The Cordings Mackintosh: Hand made since 1843

Waterproofers to the King is the headline in a Cordings advertisement in 1916 referring to “nautical and sporting waterproofers and tailors”, and lists such items as “the new dreadnought coat – warranted to resist the effects of any climate” and “sheet India rubber fishing boots”.

The Birth of the Cordings Mackintosh

Cordings were one of the first to recognise the weatherproof advantages of rubberised cotton. They joined forces with Charles Macintosh and Thomas Hancock who had patented the vulcanisation’ process in Scotland. The famous Cordings Mackintosh was born. We are proud that the partnership flourishes to this day. The Thomas Hancock company still produces the Cordings raincoat with its dashing yellow lining, checked shoulder lining and the leg straps that in days gone by stopped the wind blowing your coat off your knees and getting wet when riding in a howling gale.

How the Mackintosh is Made

The same techniques are still employed today in the Hancock factory, with five distinct processes involved in making a coat.

STEP 1: SHEARS

Tailors shears are used to cut by hand the specially made rubber bonded (vulcanised) cloth; a process patented by Thomas Hancock in 1843. They give great accuracy in pattern and garment cutting. The shears are used in all trim and detailed work on the Mackintosh.

STEP 2: GLUE

A specially formulated rubber solution is used to glue together and waterproof all seams which guarantees complete protection from the harshest of weather. Made from natural rubber with a few secret ingredients and to this day is still made in Manchester, England by the great grandson of the founder.

STEP 3: HAND

The index finger is the most important tool used in the hand making of the Mackintosh coat. The skills required take 3 years to learn and ensure that the correct amount of rubber solution is loaded onto the finger for spreading (a process known as smearing) of all seams and hem lines.

STEP 4: TAPE

Vulcanised cotton tape is applied by hand, over the glued interior seam to guarantee a fully-waterproof garment. This technique is difficult enough to master for at sections of the garment such as sides, shoulders etc. pieces such as armholes require the aid of a wooden domed tailors block for support underneath the garment.

STEP 5: FINISH

Traditional tools are used to finish the garment, a roller is used by the coat maker to apply pressure along the interior taped seam to ensure the tape is firmly bonded to the glue. Then a cleaner is used to remove any excess glue that may have spread outside of the tape; producing a clean finish to the interior of the garment.

Fit for a King indeed.

Read more about our infamous Mackintosh’s construction and details.