Ripstop Horse Rugs: Why Cotton-Polyester Blend Is Best for Australian Condititions
Why Cotton-Polyester Blend Is the Best Fabric for Ripstop Horse Rugs in Australia
For Australian horse owners, choosing the right paddock rug isn’t just about colour or cut — it’s about fabric. The big question is always the same: what material will keep my horse cool and comfortable, while standing up to long days in the paddock? The debate usually comes down to 100% cotton, 100% polyester, or a cotton-polyester blend. At Delzani, after years of testing and refining, we’ve found the answer: a 70% polyester and 30% cotton blend gives the best balance of strength and breathability for Australian horses. But let’s explore why.
Why 100% Cotton Horse Rugs Fall Short
Once upon a time, cotton rugs were the standard. Cotton is soft and breathable, which sounds perfect — until it rains. Cotton absorbs water, becoming heavy and slow to dry. In humid weather, it can attract mould and mildew. Over time, cotton rugs also tend to shrink, lose shape, and tear more easily. While cotton is wonderful in clothing, in the paddock, it just doesn’t last. That’s why pure cotton horse rugs have largely disappeared from the market.
The Strengths of 100% Polyester Rugs
Polyester, on the other hand, has become the backbone of modern horse rugs. It’s lightweight, extremely durable, quick-drying, and resists UV damage. Rugs made from polyester, like our popular Samford square weave ripstop rugs, are practical, easy-care, and fantastic value for everyday use. They hold their shape, wash well, and stand up to plenty of paddock play. It’s no wonder the Samford is one of our best-selling ranges.
That said, polyester on its own doesn’t offer the same natural airflow as cotton. On the hottest days, some horses may benefit from extra breathability — and that’s where blends come in.
The Benefits of Cotton-Polyester Ripstop Rugs
A cotton-polyester blend combines the best of both fibres. Woven together into a ripstop fabric, the result is a rug that is both tough and breathable. Here’s why this mix works so well:
- Durability: Polyester strengthens the fabric, helping it resist tearing and stretching.
- Breathability: Cotton adds airflow, keeping your horse cooler in hot weather.
- Quick Drying: Unlike pure cotton, polyester ensures moisture evaporates faster.
- Comfort: Cotton gives the rug a softer, more natural feel against your horse’s coat.
- Longevity: Blended fabrics hold their shape and colour longer, even with daily paddock wear.
How Fabric Construction Makes Polyester Perform Like Cotton
One of the biggest advances in rug fabrics over the last decade is how polyester is engineered. Thanks to modern weaving and finishing, polyester now feels softer, breathes better, and performs more like cotton — without losing toughness. That’s why rugs like the Samford are such a smart everyday choice, offering great airflow compared to older synthetic fabrics. Here’s how construction makes all the difference:
| Fabric Feature | What It Does | Benefit for Your Horse |
|---|---|---|
| Weave & Yarn Structure | The pattern and tightness of the weave affect airflow and strength. | Modern ripstop weaves (hexagon or square) allow ventilation while resisting tears. |
| Blend with Cotton | Cotton fibres are added to boost softness and airflow. | Keeps horses cooler in summer and gentler on sensitive coats. |
| Finishing Treatments | Surface treatments reduce stiffness and improve hand-feel. | Makes polyester feel smoother and more natural on the skin. |
| Fibre Quality | Finer yarns wick moisture and move sweat more effectively. | Helps sweat evaporate faster, preventing dampness and rubbing. |
These advances mean polyester no longer deserves its old “plastic bag” reputation. For everyday paddock use, a modern polyester ripstop like the Samford is reliable, quick-drying, and comfortable. For horses that need that little extra breathability, the premium Airlie blend takes performance one step further.
Real-World Testing: How Different Fabrics Perform in the Heat
To see how different rug fabrics impact horse comfort on hot days, our team trialled both polyester and polycotton rugs during a 38°C summer afternoon. Here’s what we observed:
| Horse | Rug | Conditions | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Archie | 100% polyester ripstop | Standard paddock turnout | Protected and dry, some sweating under rug but cooled quickly once in shade |
| Luna | 70/30 polycotton ripstop | Standard paddock turnout | Showed light sweat marks but came in noticeably cooler and drier |
| Bentley | 70/30 polycotton ripstop | Extended paddock hours | Sweated lightly but dried naturally, remained cool and comfortable |
The results highlight what we see time and again: polyester rugs like the Samford are reliable, durable and practical for everyday use. For horses that need extra cooling on the hottest days, the Airlie polycotton blend offers an added level of comfort by allowing sweat to evaporate more naturally. Both fabrics have their place — it simply comes down to what your horse needs most.
Delzani’s Ripstop Fabrics: Built for Australian Conditions
At Delzani, we design fabrics specifically for the Australian climate. Our Airlie hexagon weave ripstop rugs use a 300gsm 70/30 polycotton blend, delivering premium strength and breathability. Our Samford square weave ripstop rugs use a 270gsm 100% polyester, offering fantastic value and everyday durability. Both are made with modern weaving technology to ensure lasting performance.
Which Rug Is Right for Your Horse?
Every horse is different, and so are their needs. If you’re looking for all-round durability and low maintenance, a modern polyester rug like the Samford is a safe bet. If your horse is sensitive, spends long hours rugged, or struggles with heat in summer, the Airlie blend offers premium comfort without sacrificing strength.
Explore Delzani’s full range of ripstop paddock rugs, crafted for strength, comfort, and Australian conditions.
Shop the collection of Delzani Ripstop Rugs today and find the perfect fit for your horse.
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The release of information is subject to some exceptions such as information relating to existing or any anticipated legal proceedings, together with exceptions provided by the Privacy Act. Our objective is to respond to any request within a reasonable timeframe and no later than 30 days.
How your information may be shared
Except for the purposes outlined in the Delzani Privacy Policy, we never sell or disclose your personal information. However, we may release personal information under the following circumstances:
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when requested by the courts or laws (for example, a subpoena) or regulation or is requested by a government agency;
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where we deem a company or an individual may be engaged in fraudulent activity or other deceptive practices that a governmental agency should be made aware of; and/or to appropriate persons, where your communication suggests possible harm to others.
Changes in this Privacy Policy
If we decide to change our privacy policy, we will post those changes to this document, the home page and other places we deem appropriate so that you are aware of what information we collect, how we use it and under what circumstances, if any, we disclose it. We reserve the right to modify this privacy policy at any time, so please review it frequently. If we make material changes to this policy, we will notify you here, by email, or by means of a notice on our homepage.
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