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Oilskin is a waterproof cloth used for making garments typically worn bysailors and by others in wet areas. The modern oilskin garment was developed by a New Zealander, Edward Le Roy, in 1898. Le Roy used worn-out sailcloth painted with a mixture of linseed oil and wax to produce a waterproof garment suitable to be worn on deck in foul-weather conditions. Oilskins are part of the range of protective clothing also known as foul-weather gear.
Waterproofed cloth garments were in use from the 18th century. Many different methods of waterproofing were used over the years. Some early sou'westers and rain capes were handmade ofsailcloth waterproofed with a thin layer oftar, while other methods involved[1]canvasduck coated with multiple applications oflinseed oil and paint.[1] While durable, these methods of waterproofing did not possess the breathable qualities of Le Roy's process.
Modern oilskins may be made of flexiblePVC-coated synthetic fabric,[1] while advanced materials for extreme conditions such asyacht racing may be used.[citation needed] Also known as "foul weather gear", contemporary oilskins include such innovations asDWR-coated nylon on their low end[2] andGore-Tex and other proprietary waterproof membranes on the high.[3]
ASou'wester, a traditional form of collapsible oilskin rain-hat, is longer in the back than the front to fully protect the neck.[4] Sou'westers sometimes feature a gutter front-brim.[5]
