Flag Rugs vs Mesh Rugs: Which Summer Rug Keeps Horses Cooler in Australian Heat?

Flag Rugs vs Mesh Rugs: What Really Keeps Horses Cooler in Summer?

Updated December 2025

A practical guide for Australian riders comparing traditional flag rugs and modern mesh rugs, explaining fabric choices, cooling performance, and how to choose the right option for your horse.

Australian summers push horses and their rugs to the limit. From harsh UV and dry heat to sticky humidity, insects, and sudden storms, choosing the right summer rug isn’t about habit or labels - it’s about how the fabric performs on the horse in real paddock conditions. One of the most common questions we hear is whether 100% cotton is cooler than modern synthetic mesh. This guide breaks down the facts so you can make an informed, horse-first choice.

What Is a Flag Rug?

A flag rug is made from lightweight open-weave cotton fabric, named for its resemblance to traditional flag cloth. These rugs have long been popular in hot weather because cotton is naturally breathable and very light on the horse.

• Maximum airflow: the open weave allows air to move freely.
• Minimal weight: ideal for extreme heat and quiet paddock situations.
• Simple design: fewer fittings and closures.

The same lightweight construction that makes flag rugs appealing also makes them more delicate, which affects how they are designed and how long they last in everyday paddock use.

Why Don’t Flag Rugs Have Belly Straps?

This is one of the most common questions we receive about the Delzani Flag Rugs. Flag rugs are intentionally made without belly straps to protect the integrity of the fabric.

Open-weave cotton flag fabric is extremely breathable, but it doesn’t tolerate concentrated downward pressure well. Belly straps create stress points across the horse’s midline, which can stretch the weave, distort the shape, and lead to tearing over time.

Instead, flag rugs rely on reinforced chest closures and adjustable leg straps to keep the rug balanced and secure. This approach allows maximum airflow while preserving the fabric’s structure and longevity.

What Are Mesh Rugs Made From?

Modern fly mesh rugs are engineered specifically for Australian conditions. Delzani mesh rugs use UV-stabilised synthetic fibres designed to encourage airflow, evaporative cooling, and durability rather than trapping heat.

• Barcoo Mesh (280gsm, flat weave): smooth, coat-friendly, and durable with excellent airflow and approximately 87% UV protection.
• Warrego Mesh (200gsm, raised weave): slightly looser weave for increased airflow, ideal for humid or insect-heavy areas.
• Barcoo Lite (130gsm, flat weave): a lightweight alternative to flag rugs, offering structure, breathability, and the option of belly straps.

All Delzani mesh fabrics are quick-drying, UV-stabilised, and shaped for comfort with reinforced points and contoured panels.

Is Synthetic Fabric Hotter Than Cotton?

This is a common assumption, but when fabrics are designed properly, it isn’t accurate.

While cotton is breathable, it absorbs sweat and moisture, becomes heavy when damp, and takes longer to dry. In humid conditions, wet cotton can cling to the horse and reduce airflow, which may actually trap heat.

Technical mesh behaves differently. The structured weave allows constant airflow, promotes evaporative cooling, and dries quickly after sweat or rain. Many riders in humid regions such as South East Queensland report their horses stay cooler and more comfortable in flat weave mesh rugs than in traditional cotton flag rugs during sticky summer conditions.

Flag Rug or Mesh Rug: Which Should You Choose?

There’s no single “best” summer rug - only the best option for your horse, environment, and management style.

• Choose a flag rug if: your horse is quiet on rugs, you don’t need belly straps, and conditions are dry with minimal paddock wear.
• Choose a mesh rug if: your horse is active, needs extra security, requires UV protection, or lives in humid or insect-heavy conditions.

For riders who love the lightweight feel of a flag rug but want more durability and security, Barcoo Lite is often the ideal middle ground.

The Delzani Difference

At Delzani, summer rugs are designed specifically for Australian heat, paddocks, and horses. They’re not just lighter versions of winter rugs - they’re purpose-built for airflow, fit, and long-term comfort.

• Designed in Australia for Australian conditions
• Rider-tested in real paddocks
• Engineered with a performance-first approach

Your horse deserves gear that supports comfort, cooling, and protection all summer long.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are mesh rugs safe in extreme heat?
Yes. When designed correctly, flat weave mesh promotes airflow and evaporative cooling, making it suitable for hot conditions.

Will mesh rugs rub more than cotton?
Not with smooth flat weave designs like Barcoo and Barcoo Lite, which are shaped to move with the horse and remain coat-friendly.

What’s the best alternative to a flag rug with belly straps?
Barcoo Lite (130gsm) offers a similar lightweight feel with better structure, durability, and secure fitting.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to summer rugging, tradition doesn’t always equal comfort. Understanding how different fabrics behave in heat and humidity helps you choose the option that truly keeps your horse cooler and more comfortable.

Explore Delzani’s premium range of fly mesh horse rugs and flag rugs - thoughtfully designed for Australian summers and trusted by riders nationwide.

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.