History of a waterproof raincoat
The ancestor of the first raincoat was a chemist from Scotland, Charles Mackintosh. In 1823, while conducting another experiment, inadvertently stained his jacket with a solution of rubber, and later, when his clothes were completely wet, the sleeve smeared during the experiments remained completely dry. At first, the created waterproof material was quite sticky, since rubber has a strong stickiness. But Mackintosh managed to improve his discovery: he took two layers of fabric, and used a solution of rubber in kerosene as a moisture-proof layer.
A year later, the chemist opened an enterprise producing raincoats for the military. Over time, macs became thinner, lighter and no longer smelled of rubber, then they began to be popular among the civilian population.
What is the name of a raincoat made of waterproof rubberized fabric?
The traditional name for a raincoat made of waterproof rubberized fabric is a mac. It was the inventor of waterproof fabric who patented his discovery and created a company for the manufacture of waterproof products - Macs, Charles Macintosh and Co.
Features of waterproof fabric
Modern manufacturers offer a considerable assortment of waterproof material under various names. Combine their following features:
- High density (from 200 g / m2). For this reason, the fabric does not stretch and does not shrink;
- Twill weaving (the so-called diagonal "hem"). It creates the conditions for the manifestation of water-repellent properties even without special treatment and impregnation;
- Practicality. In the manufacture of waterproof material, a combination of natural and synthetic fibers is used. It is perfectly impregnated with all types of paint, practically does not sit and does not wear out for a long time.
Models
Macintosh is a raincoat made from special rubberized fabric, and the model itself should have different lengths, cuts and styles. The classic style of the cloak has practically not changed: all the same turn-down collar, sleeve - raglan and loose fit. In capricious weather, it is not superfluous to take with you, leaving the house, a lightweight waterproof raincoat. Well, having a waterproof raincoat with a hood, it is not necessary to take an umbrella with you. Moisture-proof poncho coat will be indispensable when hiking, as it is equipped with a bag for easy transportation.
People who lead an active lifestyle will not hurt to buy a sports-style raincoat or a shortened patent-leather model of bright color. And the young ladies, who in bad weather do not want to part with dresses, will like a transparent raincoat. You should choose a style that completely covers a dress or skirt.
Slender ladies can be advised models raincoats flared below. And girls and women with magnificent forms will go to the traditional classic fitted mac, which will visually slim them, and not focus the attention of others on the flaws of the figure.
Today, raincoats are produced not only in restrained neutral colors, but also in fairly bright colors - yellow, orange, red, blue, green, lemon. For lovers of classics, solid and pastel colors are suitable. True, for everyday wear it is better to choose dark shades for reasons of practicality.
Manufacturers
The company of Charles Mackintosh from the first quarter of the 19th century to this day has been working on the manufacture of waterproof raincoats. Over the past almost two centuries, little has changed: almost all production processes are carried out only by hand, and exclusively rubberized cotton produced using “grandfathering” technologies is used for sewing. All brand products are still manufactured in a factory located in Scotland.
Today, brand-name companies such as APC, Canali, Aquascutum, GANT, Dunhill, Private White, etc., release their mac modifications. But, as a rule, only the appearance of a classic cloak is reproduced, and the material and cut are actually completely different. .
Among the available models for working in the fresh air, the Poseidon long waterproof raincoat can be recommended, it is sewn without a lining, fastens with four buttons, has a straight silhouette, a detachable hood and glued seams. The product is made of raincoat synthetic material with a special polymer coating. Available in black, blue, green, yellow, orange and fluorescent colors.
As a workwear, the Extra Vision WPL moisture-proof PVC raincoat is also quite popular. This piece of clothing with a rather comfortable cut has a zipper, a hood, two pockets and, of course, glued seams. It is sewn in bright colors, fluorescent orange is especially relevant at construction sites. The sewn retroreflective wide tape provides additional safety.
Length
The original Mac model was quite long. Now, modern models of waterproof raincoats can be found of any length, but, basically, waterproof raincoats are limited to a length just above the knee. Short models are used only in combination with trousers made of the same waterproof material.
Materials
Traditional macs, as already mentioned, are sewn from rubberized waterproof cotton. But today, chemical and textile production has stepped far forward, and on sale you can find waterproof raincoats from the most diverse materials.
There is even fabric imitating patent leather.This raincoat fabric is called “varnish” and is obtained by coating the upper base with a special latex film. Such a material is characterized by high moisture repellent and windproof properties.
Here is a list of the other most popular waterproof materials made from polyester:
- "Oxford" - a rigid canvas with a pronounced diagonal texture;
- Taslan - fabric of special weaving with a combination of thick and thin fibers;
- Duspo - silky fabric with a matte surface;
- Jordan - A fairly soft waterproof textile, characterized by a special shine.
But, unfortunately, most waterproof raincoats have one significant drawback - after some time, a person in a raincoat from a normal waterproof 100% polyester will start to sweat excessively. Such products are suitable only in order not to get wet through in heavy rain, but wearing them during the day is quite uncomfortable.
Modern materials that have not only water-repellent, but also “breathing” properties will come to the rescue. It's about membrane tissue. It consists of two layers - matter and a membrane film.
The pores of the film are so tiny that they cannot pass water drops, but at the same time release steam and vapor from the body to the outside. At the same time, the wind does not pass from the membrane from the outside.
What to wear?
The main purpose of the Mac is to protect its owner in rainy weather from rain, on a fine day this wardrobe item will not be particularly appropriate. A waterproof raincoat can be combined with almost any clothing.
Thanks to the free cut, you can even wear a jacket underneath. Macintosh are suited to casual, yet elegant urban looks, matching well with jeans, sweaters and cardigans. Any type of trousers will fit a waterproof raincoat. And the business lady will not interfere with combining it with a classic office suit.
Since the mac is usually distinguished by some simplicity and conciseness, when choosing a decent ensemble, you should pay special attention to shoes - shoes with high white soles and a pair of not too bright sneakers or sneakers will be a good accent.