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First goose-down insulated jacket made by Eddie Bauer, 1936
During an excursion on the Olympic Peninsula, local outdoorsman and retailer Eddie Bauer had his wool garments become soaked with freezing rain. He started to experience serious signs of hypothermia. After his near-death experience, Bauer set out to make a better coat for cold weather activities, one that would be lighter and warmer and allow for good air circulation. He drew inspiration from his uncle’s stories of officers in the Russo-Japanese War who wore down-insulated coats. Bauer’s design was a game changer and something new for the US outdoor industry. His puffy down coat used quilting to keep its thickness even throughout. This artifact is the earliest known surviving down jacket made by Bauer. The lightweight and water-resistant “Skyliner” design was patented in 1940.
ID Number: 1967.4134.8
Date: 1936
Creator(s):
Eddie Bauer, Manufacturer
Physical Description: 1 Jacket; nylon, cotton, down; 24 in.H x 22 in.W
Place Made: United States of America, WASHINGTON, Seattle
Credit: MOHAI, 1967.4134.8. Gift of Eddie Bauer