History of MACKINTOSH
Fashion
March 9, 2015

History of MACKINTOSH


The Glorious Trajectory of MACKINTOSH


The high-tech material "MACKINTOSH CLOTH" was born in 1822. This special fabric was fashioned into coats and quickly spread throughout Europe. Those rubberized coats are still made one by one by artisans today. What kind of brand is MACKINTOSH, a brand that continues to evolve while preserving tradition?


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1822: The Birth of a High-Tech Material



MACKINTOSH, a leading British outerwear brand, traces its origins back to 1822 when Charles Macintosh invented "MACKINTOSH CLOTH."

At the time, waterproof fabrics were at best canvas treated with oil for water repellency. The advent of MACKINTOSH CLOTH, with its superior waterproofing, sent shockwaves across Britain. In 1830, Charles Macintosh established a company to produce this special fabric and its coats. The rubberized coats rapidly gained popularity throughout Europe. They were particularly favored among the British upper classes as riding coats, and their high functionality led to their adoption by the British Army and British Rail.



Craftsmanship That Endures Through Time



MACKINTOSH rubberized coats are still made today using the same methods as in the past. All seams are sealed with waterproof tape on the reverse side, and linings and pockets are attached using adhesive for complete waterproofing. This process involves artisans repeatedly applying a special glue to their fingertips, stretching it, bonding it, rolling it, and drying it. As each coat is completed through this meticulous process, it goes without saying that only a limited number can be produced.



The Further Evolution of MACKINTOSH



As times changed and various styles and materials of coats emerged and faded, MACKINTOSH endured. Its unique character, texture, and material quality continue to be supported by those worldwide who appreciate true masterpieces. In recent years, through collaborations with various haute couture houses, its brilliance has only intensified. With the rubberized coat as the core of its lineup, MACKINTOSH has solidified its position as a brand embodying modern British style.

The most fitting words to describe MACKINTOSH's aesthetic are "Classic & Contemporary." Its craftsmanship, built on a balance of tradition and modernity, eschews ostentatious decoration. Beyond the rubberized coat, blousons, balmacaans (trench coats), and quilted jackets, all reflecting British sartorial history, are reinterpreted with MACKINTOSH's unique perspective and have gained popularity.
MACKINTOSH will continue to evolve while preserving its heritage.


MACKINTOSH