The Story Behind Guy Cotten's Resilient Outdoor Gear

Guy Cotten: Keeping Mariners and Outdoorsmen Dry and Protected

For anyone braving extreme weather on the water or outdoors, Guy Cotten has become a go-to brand for reliable, high-quality waterproof gear. Known for its iconic yellow rain jackets and durable marine workwear, the brand has been protecting fishermen, sailors, and outdoor enthusiasts from harsh weather conditions since the 1960s. With a focus on innovation, comfort, and functionality, Guy Cotten combines traditional craftsmanship with advanced materials and designs, making it a trusted name in maritime and outdoor industries worldwide. 

This article dives into the history, innovations, and where to find Guy Cotten products in the USA.
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What is Guy Cotten?

What is Guy Cotten? Guy Cotten is a French brand specializing in durable, weather-resistant clothing designed for people working and adventuring in tough environments. Founded in 1964 in Brittany, France—the country’s #1 fishing and sea region—Guy Cotten was born out of a real need for clothing that could withstand the harsh, unpredictable conditions of the open sea.

The brand quickly gained attention for its rugged oilskins and waterproof jackets, which became essential gear for the local fishing community and beyond. Over the decades, Guy Cotten products have been field-tested by fishermen, sailors, and outdoor workers, proving their resilience and quality in some of the most challenging environments.
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Today, Guy Cotten’s product line has expanded to include a wide range of waterproof outerwear, workwear, and PPE equipment made to endure extreme conditions. Recognized by its iconic yellow jackets and “little yellow man” logo, Guy Cotten has become synonymous with resilience, comfort, and quality, trusted by maritime and outdoor professionals around the world.

Interesting Facts

• Logo Meaning: The brand’s logo, a simple, stylized yellow figure, represents both safety and simplicity. The high-visibility yellow color reflects maritime safety, while the minimalist design embodies Cotten’s philosophy of creating well-designed, utilitarian products that prioritize functionality.
• Staying Family-Owned: Guy Cotten remains a family-owned business, preserving the founder’s original vision of producing high-quality, reliable outerwear for seafarers and laborers. This commitment to the brand’s roots ensures that each product upholds the quality and durability that Guy Cotten has become known for over the years.

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History of the Guy Cotten Brand

The story of Guy Cotten is one of resilience, family dedication, and innovation born from necessity. Guy Cotten founded the brand in 1964 in Brittany, France—a region with a long, storied history in fishing. At the time, Brittany’s fishermen faced daily exposure to the elements with inadequate protection, relying on heavy, uncomfortable oilskins that barely shielded them from rain and cold. Guy Cotten, originally from a farming background in Saint-Yvi, transitioned from representing workwear companies to addressing this problem directly. Inspired by his wife Françoise, whose roots were in the maritime town of Concarneau, he decided to design specialized outerwear tailored to the needs of seafarers.

While on his rounds as a workwear representative, Guy noticed that fishermen and mariners lacked adequate protection for the harsh sea. He observed that the cotton canvas gear they wore, while heavy, failed to repel water effectively. The 1960s saw the emergence of PVC, a material with waterproofing properties that was lighter and more flexible than traditional materials. Driven by this innovation, Guy Cotten developed a small PVC collection but faced resistance from his employer. Determined, he partnered briefly with another company, but when this collaboration ended, he and Françoise set out on their own. With her sewing skills, they began making garments in their home garage, using PVC to create lighter, more durable, and waterproof clothing.

