What is denier?

The strength of a horse blanket is determined by its “denier”, which refers to the outer shell of a turnout blanket. Denier is the thickness of the individual thread used in the yarn weave of the blanket. At WeatherBeeta, we have blankets in a variety of denier, to match the needs of every horse.

When choosing a turnout blanket, the most common types of deniers you will see are: 600D (medium), 1200D (heavy) or 1800D (very heavy). The higher the denier number, the thicker the weave, and the stronger the material in general.

Here’s a quick guide to the different types of denier you will see on the WeatherBeeta website:

• 1800 Denier: Durable and super strong outer shell made from 1800 denier material. The 1800 denier outer shell with advanced Teflon EcoElite™ coating is waterproof (hydrostatic pressure tested to 2,000mm+) and breathable (moisture vapor tested to 3,000g/m2+), keeping your horse comfortable and dry in all conditions.
• 1200 Denier: Durable and strong 1200 denier ripstop outer layer. Three dimensioned weave interlocks to offer extra strength and durability. Suitable for the horses that need medium durability in their blankets.
• 600 Denier: Durable and tough 600 denier ripstop outer layer. Yarns are woven in a crosshatch pattern to add strength to the fabric and stop the spreading of tears. A better suited blanket for the sensible horses who are gentler on their blankets.

• Green-Tec 900 Denier: Durable 900 denier ripstop outer layer made from recycled materials. Waterproof and breathable plain weave made from over 240 plastic bottles. Our most environmentally friendly blankets.

There are a few factors when considering which blanket to choose. Consider your budget, your horse’s nature, and his natural environment.

What is your horse’s behaviour in the field? If your horse is calm and relaxed when turned out, a 600 denier will be perfectly suitable. If your horse likes to destroy or attempt to escape the blanket, a minimum of a 1200 denier blanket is sure to save you money in the long run. At Weatherbeeta we refer to these two horse types as either a “Blanket Wrecker” or a “Blanket Houdini” – and we’ve all known at least one of those in our time.

If your horse has limited turnout each day for a simple leg stretch, then it’s likely that a 600 denier blanket would be perfectly suitable. The WeatherBeeta ComFiTec Classic offers a warm polyfill of 220g, a 600 ripstop denier outer which is waterproof and breathable, and reflective strips for extra visibility on the darker evenings.

If your horse spends the day outside, a 1200 denier blanket would be suitable. The WeatherBeeta ComFiTec Essential provides a warm polyfill of 220g, and a 1200 ripstop denier outer which is waterproof and breathable, and reflective strips for extra visibility on the darker evenings.

For horses that live in the field 24/7 or that are turned out for longer periods during the colder months, a higher denier blanket is a MUST to ensure durability. You may also wish to consider a blanket with a detachable neck, for versatility.

The WeatherBeeta ComFiTec Ultra offers maximum protection against the elements, with a 1800 denier outer, detachable neck cover, and 360g fill to keep your horse warm in the winter months.

For many, a 1200 denier blanket is the perfect choice, offering a great level of durability and affordability. The WeatherBeeta Plus Dynamic detach-a-neck has a robust 1200 denier outer and a warm 220g fill. What’s more, the Plus Dynamic is also compatible with the WeatherBeeta Liner system, so that you can adjust the thickness of your blanket for the ultimate versatility.

Designed with flexibility, comfort, and durability in mind, our ComFiTec Liners make it easier than ever to keep your horse comfortable in all weather conditions. Whether you're facing chilly mornings or fluctuating temperatures throughout the day, these liners provide a simple yet effective way to layer up without the need for multiple turnout or stable blankets. WeatherBeeta offers a range of liners in 50g, 100g, 200g, and 300g weights.