Ripstop Horse Rugs: Why Cotton-Polyester Blend Is Best for Australian Condititions
Why Cotton-Polyester Ripstop Horse Rugs Outperform Pure Cotton or Polyester in Australia
Updated September 2025
A practical guide for Australian riders on choosing the right rug fabric to keep horses cool, comfortable, and protected through Australia’s tough seasons.
For Australian riders, picking the right paddock rug isn’t about colours or trims it’s about fabric. What you choose affects how cool, comfortable, and protected your horse stays day in, day out. The real question? Which fabric stands up to long summer days, dust, UV and rough paddocks. Pure cotton, pure polyester, or a blend? After years of testing, we’ve found the winner: a 70% polyester / 30% cotton ripstop blend. Here’s why it outperforms the rest for horses living in Australian conditions.
Why 100% Cotton Rugs Don’t Cut It
Cotton is soft and breathable, but in the paddock it struggles. It soaks up water, turns heavy when wet, and dries slowly. Humid coastal weather can mean mould, while frequent washing causes shrinkage and tears. Great in clothing not so great on horses. That’s why you rarely see 100% cotton rugs these days.
The Strengths of 100% Polyester Rugs
Modern polyester ripstop is the backbone of many great rugs. It’s tough, quick-drying, UV-resistant, and holds shape ride after ride. Our Samford square weave rugs are proof everyday workhorses that stay durable and easy-care. But here’s the catch: polyester on its own isn’t always the coolest in peak summer. That’s where blends shine.
Why Cotton-Polyester Ripstop Wins
A 70/30 blend takes the best of both worlds. Polyester brings durability and fast drying. Cotton brings softness and breathability. Together in ripstop weave, you get a rug that’s tough enough for daily paddock life but still comfortable in the heat.
- Durability: Polyester fibres strengthen the weave.
- Breathability: Cotton adds airflow and softness on the coat.
- Quick Drying: Polyester stops rugs staying heavy when wet.
- Longevity: Blends keep their shape and colour season after season.
How Fabric Construction Changes Everything
Not all polyester is created equal. Advances in weaving and finishing have made modern ripstop fabrics feel softer, breathe better, and perform like cotton without losing toughness. Here’s what matters most:
| Fabric Feature | What It Does | Benefit for Your Horse |
|---|---|---|
| Weave & Yarn Structure | Controls airflow and strength | Ripstop weaves allow ventilation but resist tears |
| Blending with Cotton | Boosts softness and airflow | Keeps horses cooler on hot days, gentler on coats |
| Finishing Treatments | Removes stiffness, improves hand-feel | Makes polyester feel smooth, not “plastic” |
| Fibre Quality | Finer yarns wick sweat | Faster evaporation = less rubbing and dampness |
With this tech, polyester no longer feels like a plastic bag. Blends like Airlie combine airflow and strength, while 100% polyester options like Samford remain unbeatable for durability and value.
Real-World Testing: Horses Tell the Story
We trialled different fabrics during a 38°C summer afternoon to see how they held up in real paddock conditions:
| Horse | Rug | Conditions | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Archie | 100% polyester ripstop | Standard paddock turnout | Dry and protected, light sweat but cooled quickly in shade |
| Luna | 70/30 polycotton ripstop | Standard paddock turnout | Stayed noticeably cooler, only light sweat marks |
| Bentley | 70/30 polycotton ripstop | Extended paddock hours | Dried naturally, stayed cool and comfortable throughout |
The takeaway? Polyester rugs like Samford give reliable, durable everyday protection. For sensitive horses or extreme summer days, Airlie’s cotton blend adds cooling comfort.
Delzani Ripstop Rugs: Built for Australian Horses
At Delzani, we don’t copy overseas fabrics. We build rugs for Aussie paddocks, Aussie summers, and Aussie horses. The Airlie blend (70/30 polycotton, 300gsm, hex weave) delivers airflow and strength for sensitive horses. The Samford ripstop (100% polyester, 270gsm, square weave) offers hard-wearing everyday protection. Both are engineered to last, season after season.
Which Fabric Is Right for Your Horse?
If you need everyday durability and low maintenance, the Samford polyester is your safe bet. If your horse runs hot, has a sensitive coat, or spends long hours rugged, the Airlie blend gives that extra comfort. Both share one goal: keeping your horse cool, comfortable, and protected in real Australian conditions.
Explore Delzani’s Ripstop Rug Collection today built tough for paddock life, designed smart for your horse.
Written by Jane Griffiths - An experienced Australian horse owner and product developer with over three decades immersed in equestrian life. Jane has spent years refining horse rugs, tack, and riding apparel to better suit Australian climates. She has enjoyed countless weekends at gymkhanas, show jumping events, and pony club competitions with her daughter, and still loves hitting the trails with friends whenever she can. Her lifelong passion for horses and hands-on understanding of equine comfort continue to shape her practical, rider-first approach to horse care and product design.
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