Expansion and Key Milestones
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• 1964: Launch in Concarneau and Early Growth
  Working from their garage, Guy and Françoise’s designs began gaining popularity. As demand grew, Guy Cotten left his job to focus fully on his business, marketing the products directly to fishermen who appreciated the durability and comfort of his creations.
• 1969: Industrial Expansion
  Registered as an artisan company in 1964, Guy Cotten transitioned into a full-scale industrial operation by 1969. The breakthrough use of high-frequency electrode welding machines allowed Cotten to seal PVC seams, ensuring perfect waterproofing that set his products apart from conventional alternatives.
• 1974: The “Little Yellow Man” Logo and Product Diversification
  Seeking a memorable brand identity, Cotten commissioned local designer Alain Le Quernec to create a logo. The result was the now-iconic “little yellow man”—a figure embodying warmth and joy even in the rain. By this time, the company had expanded its range to include garments for agriculture and leisure alongside maritime workwear, with its signature yellow PVC jacket for fishing and green version for farming gaining popularity. The same year, Cotten introduced its first Rosbras jacket, which would become a classic among seafarers and coastal explorers.
• 1976: New Headquarters in Trégunc
  As demand outpaced their workshop’s capacity, the Cottens moved their production to a larger facility in Trégunc after being unable to acquire additional land at Concarneau’s port. This relocation marked a turning point, allowing for increased production to meet rising demand across France and, eventually, abroad.
• 2019: Continued Innovation at the New Kerouel Site
  Guy Cotten’s factory, now located at the 4,500-square-meter Kerouel site in Trégunc, is equipped with cutting-edge technology and processes around 800 kilometers of PVC annually to produce 450,000 pieces of clothing. With a commitment to sustainability, the brand has integrated energy-efficient practices, reducing waste while upholding the durability and repairability that distinguish Cotten’s products.

Family Legacy and Commitment to Repairability

A unique aspect of the brand has always been its repairable design philosophy. From the beginning, Guy Cotten offered a repair service, uncommon at the time, which allowed customers to have worn garments examined and mended rather than replaced. This approach, initially misunderstood by competitors who favored product replacement, is now celebrated for its sustainability and commitment to quality.

Today, under the leadership of Nadine Bertholom-Cotten, the founder’s daughter, the brand continues to innovate while respecting its roots in quality and family values. Each year, Guy Cotten produces around 450,000 garments and accessories, with 30% of production dedicated to fishing, 30% to agriculture and industrial use, and another 30% to leisure activities. With an estimated revenue of €19 million in 2023—marking an 8% increase from the previous year—the brand is expanding steadily, with 40% of its sales generated through exports. Employing around 150 people across its main sites in Trégunc and Landaul in France, and an additional unit in Madagascar, Guy Cotten remains a globally respected name, admired for its durability, heritage, and innovative commitment to those who work and thrive in extreme conditions.

Notable Innovations

Guy Cotten has built its reputation on continuous innovation, particularly in the materials and technologies used to create high-performance protective clothing. Some of the brand's most notable innovations include:
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• PVC Workwear: One of Guy Cotten's earliest and most significant innovations was the introduction of PVC-coated fabrics. In the 1960s, when traditional materials like cotton were failing to offer the waterproof protection needed by fishermen, Guy Cotten turned to PVC. This innovation made his products not only more durable but also lighter and more flexible, providing better comfort and performance in extreme conditions.
• High-Frequency Welding: In the 1970s, Guy Cotten revolutionized garment manufacturing by employing high-frequency welding for the seams of its PVC garments. This technique ensured perfect waterproofing, as it created a stronger, more durable seal than traditional stitching, which was prone to leaks. This was particularly important for creating garments that could withstand the harsh elements at sea.
• Magic Hood: The "Magic Hood" introduced in the 1970s was another game-changer for maritime wear. Designed to move with the wearer’s head, this feature allowed for better visibility and comfort while maintaining full protection from wind and rain. This innovation became an essential component of many Guy Cotten jackets, especially for seafarers who required both visibility and weather protection.
• Repairable Design Philosophy: Staying ahead of its time, Guy Cotten was one of the first to offer a repair service for its products, ensuring their longevity. This commitment to sustainability through repairable designs became a core principle of the brand, distinguishing it from competitors who focused on product replacement rather than maintenance.

