Henri Lloyd waterproof sailing suit

Green waterproof sailing suit made by Henri Lloyd, Manchester, around 1970.

This sailing suit features three of Henri Lloyd's most significant technological innovations, a non-corrosive Nylon zip, a Velcro closure and hand taped seams. At the time of its introduction, the suit represented a massive leap forward in outdoor clothing technology. Before Henri Lloyd, most sailing clothing was either completely porous, or very heavy and restrictive. The suit represents an example of the highly successful use of new man-made fibres in clothing development, which opened up new lines of manufacture in Manchester after the decline of the cotton industry. The advancement of the use of synthetic fibres in clothing technology is also an important science story in itself which is reinforced by the strong link to Manchester.