the protection of the vapor skirt 42 in addition the u201c always on u201d feature ensures that should the wearer unexpectedly enter a hazard zone which includes harmful materials the wearer does not need to open the coat 10 to ensure that the vapor skirt 42 is in a protective position if the wearer were required to open the coat 10 in a hazard zone the wearer 39 s exposure to harmful materials is significantly increased while the coat 10 is opened thereby defeating the very purpose of the protective nature of the garment 10 alternately if desired the vapor skirt 42 may be releasably removably coupled to the coat 10 for example if desired one or both of the side seams 64 of the vapor skirt 42 may be releasably coupled to the inner surface of the coat 10 by zippers snaps clasps clips hook and loop fastening material combinations of these components etc this arrangements eliminates u201c pulling u201d or resistance of the coat 10 to being closed due to the stretching of the elastic material 48 of the vapor skirt 42 alternately or in addition the outer edge 66 of the vapor skirt 42 may be releasably coupled by the same or similar means as the side edges 64 in one embodiment both the sides 64 and outer edge 66 of the vapor skirt 42 are releasably removably attached such that the entire vapor skirt 42 is removable from the coat 10 to allow repair replacement or cleaning thereof the outer.