In 1823 Charles Macintosh patented his development of a remarkable waterproof fabric. The raincoats were made by several selected manufacturer using his Double Texture Cotton of 2 layers bonded with a rubber compound which was then taped with rubberised cotton. In 1889 one of those Manchester manufacturers expanded its operations to Ireland and in 1934 registered its business of the manufacture of Mackintoshes. The popularity of the raincoats led them to be exported to countries as far as the US, Australia, New Zealand and Singapore.
They were worn by men & women who appreciated their function and fine quality craftsmanship, however, complaints continued due to the rubber odour and their tendency to melt in hot weather and become stiff in the cold. They were also supplied as the official raincoat to Irish state personnel such as the State Police, Military Police Airport Police, Army Officers, Prison Officers and the semi state organisations of Irish Rail and the Post & Telegraph Service until a decline in demand caused by recession and the availability of cheaper synthetic waterproof materials.
In 1983 the company was acquired by Francis Campelli who addressed these complaints and developed a fabric which is odourless and would not change its properties in extreme weather.
This fabric is Double Texture Cotton, with a hi-Tech breathable membrane bonded between 2 layers of Cotton, it is breathable, waterproof, windproof, durable, and has the further advantage of being dry cleanable and hand washable.
For almost 200 years generations of craftsmen have produced these raincoats which have become known as ‘The Mack’
This is an original product of Mackintosh Rainwear Ltd. (Ireland) and should not be mistaken for any other similar product.