3. Made in Britain

• 3.1 The workshop

  The mackintosh raincoat has been made in Britain since 1824. Today this heritage rainwear continues to be made by hand in a workshop just outside Glasgow, Scotland.

• 3.2 Bonded cotton

  This waterproof cotton fabric was invented by Scottish chemist Charles Macintosh. It is still produced by the original family mill in Manchester, England.

• 3.3 Marking

  The garment patterns are first arranged over the material and carefully outlined by hand. This stage is important for minimising waste and maintaining the correct grain lines within the fabric.

• 3.4 Cutting

  Tailors shears are then used to cut out the individual sections. This simple tool gives the greatest accuracy, allowing the pattern cutter to navigate the complex and often intricate lines of the garment.

• 3.5 Glueing

  Edge seams must be individually treated to repel water prior to sewing. This is done using a natural rubber solution loaded onto the index finger and ‘smeared’ with just the right amount of pressure and glue.

• 3.6 Taping

  Once constructed, exposed interior seams are covered and pressed with bonded cotton tape, creating a beautifully clean and fully-waterproof finish. Curved sections such as the arm holes and collar require particular skill and take many years to master.

• 3.7 Finishing

  Excess glue is removed and press fasteners, underarm eyelet vents, and labels are added. Each garment is finally quality checked by the craftsmen who made it before leaving the workshop.