These innovations have kept Guy Cotten at the forefront of the protective outerwear industry, earning the brand loyal customers worldwide who rely on its performance, durability, and practicality.
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Where to find Guy Cotten in the USA?

To find Guy Cotten products in the USA, there are numerous authorized dealers and marine supply stores across the country. 
Below is a list of locations where you can find their products:


Alabama
- Brunson Net & Supply (Foley)
- Tide Marine Supply Co (Bayou La Battre)

Alaska
- Ace Outdoor (Juneau)
- Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary (Ketchikan)
- Alaska Ship Supply (Dutch Harbor)
- Alaska Sport Shop (Haines)
- All Seasons Clothing Company (Wasilla)
- All Seasons Clothing Company (Eagle River)
- B & J Commercial (Anchorage)
- Bawden Street Brewing (Ketchikan)
- Bay Traders Fish House (Seward)
- Big Ray's (Fairbanks)
- Craig Emporium (Sitka)
- Elfin General Store (Elfin Cove)
- General Hardware (Anchorage)
- Hammer & Wikan Inc (Petersburg)
- Harri Plumbing & Heating (Juneau)
- Kodiak Marine (Kodiak)
- Lee's Clothing Inc (Petersburg)
- LFS Sitka (Sitka)
- LFS/Kachemak Gear Shed (Homer)
- Log Cabin Sporting Goods (Craig)
- Nugget Alaskan Outfitter (Juneau)
- Outfitter Sporting (Haines)
- Pacific Pride (Ketchikan)
- Pelican Marine (Pelican)
- Piston & Rudder Service (Petersburg)
- Sentry Hardware & Marine (Wrangell)
- Sitka Work & Rugged Gear Store (Sitka)
- Sutliffs True Value Hardware (Kodiak)
- Sweeney's Clothing (Soldotna)
- The Clothes Company (Craig)
- The Trading Union Inc (Petersburg)
- Three Bears Alaska (Wasilla)
- Tongass Trading (Ketchikan)
- Western Auto Marine (Juneau)

California
- Bayside Marine (Santa Cruz)
- Berkeley Sportsman's Center (Berkeley)
- Bodega Tackle Inc (Petaluma)
- Englund Marine Crescent City (Crescent City)
- Englund Marine Eureka (Eureka)
- Hogans Bait & Tackle (Dana Point)
- Jerry's Marine (Atascadero)
- Moss Landing Marine (Moss Landing)
- Pacific Extreme Sports (Sacramento)
- Port Hueneme Marine Supply (Oxnard)
- Portco Inc (DBA The Wharf Store) (San Francisco)
- Princeton Fishing Gear (Half Moon Bay)
- Star Box (Newport Beach)
- Tommy's Marine Service & Supply (Ykiah)
- Ventura Harbor Marine Fuel (Ventura)

Connecticut
- Fisherman's World (E Norwalk)
- J & B Tackle (Niantic)
- Jack's Shore Line Bait & Tackle (Westbrook)
- Rivers End Tackle (Old Saybrook)
- Ted's B&T (Old Saybrook)

Florida
- Atlantic & Gulf Fishing Supply Corp (Miami)
- Erickson & Jensen (Fort Meyers Beach)
- Fisherman's Ideal Supply House Inc (St Petersburg)
- Handler Fishing Supply (Merritt Island)
- Hi-Liner (Green Cove Springs)
- Lee Fisher International (Tampa)
- Panhandle Power Wash Supply (Freeport)

Georgia
- Dale's Crab (Savannah)

Hawaii
- Honolulu Fishing And Supply LLC (Honolulu)
- Pacific Fishing (Honolulu)

Illinois
- Gilpin Fisheries (Dallas City)
- Schafer Fisheries (Thomson)

