Raincoat
The history of the waterproof raincoat
The progenitor of the first waterproof raincoat was the Scottish chemist Charles Mackintosh. In 1823, while conducting another experiment, he accidentally 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 fabric was quite sticky, since the 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 for the production of waterproof raincoats for the military. Over time, Macs became thinner, lighter and stopped smelling like rubber, then they began to be popular with 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 mac. It was the inventor of waterproof fabric who patented his discovery and created a company for the production of waterproof products - macs “Charles Macintosh and Co.”.
Features of waterproof fabric
Modern manufacturers offer a wide range of waterproof materials under different names. They are united by the following features:
- High density (from 200 g / m2). For this reason, the fabric does not stretch or shrink;
- Twill weaving (the so-called diagonal "scar"). It creates conditions for the manifestation of moisture-repellent properties even without special treatment and impregnation;
- Practicality. In the production of waterproof material, a combination of natural and synthetic fibers is used. It is perfectly impregnated with all types of paint, practically does not shrink and does not wear out for a long time.
Models
Macintosh is a raincoat made of special rubberized fabric, and the model itself has different lengths, cuts and styles. The classic style of the raincoat has practically not changed: the same turn-down collar, raglan sleeve and loose fit. In capricious weather, it will not be superfluous to take with you, leaving the house, a light waterproof raincoat. Well, having a waterproof raincoat with a hood, you don't have to take an umbrella with you. The waterproof poncho raincoat will be indispensable for hiking, as it is equipped with a bag for easy transportation.
For people with an active lifestyle, it will not hurt to purchase a raincoat in a sporty style or a cropped lacquered model in a bright color. And the young ladies who do not want to part with their dresses even in bad weather will like a transparent raincoat. You should choose a style that completely covers the dress or skirt.
Slender ladies can be advised models of raincoats, flared at the bottom. And girls and women with curvaceous forms will go to the traditional classic fitted mac, which will visually slim them, and not focus the attention of others on the flaws in the figure.
Today, models of waterproof raincoats are produced not only in restrained neutral colors, but also in rather 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 practical reasons.
Manufacturers
The firm 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 two centuries, little has changed: almost all production processes are carried out only by hand, and only rubberized cotton is used for sewing, produced according to "old-fashioned" technologies. All brand products are still manufactured in a factory located in Scotland.
Today, brands such as APC, Canali, Aquascutum, GANT, Dunhill, Private White, etc., produce their modifications of macs. But, as a rule, only the appearance of a classic raincoat is reproduced, and the material and cut are actually completely different ...
From the available models for work in the fresh air, we recommend the long waterproof Poseidon raincoat, it is sewn without lining, fastens with four buttons, has a straight silhouette, a detachable hood and taped seams. The product is made of synthetic raincoat material with a special polymer coating. Available in black, blue, green, yellow, orange and fluorescent colors.
The Extra Vision WPL waterproof PVC raincoat is also quite popular as workwear. This garment is quite comfortable with a zipper, hood, two pockets and, of course, taped seams. Sewn in bright colors, fluorescent orange is especially relevant on construction sites. The sewn-on reflective wide tape provides additional security.
Length
The original Mac model was quite long. Now modern models of waterproof raincoats can be found in any length, but, in general, waterproof raincoats are limited to just above the knee length. Short models are used only in combination with trousers made of the same waterproof material.
Materials (edit)
Traditional macs, as already mentioned, are sewn from waterproof rubberized cotton. But today the chemical and textile industry has stepped forward, and you can find waterproof raincoats from a wide variety of materials on sale.
There is even a fabric that imitates patent leather.This raincoat is called "varnish" and is obtained by covering the upper base with a special latex film. This 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 - rather soft waterproof textiles, characterized by a special shine.
But, unfortunately, most waterproof raincoats have one significant drawback - after a while a person in a raincoat made of ordinary 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 rather uncomfortable.
Modern materials will come to the rescue, which have not only water-repellent, but also "breathable" properties. This is a membrane tissue. It consists of two layers - matter and membrane film.
The pores of the film are so tiny that they are not able to pass water droplets, but at the same time they release steam and vapors from the body to the outside. At the same time, the membrane cloak does not let the wind through from the outside.
What to wear with?
The main purpose of a mac is to protect its owner from a rainstorm in rainy weather; on a fine day, this wardrobe item will not be particularly appropriate. The waterproof raincoat can be combined with almost any clothing.
Thanks to the loose fit, you can even wear a jacket underneath. Macs go well with casual yet chic urban looks, and go well with jeans, sweaters and cardigans. Any type of trousers will fit under a waterproof raincoat. A business lady, nothing will prevent you from combining it with a classic office suit.
Since the mac is usually distinguished by some simplicity and conciseness, when choosing a decent ensemble for it, you should pay special attention to shoes - boots with high white soles and a pair of not too bright sneakers or sneakers will be a good accent.