The Return of the Waxed Vest: How We Reimagined a Classic

Back by very popular demand. The long-awaited return of Our Canyon Vest has finally arrived! 

We read your messages, scrolled through your comments and heard your requests loud and clear. Fully stocked and ready to roll - we promise you this is going to be your go-to layering piece to carry you through from season to season. 

We originally launched our then-called ‘Utah Vest’ way back in 2019. Hence the name, our vest was inspired by the sandstone of Utah, open roads and vast landscapes. Designed with traditional workwear in mind, with features like a pencil slot and a very nifty nato clip, we wanted a piece that felt versatile yet durable, as at home in the city as it feels out in the sticks. 

With that in mind, it is no surprise that, much to the unpredictability of the weather in the UK, the history of Waxed Canvas can be found firmly rooted in British heritage. Dating all the way back to the 15th century, with its seafaring origins. To make the fabric waterproof, Sailors and fishermen treated sailcloth with fish or linseed oil. This fabric later became used for protective outerwear and eventually got picked up by farmers, hunters, and motorcyclists, all of whom endure their fair share of changeable weather. 

You’ll be familiar with this fabric, particularly if you are a fan of our Wayfare Waxed Jacket - an ever iconic and firm P&Co Favourite, but in particular, the Waxed Cotton Vest evolved in history as a sleeveless alternative to this. Providing core warmth while allowing full arm mobility, again, perfect for those who may need it, fishing or farming alike. 

Our Utah Vest was our first pursuit into this kind of product - a blueprint of such, but now our Canyon Vest feels that bit more elevated. 

Rather than a 2.0 type situation, we felt this piece deserved a new name reflective of its inspiration and nature of the product. 

A few years ago, our Founder stumbled upon some Slot Canyons near Anza Borrego when out shooting. In nature, Canyons are deep valleys forged over time by erosion, a cause and effect of rivers and streams cutting down into the bedrock and carrying away sediment over extended periods of time, often millions of years. 

Which is why the name ‘Canyon’ felt fitting. Similar to how Waxed Canvas ages over time, each scratch, mark, and graze tells a story, building character and holding onto each memory made. 

This means that over time, it becomes a completely personal and unique piece, different from any other  - we think that’s pretty darn cool. 

Much like our original design, our Canyon Vest features a heavy 17oz Water-Repellent Oil-waxed Canvas and is pre-shrunk for a broken-in feel. Constructed with purpose and made with utility in mind, our Vest has a concealed zip chest pocket, carpenter-style patch pockets and a ticket pocket. Rightfully so, we’ve also kept our internal nato clip. 

There’s more than one reason we brought this back - but don’t just take our word for it, go see for yourself.