You need to remember the environment that waxed cotton was designed for - damp, rainy, cool or chilly weather. Think Britian. In such climes, the wax stays where it's supposed to and does what it's supposed to - keep the wearer reasonably dry, keep the fabric waterpoof, semi-breathable, and somewhat briar proof.
It isn't designed for 80, 90, 100+ weather. At such temps and in the sun, the dark fabric warms up considerably and the wax becomes semi-liquid and will rub off anywhere on anything and will stain light coloured fabrics. This is best used in fall, mild winter, spring in the States.
If your jacket/bag shows light colored fabric in the creases, abraded wear, fraying at seams, etc - that means it's in dire need of re-waxing. Yeah - I know it adds character, but you're defeating the purpose of the wax - keeping you and/or your goodies reasonably dry. It also keeps the fabric pretty much briar proof. Besides, you shelled out extra $$ for the waxed version.
I usually re-wax my jackets in the summer when the days are 80+. The last thing I do after waxing is hang them outside in the sun to heat up so that I can do a final wipe down to get off the last remaining excess wax. Believe me - the summer sun will bring all that excess wax out overy nook and cranny and seam.
Chances are your Sacramento heat and sun is liquifing the wax, wicking it out of the cotton fabric and it's coming off on everything it touches. I know it has that "To The Manor Born" look about it, but at least use it when it's meant to be used and you won't look like a doofus with wax stains everywhere.
