Oilskin is fabric which has been impregnated with oil to make it waterproof. Before the development of synthetic fibers, oilskin was the material of choice for waterproof garments and coverings. Sailors, especially, grew familiar with oilskin, since it protected them from the elements on the job. As a result, many sailors call modern waterproof garments “oilskins,” although these garments are made from different materials than traditional oilskin.

The base material for oilskin is usually canvas, since canvas is sturdy and the cotton fibers absorb oils which are rubbed into it. Linseed oil was a common choice of oil, although oilskin could also be made by rubbing pitch and tar onto canvas. In addition to repelling oil, oilskin will also repel spills, and it was often used for table and floor cloths as a result. Garments made from oilskin were also known as “oilskin” or “oilskins.”

As one might imagine, oilskin garments were not always comfortable. The fabric could be stiff and unpleasant to wear until it had been broken in a bit, and it could also smell unpleasant, depending on what type of material was used to waterproof it. However, the benefit of not getting wet was usually worth the cost of mild discomfort or irritation.

Oilskins were used by outdoors people in general, in addition to sailors. Hunters, for example, often wore oilskin jackets, and oilskin tarping was used to wrap loads for protection. As synthetic fibers entered the market, most people replaced cumbersome oilskin with sleek synthetics. Modern oilskins often include design features which are designed to make them more useful, like sleeve closures to prevent water from working its way up a sleeve.

It is still possible to buy oilskin fabric and garments made with oilskin, and you can also make your own. Oils like beeswax make great waterproofers, and they smell pleasant, unlike the tar of old. You can also oil garments and shoes to make them waterproof if they aren't already; canvas sneakers and jackets, for example, may benefit from an oiling. Some companies make beeswax and oil products which are specifically designed for this purpose; shoe stores often carry these products.