(Photo: Danny Kim)

Waxed canvas jackets, bags, and sneakers aren’t leather, but even they require a little care to stay precipitation-repelling over time (dry as it’s been so far, our winter isn’t over yet, and then there’s, you know, spring). Heavy-duty Otter Wax ($12.95 at Modern Anthology, 68 Jay St., nr. Water St., Dumbo; 718-522-3020)—named after the semi-aquatic mammal’s waterproof coat—is an all-natural, plant-based alternative to paraffin-based protectants. The mess-free bar rubs smoothly into nylon, tin cloth, or denim, waterproofing or re-waterproofing fabric without leaving behind the oily gunk and odor of petroleum or silicone.

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• Archive: “Best Bets”
• Table of Contents: Mar 5, 2012 issue of New York | Subscribe!