Bicycling (South Africa)

3 FABRIC FEATURES THAT MATTER BETWEEN MAY AND SEPTEMBER

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NYLON

Nylon is a type of thermoplas­tic, derived from petroleum, and was first used as an alternativ­e to silk. It’s naturally resilient, water-resistant and stain-resistant, which makes it a great fabric for any outdoor garment that has to withstand nature’s furies.

WATER-RESISTANT VS. WATERPROOF

The two terms are not interchang­eable. Fabrics that are water-resistant can fend off rain for only so long until it penetrates – and the harder it’s falling, the sooner it soaks through. Waterproof fabric keeps rain on the outside, where it belongs.

TAPED VS. WELDED SEAMS

A taped seam uses a stitched nylon cloth with a waterproof rubber backing to make the stitched area watertight. Welded seams avoid stitching altogether. By using glue, and heat-sealing the two edges of the fabric, the garment can be made watertight without the added bulk of stitching and tape.

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