Humans have worked on ways to make garments water resistant almost since they started to wear them. But figuring out how to manufacture a raincoat using rubber was a big breakthrough that took centuries.
Research:

Percy Fawcett, Manuscript 512, and a Lost City in the Amazon, Pt. 2
37:10

Percy Fawcett, Manuscript 512, and a Lost City in the Amazon, Pt. 1
34:05

SYMHC Classics: Swill Milk
39:22