Driza-Bone

Driza-Bone is an Australian waterproof clothing brand whose name is associated particularly with full-length oilskin riding coats for stockmen, horse riders and people working in wet rural conditions. The name is derived from the phrase “dry as a bone,” reflecting the brand’s central promise of weather protection. The brand developed from late-nineteenth-century oilskin rainwear associated with Edward Le Roy, a Scot who emigrated to New Zealand and produced waterproof garments for sailors. The early garments were made from lightweight sailcloth treated with linseed oil. A consignment of Le Roy coats was later brought to Australia by T. E. Pearson, whose work helped adapt the garments to the needs of Australian stockmen. The Australian environment encouraged substantial changes to the original sailor’s garment. Stockmen needed a coat that protected them while riding, rather than simply a short rain cape suitable for maritime use. The design consequently became longer and acquired a rear fantail to cover the saddle, wrist straps to reduce water entry and cold exposure, and leg straps to keep the coat from lifting or flapping while the wearer was on horseback. These practical details became important elements of the product’s identity. The coats were workwear rather than conventional office clothing, and their design remained closely connected to the Australian bush, pastoral stations and equestrian activity. The original linseed-oil treatment was effective as a waterproofing method but could harden and crack in hot Australian summers. Le Roy and Pearson therefore developed a different proofing technique. The reference material describes this method as having remained substantially unchanged into the modern era, linking contemporary Driza-Bone products with the brand’s historic manufacturing tradition. The trademark was first registered in 1933, several decades after the business was established. Driza-Bone’s public profile extends beyond specialist rural clothing. Its coats have been used in prominent Australian cultural and ceremonial settings, including the opening ceremony of the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, where stockmen and stockwomen wore riding coats. Special versions were also made for Olympic band members, and medal presenters wore Driza-Bone coats during the Games. The brand appeared again at the 2007 APEC Summit in Sydney, where leaders wore Driza-Bone attire for the official group photograph after the coat was selected as an Australian national outfit. Driza-Bone garments were also used in the 2002 stage production The Man from Snowy River: Arena Spectacular. After being outside Australian ownership for several decades, the brand returned to Australian ownership in late 2008. That transaction was associated with industry figures including Steve Bennett, founder of Country Road, and led to the relocation of the head office and principal warehousing operations from Eagleby, Queensland, to Melbourne, Victoria. In December 2023, Driza-Bone was purchased by S. Kidman & Co. The brand remains identified with Australian-made waterproof apparel and the long-established oilskin riding-coat format.

Driza-Bone’s history begins with maritime oilskin clothing in New Zealand and its later adaptation to Australian pastoral life. Edward Le Roy, a Scottish emigrant, manufactured waterproof rainwear for sailors working in local waters. The garments were made from lightweight sail material and treated with linseed oil to repel water. Their usefulness extended beyond ships when T. E. Pearson brought a consignment of Le Roy coats to Australia. Australian stockmen learned of the garments through sailors who had left maritime work for employment on the land. The original sailor-oriented design required modification for mounted rural work. The coat was lengthened to provide greater coverage while riding, and a fantail was added at the back so that it could cover the saddle. Wrist straps helped secure the sleeves and limit exposure to rain and cold, while leg straps held the lower part of the coat in place and reduced flapping at speed. These details transformed a maritime rain garment into a recognizable Australian stockman’s coat. Linseed oil provided useful waterproofing but presented a serious durability problem in Australia’s hot climate. It could become hard and crack during summer. Le Roy and Pearson developed an alternative proofing formula in response. The brand’s historical account identifies this proofing approach as the basis of the technique that continued into the modern product tradition. Pearson was associated with the Pearson family of Hamilton, New Zealand, and was also connected with Pearson Soap. He later died in 1962 and was buried in Frenchs Forest, New South Wales. The business was established in 1898. The Driza-Bone trademark was registered in 1933, formalizing the name that had become associated with the waterproof riding coat. The brand’s identity remained rooted in rural Australia, where the garment was valued for its practical protection on horseback and in wet conditions. It was not traditionally positioned as formal or desk-oriented clothing. Driza-Bone later gained visibility through national ceremonies and public events. Its coats were worn by stockmen and stockwomen at the opening of the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney. Special Olympic band coats used different sleeve construction and a red, white and blue color scheme, while medal presenters also wore Driza-Bone garments. In 2002, coats designed by Robert Peron were used by performers in The Man from Snowy River: Arena Spectacular. In 2007, Driza-Bone coats appeared at the APEC summit in Sydney, where leaders wore them for an official photograph. In late 2008, the company returned to Australian ownership after many years under non-Australian ownership. The change brought in industry figures including Steve Bennett and was followed by the transfer of the head office and primary warehousing facilities from Eagleby in Queensland to Melbourne in Victoria. In December 2023, S. Kidman & Co. acquired the brand. Driza-Bone continues to be associated with Australian-made waterproof apparel, oilskin construction and heritage equestrian workwear.

