The Genuine History of
the Original Stockman's Coat

Presented By
Driza-Bone Pty Ltd


In the last century, a Scottish emigrant by the name of Le Roy started to manufacture oilskin rainwear for use by the sailing ships plying the waters of that time. This enterprising man was able to acquire the used lightweight sails from which the garments were then made.

At that time, the traditional means of waterproofing cotton was by the application of linseed oil. His garments acquired a reputation for being well-made and proved satisfactory for marine use. Squatters heard of his reputation from many of the sailors, who subsequently left their ships to work on the selections.

As time went by, the settlers asked for some changes in the design - firstly, a longer coat for horse riding. The next additions were the fantail in the back to put over the saddle, wrist straps to stop arms getting cold, and leg straps to stop the coat from flapping around whilst on the horse or walking.

The traditional linseed oil used, whilst very satisfactory for weatherproofing, was found to go hard and to crack during the long dry summers. A new oiling process was needed and the unique Driza-Bone oiling process was developed, which did not crack, it not go hard and stiff, and could allow the garments to be stored for extended periods of time.

T.E. Pearson of Pearson's Sandsoap frame was heavily involved, with his great personal friend LeRoy, in the invention of this new Driza-Bone proofing.

Over the years, the garments were refined by those who wore them, to totally satisfy the harsh Australian climatic conditions. This culminated in a range of garments with a unique Australian character. Incidentally, very few changes have been made to the basic design, other than modern manufacturing procedures.

As time went on, the garments became known as "Driza-Bone" and the trademark was registered in 1933.

The word "Driza-Bone" is an Australian abbreviation for the expression "Dry as a Bone" which had, for many years, described bones of animals found in the dry, arid center of Australia. It also means anything that is totally dry. Thus, if a raincoat could keep you dry in the sometimes torrential rain and cold, yet not make you perspire, you were left Driza-Bone.

Driza-Bone garments are proudly manufactured at our factory "Down Under" in Queensland, Australia.