The All-Natural Origin of Raincoats

An Inuit’s Pioneer To Waterproofing Wears 

Long before the advent of the groundbreaking Gore-Tex fabric in 1969, an ancient solution existed that offered a similar function as raincoat and other waterproofing wear nowadays. This method was lightweight, slim, impervious to water, and breathable. It was an unsophisticated alternative to the contemporary Gore-Tex technology. It is fascinating to know that this primitive technology was derived from animal guts! 

The Inuit People

The Inuit people, who lived in the harsh conditions and extreme weather of the Arctic region, developed smart outerwear solutions to survive. They had to make use of any resources available to them, and this included the gastrointestinal tracts and bones of animals. By using these parts, they created gut parkas, which served as raincoats. The structure of the organ met many essential needs, such as:

– Breathable

– Durable

– Wouldn’t freeze or crack easily in extreme environments.

The Inuits would wear them when kayaking or fishing in shallow tidal waters. 

The process of making a gut parka involved the hunting of an animal, usually a whale or a seal. The animal would then be gutted, the intestines removed, cleaned and left outside to be exposed to the cold. The cold transformed the intestines into an opaque material that could be used as a fabric and cut and sewn into the shape of a parka. 

To ensure the parka was fully waterproof, the bones of the animals were rendered down into the glue, which helped to seal the seams. Once the process was complete, the parka would be filled up with water to test its effectiveness. 

Why is a Waterproof and Breathable Jacket So Important in the Arctic? 

In sub-zero conditions, staying dry is just as important as staying warm, as water turns to ice in such cold temperatures. Being waterproof protects from the elements externally, while having a breathable jacket allows sweat to escape from the inside. Failure to allow sweat to escape would result in condensation inside the clothing, which would rapidly cool down the body’s temperature. This could lead to the risk of hypothermia and ultimately, death. 

Want to Stay Dry From the Deathly Cold and Rain too? 

If you’re ready to make raincoats that can stand up to the toughest weather conditions, Paramatex has got you covered. While we may not have parkas made from whale or seal guts, we can offer you the next best thing: sustainable, high-quality fabrics made from recycled materials. So why wait? Head to our website in the FABRIC CATALOGUE now and let’s make some raincoats that even the Inuits would be jealous of!