• 2023

  Acquisition by S. Kidman & Co.

  [1]Driza-Boneen.wikipedia.org

  S. Kidman & Co. purchased Driza-Bone in December 2023.

• 2008

  Return to Australian ownership

  [1]Driza-Boneen.wikipedia.org

  The brand returned to Australian ownership and moved its head office and principal warehousing operations to Melbourne.

• 2007

  APEC Australia appearance

  [1]Driza-Boneen.wikipedia.org

  Driza-Bone attire was worn by leaders at the APEC summit in Sydney for the official group photograph.

• 2002

  The Man from Snowy River: Arena Spectacular

  [1]Driza-Boneen.wikipedia.org

  Driza-Bone coats designed by Robert Peron were worn by cast members of the stage musical.

• 2000

  Sydney Olympic Games appearance

  [1]Driza-Boneen.wikipedia.org

  Driza-Bone coats were worn by stockmen, stockwomen, Olympic band members and medal presenters during the Sydney Games.

• 1933

  Driza-Bone trademark registered

  [1]Driza-Boneen.wikipedia.org

  The Driza-Bone trademark was first registered, formalizing the brand name derived from the expression “dry as a bone.”

• 1898

  Business established

  [1]Driza-Boneen.wikipedia.org

  The business associated with Driza-Bone was established, developing from oilskin rainwear traditions connected with Edward Le Roy and T. E. Pearson.

Heritage Australian workwear and equestrian outerwear emphasizing waterproof performance, practical riding features, bush identity and domestic manufacturing.

• Equestrian outerwear

  Full-length riding coat

  The signature Driza-Bone garment is a long waterproof coat developed for people riding and working outdoors. Its design evolved from sailor rainwear but was adapted to Australian stock work through additional length, a rear fantail to cover the saddle, wrist straps and leg straps. The coat is intended to protect the wearer from rain while remaining secure during mounted activity.

• Rural workwear

  Stockman's coat

  The stockman’s coat is the brand’s broader rural-workwear expression. It is associated with Australian pastoral work, wet-weather protection and the practical needs of people working around horses and livestock. The category retains the brand’s oilskin heritage and is positioned as functional apparel rather than formal urban clothing.

• Waterproof outerwear

  Oilskin duster

  The Driza-Bone duster, also described as a stockman’s coat, is a long oilskin outer layer associated with Australian bush and riding culture. Its principal role is to provide weather protection over clothing while working or traveling outdoors. The duster format is one of the garments most closely linked with the brand’s public identity.

• 2007APEC Australia national outfit

  Australia · Asia-Pacific

  Driza-Bone coats were selected for the APEC Australia summit in Sydney. The participating leaders wore Driza-Bone attire in the official group photograph, reflecting an effort to present a recognizable Australian visual identity.

  Outcome. The event gave the brand prominent diplomatic and media exposure as an emblem of Australian heritage.

  Source
• 2000Sydney Olympic Games ceremonial outfitting

  Australia

  Driza-Bone coats were incorporated into the Sydney Olympic Games presentation. Stockmen and stockwomen wore traditional riding coats at the opening ceremony, while the Olympic band received specially designed versions with different sleeves and red, white and blue coloring. Medal presenters also wore Driza-Bone coats.

  Outcome. The appearance connected the brand with a major international event and presented its rural Australian identity to a global audience.

  Source

• 2023

  Acquisition by S. Kidman & Co.M&A

  Background

  Driza-Bone changed ownership as part of the Australian apparel brand’s later corporate history.

  Action taken

  S. Kidman & Co. purchased Driza-Bone in December 2023.

  Aftermath

  The brand became part of S. Kidman & Co.; further operational or strategic effects are not specified in the reference material.

  Source

• 2008

  Relocation following return to Australian ownershipStrategy

  Background

  After the brand returned to Australian ownership in late 2008, its operating footprint was reorganized.

  Action taken

  The head office and primary warehousing facilities were moved from Eagleby, Queensland, to Melbourne, Victoria.

  Aftermath

  The relocation established Melbourne as the brand’s Australian headquarters and operating base.

  Source

1. 1Driza-Boneen.wikipedia.org