If the fabric looks and feels dry, or if you notice leaking, the coat can be reproofed with a paraffin wax.
If the fabric looks and feels dry, or if you notice leaking, the cap can be reproofed with a paraffin wax.
Nowadays they are coated with paraffin wax, before shipping, to preserve their freshness.
It is not water-repellent, but paraffin wax can adhere to it for repellency.
British Dictionary definitions for paraffin wax
paraffin wax
noun
1.
a white insoluble odourless waxlike solid consisting mainly of alkane hydrocarbons with melting points in the range 50°–60°C, used in candles, waterproof paper, and as a sealing agent Also called paraffin