Australian Riding Coats by Driza-Bone
Driza-Bone is an Australian icon in riding coats, much as Akubra is in hats, recognized not only in Australia but also throughout the world for quality, practicality and the Australian flair. The name Driza-Bone (Stryne for “Dry as a Bone”) was registered in 1933, around the time the waxed cotton cloth was developed in Britain to replace the old cloth coated with linseed oil. We are pleased to offer the Driza-Bone Riding Coats, made in Australia from 100% cotton cloth woven in India and proofed in Australia.
We offer the Driza-Bone Riding Coats in two weights. The Heavyweight coats, available in Brown, are the classic weight for ultimate protection and durability, suited for the most demanding circumstances. The Midweight coats, available in Black, weigh about 30% less. While still giving outstanding protection from rain and wind, the midweight coats have greater flexibility and are well suited to wearing about town as an urban coat. All the coats are made in Australia from 100% cotton cloth woven in India and proofed in Australia.
The Driza-Bone Classic Long Coat has all the traditional features of the Australian riding coat, made from the best quality heavyweight British waxed cotton. The Driza-Bone has a shoulder cape with straps, storm front and collar, leg straps, fantail back, adjustable cuffs and sleeve reinforcements. There are two outside patch pockets with handwarmer pockets underneath and a three-quarter cotton lining with an inside poacher’s pocket. The Drover Coat has all these features except for fantail back, the sleeve reinforcement and leg straps. A Detachable Hood, sold separately, fits both the Classic Long Coat and Drover Coat.
It is the materials, make-up, and detailing that sets Driza-Bone apart as the premier quality Australian riding coat, with a practical design developed on the basis of Driza-Bone’s long experience. The material is the best heavy or mid weight waxed cotton, tightly woven to hold out water but remarkably breathable. For strength, the fabric is woven from long-staple Egyptian cotton. Because it is a dense fabric, without the heavy wax fillers of a loose fabric, this material does not become excessively stiff in cold weather.
Seams are critical in rain garments. The Driza-Bone seams are double stitched felled seams, rainproof and strong, sewn with waxed thread effectively filling in the sewing holes. Wear on seams from the sleeves rubbing against the body of the coat is avoided by running the seams up the outer side of the sleeves, and eliminating any side seam on the coat entirely.
The shoulder cape is not to give extra water resistance on the shoulders; one layer of this waxed cotton fabric is sufficient. The cape is to prevent rain from cooling the inside layer on the shoulders, keeping this layer warmer and its breathability higher in the area where the coat lies close to the body so enhancing the comfort and protection of the coat. There is a flap over the top of the shoulder cape to prevent rain running down underneath. The storm collar is cotton on the inner side for comfort. The pocket flaps have snaps for security, and the handwarmer pockets are fully cotton lined. Sizing is generous throughout.
Care of Australian Riding Coats
Waxed cotton should never be washed with soap or detergent, nor dry cleaned. Rinse off dirt with cool water, or lightly brush off dry dirt. Rewax occasionally with reproofing compound such as the Driza-Bone Garment Dressing all over every year or two, more frequently on areas of wear, such as cuffs or sleeves.
For more information …
Please follow the links below to learn more about waxed cotton and other related items and information.
History of Waxed Cotton
Akubra Hats
Ruf Duck Rainwear
Geier Gloves