What is oilskin anyway?
History of the oilskin
The term oilskin is actually rather inappropriate nowadays - the name was simply taken from the past for this product category. Today, oilskins have nothing to do with oil impregnation. Rather, these names include clothing for seafaring or water sports that is waterproof and keeps you dry, such as waterproof trousers or jackets. Today, oilskins are divided into different classes: Light oilskin that is waterproof but breathable, and heavy oilskin made from stronger materials. Fabrics are laminated onto a membrane on two sides. Originally this garment was made from a linen fabric, and then the surface of the garment was impregnated with oil. Mostly linseed oil was used and so the clothing became waterproof. From the middle of the 19th century, heavy rubber was also used to seal the fabric, but this made the clothing very stiff and heavy. It was Charles Goodyear who, with his invention of vulcanization, was able to produce completely waterproof and stable textiles for the first time. Finally, in the 20th century, heavy rubberized fabrics were replaced by synthetic plastics such as PVC, which were also more resistant to UV radiation, tar, oil and grease. Today, garments for water sports or other activities at sea are made from modern synthetic fabrics such as Gore-Tex or Sympatex. Therefore the term oilskin is slowly but surely replaced by the general generic term of sailor clothing.
Optimum care for maximum service life
Oilskins are often quite expensive products when purchased. For this reason, there is also a whole range of care products for this category of sailwear, such as impregnating sprays or detergents. This keeps your oilskin tight for a long time and also extends its durability.
Best quality for your suit
In the past, oilskins were still rigid, very simple heavy garments, whose only goal was to keep you dry, while a lot of freedom of movement had to be lost due to the material, today you can expect high-quality high-end products that leave nothing to be desired. From sophisticated bags to elaborately developed materials and pleasant breathable and fluffy lined fabrics to 100% waterproofing, oilskins today fulfil everything a sailor's heart needs.