Louisiana
- Alario (Westwego)
- American Marine & Wire Rope Supply Inc (Chauvin)
- Fish Net (Jonesville)
- Fisherman's Wholesale Marine Supply (New Orleans)
- Gulf Coast Supply (Cameron)
- Leblanc Oil Co Inc (DelCambre)
- Southwest Farm Services (Crowley)

Maine
- Brooks Trap Mill Bath (West Bath)
- Brooks Trap Mill Jonesport (Jonesboro)
- Brooks Trap Mill Portland (Portland)
- Brooks Trap Mill Thomaston (Thomaston)
- Down East Fishing Gear (Ellsworth)
- Hamilton Marine (Searsport)
- Hamilton Marine Jonesport (Jonesport)
- Hamilton Marine Kittery (Kittery)
- Hamilton Marine Portland (Portland)
- Hamilton Marine Rockland (Rockland)
- Hamilton Marine Southwest Harbor (Southwest Harbor)
- Island Fishing Gear & Auto Parts (Stonington)
- Island Lobster Supply (Vinalhaven)
- Little River Lobster Co (Cutler)
- Midcoast Marine Supply (Thomaston)
- Midcoast Marine Supply (Waldoboro)
- Midcoast Marine Supply Brunswick (Brunswick)
- Noel Marine Supplies (Milbridge)
- Vessel Services Inc (Portland)

Maryland
- All Tackle (Annapolis)
- Atlantic Tackle LLC (Ocean City)
- Blough's Seafood (Denton)
- Corbin Seafood (Dealisland)
- Crab Pot Shack (Leonardtown)
- Eddie Heath's Crab Pot & Supply Co (Crisfield)
- Fairbank Tackle (Tilgham)
- James Morris Seafood & Supplies (Abell)
- Martins Fish Company (Ocean City)
- Millers Island Commercial Crab Pot Supply (Baltimore)
- Scott's Cove Marina (Deal Island)
- Sea Hawk (Pocomoke City)
- Tochtermans (Baltimore)

Massachusetts
- ABC Equipment Co. (Marshfield)
- B & N Fishing Gear (Gloucester)
- Bay Fuel (New Bedford)
- Cape Fisherman's Supply (Chatham)
- Dicks (Oak Bluff)
- Euro Ship Store (Fairhaven)
- Gear To Go Fishing Supply (Fairhaven)
- Glove Cleaners & Safety Products, Inc (Plainville)
- Glyns Marine (Natuket)
- Ketcham Supply Corp (New Bedford)
- Lands End True Value (Provincetown)
- Larry's Tackle (Edgartown)
- Lighthouse Marine Supply Store (New Bedford)
- Luzo Fishing Gear (New Bedford)
- Merri Mar Yacht Basin (Newburyport)
- Nantucket Tackle (Nantucket)
- Nauset Marine (Orleans)
- Nelson's (Gloucester)
- New Bedford Ship Supply (New Bedford)
- Reidar (New Bedford)
- Smith Bodfish Swift (Vineyard Haven)
- South River Ship Supply (Marshfield)
- Standard Marine (New Bedford)
- Surfland (Newbury)
- Sylvan Nursery, Inc (Westport)
- Three Lanterns Ship Supply, Inc (Gloucester)
- Tomo's Tackle, Inc (Salem)

New Hampshire
- Millican Nurseries (Chichester)
- New England Marine (Portsmouth)

New Jersey
- Atlantic Bait & Tackle (Middletown)
- Efinger Sporting Goods (Bound Brook)
- Fisherman's Den (Belmar)
- Fisherman's Headquarters (Ship Bottom)
- Fishermen's Supply (Point Pleasant Beach)
- Giglio (Sea Bright)
- Grumpys Tackle (Seaside Park)
- Lighthouse Marina (Barnegat Light)
- Mariner's Mart LLC (Belford)
- Sea Gear Marine (Cape May)
- Tackle Box (Hazlet)
- Tackle Direct (Egg Harbor Township)
- Trinity Seafood (Lakewood)

