Facts about raincoats date back to the 1800s.
At the mention of a raincoat, we tend to conjure up images of yellow-slicker-clad children jumping in puddles. And though this image is accurate, there are other lesser-known, interesting facts about raincoats that you may not be aware of.
Definition
Raincoats are coats constructed of waterproof materials. As their name implies, they are intended to be worn in rainy weather as a means of keeping dry.
Background
Charles Macintosh is thought to be the founding father of the raincoat. He invented a rubber and fabric hybrid material that was used in the first official raincoats. His invention involved enclosing a layer of molded rubber between rubber-treated fabric. He obtained a patent for his idea, and in 1824 the invention began to be manufactured in factories. Although materials used in the manufacture of raincoats are now different, they were inspired by Macintosh's design.
Evolution
Initially raincoat designs were limited to formal, full-length cotton twill gabardine trench coats. As time progressed and fashion became less formal and uniform and more varied, the lengths and materials changed. In the 1920s, silk and cotton became the primary fabrics used and the length also became available in waist-length styles. In the 1940s, manufacturers instituted the use of vinyl on the outside of coats rather than having the waterproofing on the interior of the coat. The 1960s and 1970s saw nylon and double knit become the most popular materials.
Current Raincoats
The selection of fabrics and lengths that raincoats are now available in are as unique as the people who wear them. Lengths are short, commuter, sport length, utility, car coats and the original trench-coat-length long raincoats. New fibers and finishes are regularly introduced.
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