing qualities. This initiated further innovation and the development of alternative waterproofing compounds. In the years that followed, various treatments were applied to cotton in an attempt to find the most effective, and the combination of densely woven cotton, impregnated with a paraffin waxed coating proved most successful. Our history of innovation has allowed us to create many different variations on this, resulting in a unique product offer. These fabric constructions are still used to this day and the wax treatments have been developed to give longer-lasting, waterproofing finishes. With over 150 years of experience, we create many thousands of meters of waxed cotton every year, with each roll produced to custom specifications. The beauty of waxed cotton is its durability and longevity, it is built to last. The fabrics are breathable, the wax adjusting to ambient temperature to be softer/more breathable in warm weather and stiffer/more windproof in cold conditions. Its proofing can be maintained by applying wax to the surface, keeping it soft, supple and weather-resistant. The densely woven cotton is strong and reliable, while the finish ensures that the fabric looks better with age. The wax naturally picks up marks and creases which add to the character of the fabric itself. Garments continually adapt to the wearers' personalities, creating unique, one-of-a-kind products.