wateproof brand history -aquascutum and burberry

1: Aquascutum

The quintessential British clothing brand, which means 'water shield' in Latin, was launched in 1851 and quickly became known for its innovative waterproof wool. Enjoying royal patronage since the 19th century, Aquascutum's classic sophistication spliced with modern elements has ensured aristocrats, political leaders and actors are among its customers. Aquascutum is proud to make some of its outerwear in Northamptonshire, England such as its signature trench coat. ‘Made in England’ celebrate all the British hallmarks of Aquascutum – attention to detail, traditional craftsmanship and authenticity. Last year Aquascutum launched a luxurious range of technical Golf wear.

2: Burberry

Thomas Burberry started his business in Basingstoke in Hampshire in 1856. Burberry considered the problem of waterproofing from the agricultural point of view. He began experiments on fabric with a cotton mill owner. He produced long staple Egyptian cotton, proofed in the yarn before weaving. The resultant woven gabardine twill cloth used no rubber. The closely woven twill construction contributed to its waterproof nature as the diagonal twill wales aided the facility of surface tension. Water droplets first rested on the surface of the compact twill weave gabardine forming tight drops. Then the drops ran off rather than spreading between the interstices of the fibres as they might on a basic plain weave fabric. The weatherproof material he produced relied in part on the surface tension properties of the twilled surface. Burberry fabric was initially untearable and it didn't obstruct air.


(they not exactly related with synthetic fabric, but i think they are good starting point to show about smart fabric/waterproof)