So, just why did drive people to invent some of the common things we take for granted everyday? Was it an empty void and a driving need be able to do something, or do it better or faster? That would be necessity would it not? Like the glove and the umbrella. But necessity is not, as the addage says, always the mother of invention. Sometimes, just finding something to make a living that isn't competitive fills the bill. That leads me to the story about how Oilskin coats and jackets were invented.



I'm sure most of us (I include myself) have never heard of oilskin or never paid attention to its attributes. However, cowboys, range riders, bikers and sailors know all-to-well not to be caught in stormy weather with out it. The simplicity of this invention is amazing considering the speed it became a necessity in certain vocations. Oilskin has the ability to survive rough treatment from work environments that would ruin most other clothing, while being totally waterproof, windproof and warm. Oilskin coats have become the ultimate in harsh weather protection; sailors and bikers alike don't want to be caught without it, but let's get to the story behind this wonderful product. It all began in the late 1800's when a Scottish sailor, Edward Leroy, retired from sailing and settled in Australia. Having had a lifetime of sailing, Edward lacked the skill sets needed to get hired in this new and wild Frontier. There had to be something he could do to earn a living. Many ships were replacing their worn and weathered canvas sails with new ones, and the old canvas was being discarded. For what ever hapenstance, Edward decided to soak some of the old sails left behind by departing vessels in linseed oil. He found that this new product renewed the canvas and made it totally wind-resistant and waterproof.

Edward cut the "oilskin" canvas he had invented and sewed the pieces into capes. Sailors, on shore leave at the port near his home, eargly bought his capes in the hopes of some relief from the driving rains of the monsoon season. Word spread quickly that Edward's capes could withstand the monsoon rains that wore down every sailor, keeping them warm and dry. Edward had created a lucrative niche business. It did not take long before this "Oilskin" product was shaped into actual coats and sold to Australian outback cowboys in need of the same protection. Tales were added, slits were put in the tails to allow the Long Coat to be comfortable while riding a horse, and tie-downs added to keep the wind from lifting them. I doubt that Edward ever had a notion that is little invention that simply earned him a living would become so sought after throughout the world.

Edward's original oil-soaked canvas has gone through many transitions, but the principle is still the same. Newer methods of finishing the material, ways to soften it and make it more attractive, coat designs that have kept up with the ages, but still Edward's principal is the same. For over a century after Edward invented it, Oilskin coats, jackets and hats have been the clothing of choice for sailors, cowboys, range-riders, and most recent - bikers. There are many makers of Oilskin clothing, and a lot of imitations, but Australia still remains the quality producer of this wonderful material.