• how do i care for my shirt?
  • its' easy! wash inside out with non biological washing powder (do not use fabric conditioner) and low-heat tumble dry.
    alternatively, hang on the line and allow to dry naturally. it dries in about a third of the time it takes cotton to dry.
    
    
• do i need to iron my shirt?
  • no, just hang it and leave it. the fabric is crease resistant. it is advisable however to iron the collars prior to competition use for that pristine look.

principles of the layering system

the layering system has developed to enable us to regulate our body temperature and protect us from the elements. it involves using three simple but different layers of clothing, which can be adjusted, not only to suit the changes in weather but also our own microclimate. when the body is exposed to the cold it loses heat at an alarming rate, if this continues, in extreme circumstances hypothermia would start to set in.

to avoid this we can add warm layers and protect ourselves from the elements. the layering system is about using these three layers to our advantage in order to remain warm, comfortable and dry. these three key principles are 'base layer', 'insulation' and 'shell'.

base layer

considered to be the most important item of clothing used in the layering system. the base layer is worn directly next to the skin and has two main functions. it must wick (move moisture away from the skin to the outer layers) perspiration away from the skin whilst keeping the body warm, be stretchy to allow freedom of movement and be comfortable to wear. the base layer can also be worn on its own as a performance garment for riding, cycling, running, climbing or any other activity that will keep the body warm and dry from perspiration.

polyester is the main ingredient for base layers; it provides warmth, good wicking properties and comfort. silk is another popular choice as a base layer, providing comfort but limited thermal and wicking properties.

cotton?

after riding hard in a competition (dressage, show jumping or cross country) on a hot sunny day, one can expect to create a reasonable amount of perspiration, a good base layer will effectively wick away this moisture. even when we stop riding we remain dry and comfortable. if we compare this with using a traditional cotton shirt it is noticed that cotton absorbs perspiration and holds onto it, very little evaporation occurs. when we stop our activity, the sweat soaked cotton shirt becomes cool and leaves the body cold and uncomfortable. avoid using cotton in any part of the clothing layering system.

mid-layer

the next item of clothing is worn on top of the base layer. the insulation layer is designed to trap body heat and maintain a layer of warm still air. the mid-layer can be as much or as little as required depending on the temperature, a competition-riding jacket, thin lightweight fleece or several fleece layers depending on the temperature.

the most common form of mid-layer would be a fleece; it is an effective insulator, with high warmth to weight ratio and is extremely versatile. as a general rule, the thicker the fleece the greater the warmth. many types of fleece material are available including ones that are windproof and water-resistant. fleece is an excellent insulator even when wet and dries very fast, it allows water vapor to escape well. fleece material is not generally windproof unless it uses a wind proof lining or special construction.

outer-layer

the outer layer protects us from the elements. it blocks the wind so our base and mid layer can retain heat; it stops water penetration so we stay dry. the materials used to protect us from the elements must be windproof, without this our mid layers are useless as the wind passes through and chills the body. most outer layers are windproof as well as being waterproof and ideally breathable to allow water vapor to escape from the clothing system.

remember:

the purpose of the layering system is to enable the user to remain comfortable whatever the conditions. it takes one wrong item of clothing in the layering system to upset the whole balance. for example a cotton layer that allows condensation to build up on the inside and not escape leaving the rider cold and uncomfortable. creating the right clothing system is essential to your comfort, safety and enjoyment.