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The Bushman’s Raincoat

January 31, 2021 By In Men's Jackets, Men's Clothes, Unisex, Women's Clothes No Comments
Introduced in the “Notes from the Outback” Fall 1986 catalogue.
Offered in Olive Drab in Fall 1986

Introduced in the Fall 1985 “Notes from the Outback” catalog, the Bushman’s Raincoat is one of the more distinctive items BR produced. It’s about as dramatic and interesting as a raincoat gets and will make you look like you stepped right out of the 1982 Aussie film “Man From Snowy River”. It was offered in Khaki Tan from Fall/Holiday 1985-Fall/Holiday 1987, with one appearance of Olive Drab in Fall 1986. 

From the catalogue: “During the Aussie rainy season–known as “the wet”–a jackeroo’s oilskin raincoat is nearly as vital as his horse. It’s vented to keep the saddle dry, built with a roof-like cape for run-off, and made from a historically tough fabric. A Scottish sailmaker created oilskin in 1793 by soaking sailcloth with linseed oil to make it shed water. A wonderfully effective process, but we’ve made it even more efficient. Our Bushman’s Raincoat is made in England from fabric supplied by the same Scottish sailmaking company, using the finest long-fiber cotton with a special oil-and-wax finish. A true miracle fabric–waterproof yet breathable, and nearly as durable as Ayers Rock: The jackeroos commonly keep their raincoats 20 years or more.”

Photos from eBay

Banana Republic #25, Fall 1985 Moleskin Trousers, Genuine Australian Boomerang, Bushman's Raincoat Banana Republic Catalog #33 Fall 1987 Portmanteau Jacket, Jute Belt, Bushman's Raincoat, Town and Bush Hat Banana Republic Catalog #30 Holiday 1986 Leather Bush Vest, Bushman's Raincoat, Jute Belt Banana Republic #26 Fall 1986 Swedish Army Shirt, Fatigue Pants, Bushman's Raincoat, Jute Belt Banana Republic Holiday 1985, Bushman's Raincoat, Bush Shirt, Yukon Shirt
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About The Author

Robyn Adams
Robyn’s fascination with Banana Republic began in 1984 when her Alaskan adventurer father began buying their clothing and giving her their catalogs. She loved the clothes, and as an artist, she was drawn to the illustrations. Robyn went on to study illustration at an art college in Banana Republic’s hometown of San Francisco, CA, and she worked for years as a background artist for animation. She is now based in Oakland, CA and works as a graphic designer and illustrator. She has been collecting and archiving at Abandoned Republic since 2011.