ROSBRAS OILSKIN JACKET - BLACK - CAP COZ FABRIC 480g/m² - GUY COTTEN
Meet the iconic ROSBRAS jacket, the first oilskin created by Guy Cotten, a revolution in maritime apparel since 1966 (see history👇🏼)
Originally designed for sailing, it protects fishermen, farmers, and anyone looking to stay dry and shielded from the wind while walking, camping, cycling, or motorcycling... it is the most protective piece in the range.
Its material, CAP COZ (480g/m²), with PVC coating, is one of the most resistant in the range, created for professional use,
- Very loose fit: we recommend choosing one size smaller than your usual size. > Size guide here.
- High-frequency welded seams for total waterproofing.
- "Magic" hood with visor, adjusts to the shape of the head.
- Zipper closure with double snap-fastening flap to keep out air and water.
- 2 integrated waterproof pockets.
- Adjustable elasticated cuffs.
- Kimono sleeves for excellent wearability.
Made in Brittany, France.
Sturdiness, wearability, durability, and timelessness remain the leitmotifs of the Brand today.
Guy Cotten (1936-2013), born from the land, lived for the sea and its sailors. He spent an incredible amount of energy enabling them to protect themselves from the elements and designed waterproof, sturdy, and protective clothing to provide them with safety and comfort.
The company specializes in professional clothing for sailing and fishing, agriculture, and industry, as well as leisure wear. Production remains primarily carried out in Brittany, across 3 production sites: 2 in Trégunc (29) and 1 in Laudaul (56), while the workshop in Madagascar provides support for items where "price impact" is unavoidable. GC prioritizes French or European materials, which account for the majority of their manufacturing. All facilities strive for quality, and GC makes every effort to maintain the brand's expertise in France. The flexibility and adaptability gained through the Madagascar workshop not only allow us to continue in France but to keep developing and investing there.
CAP-COZ FABRIC (FRENCH MANUFACTURE): Professional use: FISHING/AGRICULTURE/INDUSTRY. Flexible and highly resistant. Single-sided coating. The generous outer coating provides robustness and complete waterproofing, while maintaining excellent flexibility and very high resistance to temperature fluctuations as well as fish oils and fats. The textile backing provides a pleasant feel, thermal insulation, and reduces condensation.
- Polyester backing: 110 g/m²
- PVC coating: 370 g/m²
- Total weight: 480 g/m².
GLENTEX FABRIC (MADAGASCAN MANUFACTURE): Professional use for agriculture and industry, as well as nautical & outdoor leisure. Highly flexible and lightweight. Single-sided coating. High-performance textile backing. Good resistance to fish oils and fats.
- Polyester backing: 65 g/m²
- PVC coating: 255 g/m²
- Total weight: 320 g/m².
The context: until the 1960s, sailors' clothing was made of coated cotton, mainly smocks or button-up jackets; these were heavy, impractical garments that were not always very waterproof.
Since 1964, Guy Cotten has been selling fishing gear at the port of Concarneau. Yvon Hemery, a friend and manager of the ROSBRAS sailing school, asked him to design a practical, lightweight, and durable garment for sailing.
Within a few days, Guy created a prototype made of polyester mesh with a PVC coating. This jacket featured a zipper and two protective flaps with Velcro; the seams were reinforced with two high-frequency welds, eliminating any possibility of water infiltration.
The first oilskin was born! The ROSBRAS jacket.
In record time, the jacket became THE benchmark. Its windproof and waterproof system revolutionized the market. Today, there isn't a single foul-weather jacket in the world that does not use the "Rosbras system."
Guy Cotten (1936-2013), born of the land, lived for the sea and sailors. He spent incredible energy enabling them to protect themselves from the elements and designed waterproof, sturdy, and protective clothing to provide them with safety and comfort.
In 1974, Alain le Quernec (who would go on to become a committed graphic designer and renowned poster artist) was an instructor at the Rosbras sailing school, for which he had already created the logo.
Guy Cotten wanted to give his company, which already enjoyed an international reputation, a signature, so he asked Alain Le Quernec to work on a visual:
ALQ: I don't have much experience, but I have a ferocious appetite for doing things. What would you like to highlight above all else?
GC: People say my clothes are as practical as a jacket and as effective as a smock. So, I could see a little character hopping around in the rain…
The idea of the "Petit Bonhomme Jaune" (Little Yellow Man) appeared very quickly. Presented in the form of already well-developed sketches, the project was proposed to Guy Cotten within the week.
GC: Isn't it a bit stiff?
ALQ: The strength of a logo is being able to see it from a distance. With the yellow and black, I am sure we will hit the mark. It takes some getting used to. If you wish, we can re-evaluate in two years, but I am not changing anything.
The young graphic designer's confidence unsettled Guy Cotten, who accepted the proposal. He did not suspect that he was giving his clothing an incredibly powerful image, a timeless icon now etched in everyone’s mind.