Technical clothing is designed to support the body's heat regulation, and to keep the skin comfortably dry. For the body’s heat regulation it is important to move sweat quickly from the skin and to prevent clothes from getting wet from the humidity.
Waterproofness (W/P) in a fabric means it capability to endure a certain amount of water pressure. Testing is carried out with a water pillar which height is announced in millimeters. The German standard claims a fabric to be waterproof when its water pillar is over 1300 mm. In practice 1300 mm isn’t sufficient due to movement, wrinkles and sitting which raise the water pressure in the fabric surface. Sports and outdoor clothing waterproof values vary from 2000 mm to 20 000 mm. EST's products are generally 10 000 mm W/P, which means that the garment can withstand harder rain without getting wet. The products’ waterproofness is also affected by the seam taping. Machine washing weakens the waterproof membrane every time and the products should be washed in low temperatures, no fabric softener or dryer!
The fabric’s breathability is tested by Water vapor permeability in the fabric: grams of water per 1m2 per 24 hours. The greater the value, the better the breathability. E.S.T. aims at min. 10 000g/m2/24h in all waterproof products.
Adequate breathability for the product is difficult to determine as the values, such as air temperature and moisture content have a major impact on the fabric breathability. The basic rule is that the colder the air, and the higher the air humidity (rain moisture content is 100%), the lower is the actual fabric breathability. In this case, functioning middle and under layer clothing is emphasized.
NOTE! The term "breathable" is used only with membrane fabrics. When it comes to technical shirts and other similar lightweight knits, the term "wicking" is used.
Soft shell - fabrics are 3-layer materials. The outer layer is a water- and stain repellent fabric or knit, and the innermost layer is usually fleece or other soft knit. These layers are laminated to a middle-layer laminate sheet, which makes the material waterproof, windproof and breathable. The laminate can be, for example polyurethane or polyester membrane and its quality determines the fabric’s waterproofness and breathability values.
Rider:
Dress for spring and autumn: clothing is based on a warm undergarment set which keeps the skin dry. A warm middle layer, for example, a fleece shirt should be worn in cooler weather or on quiet riding trips. Depending on the weather and place the outer layer should be a warm windproof or windproof, waterproof and breathable riding jacket and breeches. In varying conditions, it is also important to keep the fingers, toes and head warm with appropriate gloves, socks and headwear.
Dress for winter: clothing is based on the same principles as in spring and autumn. In winter, the middle layer selection requires attention. The middle layer’s task is to keep you warm and to transfer moisture. Suitable middle layer materials are technical fleece materials, but also wool. The outer layer should be a warm winter jacket and a warm winter riding breeches. If training, the jacket can be lighter with additional middle layers to take off. The cold feeling often starts from the fingers and toes, so it is worth investing in warm winter socks and gloves and to protect the head from cold.
Dress for the summer: when the sun is shining a technical riding shirt and pants provide the best protection against the burning sun. For riding comfort, it is essential that clothes move quickly sweat away from the skin, giving the skin also better protection against abrasions. Well-designed technical riding socks also prevent sores and keep the feet dry.
Horse and dog:
Horse rugs and dogs coats emphasize on slightly different characteristics in comparison to human clothing. Horse products must breathe equally well, because the horse is a perspiring animal, but a dog pants to remove heat so the breathability is not a primary feature. In these outdoor products, waterproofness should be chosen from the top of the scale (5000 mm ->), so that the product is well waterproof and can be washed several times without weakening the membrane.
In animal products, it is worth investing in quality, durability and safety. For example, polyamide rip-stop fabrics are very strong and the reflectors during the dark season have great importance, especially with dogs.
