Material facts
Material facts
No one can have failed to notice that equestrian riding wear is now
classed as athletic clothing. Few of us favour the uncomfy pants, floppy
fleeces and shapeless jodhpurs of yesteryear, when there are form-fitting
breeches and padded riding undergarments to be savoured!
Here are a few of the materials that you may see in your riding-wear
labels - cotton and merino wool are natural fibres. The rest are synthetic fibres, which are more commonly used in
active-wear. They are generally based on blends, and sweat is evaporated outside the garment:
Cotton
Ah, beautiful, natural cotton. What’s not to like? Well, we believe it
isn’t the best material for active wear when used on its own. Cotton holds up
to 25 times its weight in water, so isn’t ideal for sweating, and takes ages to
dry. However, it smells less than polyester, so is OK for low-sweat activities
like hacking. Look out for blends with Elastane and Microfibre in active riding
wear and breeches.
With underwear being the first layer next to the skin, it is essential fabric selection at this level is carefully selected. Avoid cotton in your underwear and seek fabric blends such as those used is the Derriere Equestrian range, these are all designed to be wicking and have featured fabrics with bacteriostatic properties.
Elastane (Spandex / Lycra)
Elastane fibres are usually branded as Lycra or Spandex - as an
extremely stretchy material, it is often blended alongside other fibres for
support. Elastane can expand to nearly 600 per cent of its size, and we are big
fans!
Gore-Tex
You may spot this material in yard boots and jackets, as it is
waterproof and windproof, yet allows the skin to breathe.
Merino wool
This is a nice choice of material as winter approaches - it’s warm,
breathable, wicking, and antimicrobial. Perfect as a base layer beneath a heavier
jacket or sweatshirt.
Microfibre
This is an all-encompassing name for synthetic fibres blended from
polyester materials. Tough and durable, you will see this used in good quality
breeches and Derriere Equestrian Underwear.Nylon
This branded, synthetic fabric dries quickly and is breathable. Often
seen in low-cost breeches.
Polyamide
We love Polyamide! A polymer blend akin to natural wool and silk - the
brand Nylon is a polyamide. Polyamide materials are light-weight, yet strong. They’re
also fairly dirt resistant. Found in good quality riding underwear and
breeches. A feature found in the lead products of the Derriere Equestrian range.
Polypropylene
Like polyester, this material is made from plastic; you may see it in
base layer ‘long johns’ or thermal ‘under breeches’.
Polyester
The workhorse of active-wear fabrics, it’s durable, lightweight,
breathable, and non-absorbent. Keep it washed regularly however, to avoid
odours. Often seen in show jackets.
Supplex
Supplex fabrics are breathable and fast-drying - they take the form of
a stretch jersey, or thin woven material. They’re actually more commonly seen
in stretchy horse hoods, but may be used in items like wrist warmers for
riders.
Tactel
Tactel fabrics are fast drying, strong and lightweight. Usually made as
a stretch jersey, and often seen in riding socks.
Derriere Equestrian’s choices
Derriere Equestrian riding underwear is made from a breathable,
micro-fibre fabric made from a Polyamide and Elastane blend with
multi-directional stretch. Special, high density foam inserts are placed at key
pressure points in the riding underwear garments to provide maximum comfort and
performance, while the outside edge of the inner pads have extra soft fabric,
to eliminate any chaffing.
We offer bonded, seamless technology with no abrasive edges and reduced
stitched seam-lines, for supreme comfort when riding your horse or pony. Our
manufacturing experts utilise state of the art, single jersey electronic
circular knitting machines.
The range of Derriere Equestrian products go through more than 50controls during their transformation in production, so when purchasing, you can
be sure of a high-quality piece of sporting apparel that has breathable,
bacteriostatic fabric (that prevents bacteria from reproducing).
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