New York
- Bay Park Fishing Station (Oceanside)
- Bernie's Bait & Tackle (Brooklyn)
- Carl&Jacks (Hampton Bays)
- Causeway Bait & Tackle (Wantaugh)
- Cow Harbor Bait & Tackle (Northport)
- Duffy's B&T (Glenwood Landing)
- East Coast Fishing Supply (Little Neck)
- East End Bait & Tackle (Hampton Bays)
- Fisherman Depot (College Point)
- Fowler's Garden Center (Southhampton)
- Hi-Hook Bait & Tackle (Huntington)
- J & H Outlet Inc (Oakdale)
- L & L Wholesale Bait (Brookhaven)
- Montauk Marine Basin (Montauk)
- Star Island Yacht Club (Montauk)
- Tackle Us (Staten Island)
- Tight Lines Tackle Inc (Sag Harbor)
- Trophy Fishing Tackle (North Babylon)
- Wego (Southhold)
- White Water Outfitters (Hampton Bays)

North Carolina
- Boaters Warehouse (Morrsville)
- Bridgers Coal & Farm (Wendell)
- Eastern Oufitters (Hampstead)
- EJW Outdoors Sports (Morehead City)
- Gordon's Net Works (Shallotte)
- Island's Choice (Cedar Island)
- Keller Fishing Supply (Manteo)
- Radcliffe (Belhaven)
- Wanchese Trawl Supply (Wanchese)
- WE Nixon (Edenton)

Oregon
- Englund Marine & Industrial Supply (Astoria)
- Englund Marine Coos Bay (Coos Bay)
- Englund Marine Newport (Newport)
- Rogue Outdoor Store (Gold Beach)
- Schiewe Marine Supply (Newport)
- Stabi Dave's Bait and Tackle (Newport)
- The Dalles Marine (The Dalles)

Rhode Island
- Aquidneck Mooring Company (Middletown)
- Barry Pumps (Cranston)
- Blowfish Embroidery, Inc. (Middletown)
- Breachway (Charlestown)
- Brooks Trap Mill (Wakefield)
- Newport Nautical Supply (Newport)
- Rhode Island Engine (Narragansett)
- The Saltwater Edge (Middletown)
- Trawlworks Inc (Narragansett)

Texas
- Dockside Bait (Seadrift)

Virginia
- B&C Seafood (Newport News)
- Bishop Fishing Supply (Yorktown)
- Chesapeake Bay Packing (Newport News)
- Chris Bait & Tackle (Capeville)
- Davis Warf Marine (Belle Haven)
- Delmarva Marine (Accomac)
- Kings Marine Supplies (Hayes)
- Ocean Products Research (Diggs)
- Ocean's B&T (Virginia Beach)
- Seaford Scallop Co., Inc. (Seaford)
- The Crab Company (Salucla)
- Wanchese Trawl Supply (2) (Hampton)

Washington
- Alaska Net (Yakima)
- Englund Marine Ilwaco (Ilwaco)
- Englund Marine Wesport (Westport)
- LFS Inc (Bellingham)
- LFS Seattle (Seattle)
- Marine Service & Supply (Seattle)
- North Pacific Trading (Everett)
- Pearl Northwest (Tukwila)
- Peter Pan Seafoods (Bellevue)
- Redden Marine Supply (Bellingham)
- Seatle Marine Bellingham (Bellingham)
- Seattle Marine (Seattle)
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Conclusion

​In summary, Guy Cotten products are widely available through a network of trusted dealers across the United States. Whether you're looking for waterproof gear, protective clothing, or specialized marine equipment, these suppliers offer a variety of options to suit your needs. With locations spanning from the east coast to the west, and even into Alaska, customers can find the quality gear they need, backed by knowledgeable staff ready to assist with any inquiries.

By choosing Guy Cotten, you're investing in durable and reliable gear that can withstand harsh conditions, ensuring you stay dry and comfortable no matter the environment.