Since 1898 the DRIZA-BONE oilskin coat has been part of Australia's history. Now it's a way of life, some even say a state of mind.

Like all good ideas, the DRIZA-BONE coat was born of necessity. In the 1890's, a Scottish sailor by the name of Edward Le Roy discovered that the torn sails on his ship could be recycled into long coats and sou-westers by painting the fabric with a mixture of oils. Subsequently they were transformed into excellent wet weather gear. The word on the land spread about the effectiveness of Le Roy's coats in the wet, and the colony's squatters and settlers soon adopted them. The coat was adapted to life on the land with a fantail to protect the seat of the horse rider's saddle, leg straps to keep the coat from taking off in high winds, and extra long sleeves to protect the wearer when his arms were extended. So effective were the coats that they eventually became known as Driza-Bones.

The scientific theory that oil and water don't mix still keeps out the heaviest downpours of rain, even when you need to be outdoors for days on end. There have been certain improvements to the secret oiling process over time, but the coat's essential style, waterproof quality and famous durability remains unchanged. Driza-Bone coats have been and are worn by stockmen, horse riders, international sporting teams, royalty, celebrities, as well as ordinary rural and urban people who appreciate the great outdoors.

Today Driza-Bone has evolved from being solely an oilskin workcoat, to an internationally recognised brand that encompasses a wide range of coats, jackets, vests, and hats, in a variety of fabrics and weather proofing finishes, used for both active and leisure outdoor activities. These not only reflect the heritage of Driza-Bone, but also add a smart modern look to this Australian icon.