Thinking of the life jackets and personal flotation devices we know today, we wouldn’t typically think of cork. But did you know, back in the 1800s and early 1900s cork was actually the main component used in life jackets?

For centuries, people have relied on various forms of life jackets and personal floatation devices (PFDs). Over time, designs have evolved - from inflated animal skins and hollow gourds to blocks of wood and blocks of cork to kapok stuffed vests and finally to the modern PFDs we know today. Despite changing materials, the fundamental concept remains consistent.

In the 1800s, life jackets resembling today’s design emerged. These early PFDs were developed using naturally buoyant cork - perfect for flotation. Some featured collar-like flotation devices designed with canvas bags filled with cork grain, while others used cork blocks attached to fabric to create life belts or vests. Cork, also being durable and water-resistant, worked well for this purpose and sailors, fishermen, lifeboat crews, and others wore these rigid, and bulky cork vests. Though cork PFDs saved lives, these vests were uncomfortable and fairly heavy. Eventually, they were replaced with lighter and less rigid alternatives, making the jackets more comfortable.

That’s just one of many amazing historical uses of cork.