Material Technology

At Rooster®, we are committed to selecting the best materials for our products, always mindful of our environmental footprint in every choice we make. Our preference lies in utilising recycled fabrics that can undergo further recycling at the end of their lifecycle, whenever feasible, rather than virgin materials. Explore our materials and technology below, showcasing our key product ranges: 

TOP LAYERS 

SB1 INSHORE 3L RANGE  

The Jacket and Hi-fits incorporate 85% recycled content throughout in both their fabrics and trims. They utilise a lightweight 3-layer laminate fabric consisting of a 100% recycled nylon shell with a TPU membrane, along with a polyester microlayer on the inside, with a PFC-free DWR treatment at the outer surface. This fabric is designed to provide stretch, ensuring maximum performance without compromising comfort. With a waterproof rating of 15k and breathability of 10k, it ensures reliable protection across diverse conditions. 

What is the 3-layer laminate fabric and how does it work? 

Our SB1 3 Layer fabric is a matrix bonded fabric, comprised of three key components: 

1. A scrim: A polyester micro-layer that shields the membrane and enhances breathability. 
2. A membrane: Utilising a TPU membrane for superior performance. 
3. A main/protective outer layer: Crafted from100% recycled polyester for enhanced durability.

These elements are bonded together to make one complex fabric. To enhance the fabric's resilience and waterproof properties, it is treated with a PFC-free Durable Water Repellent (DWR) coating. This coating not only improves waterproofing but also shields the fabric from external contaminants.  

Please note: Over time, the DWR treatment may naturally degrade, necessitating reapplication every few months or sooner based on usage levels. While modern DWR coatings are more environmentally conscious, prioritising reduced plastic runoff, they may compromise waterproofness and durability. Thus, regular reproofing and proper garment care are crucial. Visit our garment care page for detailed instructions on maintaining your gear. 

In addition to the main body fabric, the SB1 Inshore Jacket and Hi-fits feature Cordura® reinforcements on select panels, strengthening wear resistance and overall durability. Moreover, all seams are fully taped, ensuring the garments remain entirely waterproof. For heightened safety, reflective piping accents the hood, with reflective speck cord adjustments and reflective prints at the upper arms. 

PASSAGE 3L RANGE 

Our Passage collection derives its name from the purpose of the product; suitable for any passage you may undertake, no matter how big or small! 

It uses a 3-layer bonded fabric construction, laminating Nylon Taslon with a TPU membrane and 20D Polyester Tricot. The TPU membrane acts as a barrier to ensure that the fabric is highly waterproof, whilst the outer surface provides durability and protection to the membrane and the inner layer acts as a moisture wicking surface to take moisture away from the skin. We’ve also applied a durable water repellent (DWR) treatment applied to the fabric to improve its performance further.  

We use the highest quality Hipster Tapes to laminate over all the seams to ensure that no water will penetrate through. 

The 3L fabric is combined with Cordura® on some panels of the Passage range to enhance the technical performance of our products. 

See below for more details: 

AQUAFLEECE ® 

Where it all began! 
The Rooster Aquafleece® is one of our best sellers, and a product we are proud to be the originators of. Decades on, we still believe in the fabric and products as much as we did from day 1, and we are constantly trying to find more ways to use this fabric across our range, because we love it so much! 

The fabric is PU (polyurethane) bonded with a recycled polyester fleece to theinner surface. The fabric itself is fully waterproof, durable and flexible, whilst the brushed fleece inner surface makes it super comfortable. 

We produce our Aquafleece® fabric in 2 different weights (over several colourways): 

‘PRO’ 

Heavier weight for added warmth in cold conditions. We always tape the seams on our ‘Pro’ Aquafleece® products to ensure complete waterproof protection. 

‘CLASSIC’  

A slightly lighter weight Aquafleece® fabric. We use this on our classic and pro lite Aquafleece® products, and leave the seams untaped for increased breathability and a lighter weight feel for warmer conditions.

 

2.5L LIGHTWEIGHT SPRAYTOP FABRIC 

Similar to our 3L Passage fabric, the 2.5L lightweight fabric is constructed in a similar way, where the layers are bonded together to form one single skin. The fabric is a matrix comprising of a waterproof barrier layer at the outer surface, PU mid layer, and a Moisture-wicking, durable inside print. This inside print is known as the 1/2 layer, hence the fabric name 2.5 Layer. 

The inside print (or 1/2 layer) works cleverly to separate the PU mid layer from your body, allowing ventilation which draws moisture away to keep you feeling dry, whilst also protecting the PU layer from any unnecessary dirt. 

OUR NEOPRENE RANGES 

SUPERTHERM®  

Our warmest collection using mainly 4mm superstretch neoprene in combination with some thinner neoprene on specific panels where more stretch or movement is required. This range is ideal for temperatures below 15 degrees Celcius, or for anyone that feels the cold. We combine the superstretch neoprene with several different linings and outer surface fabrics to give the best performance in our products. Our Supertherm® products all use Glued Blind Stitching (GBS) to increase warmth and minimise water coming through the seams. 

From 2020, we moved over to more eco friendly premium materials and linings, with enhanced warmth and comfort. The range benefits from: 

WATER BASED GLUE	Eliminates harmful volatile organic compounds (VOC) releasing into environment
LIMESTONE BASED NEOPRENE	Natural earth mined limestone is used to form the neoprene replacing traditional petroleum based neoprene, which can also cause less skin irritations. Comes from nature and has less environmental impact.
VENTIPRENE®	This is a breathable neoprene that we use on the underarm and crotch panels. It works by creating channels to allow body heat and sweat to go through, whilst not compromising warmth.
ANTI-BACTERIAL TREATMENT	Used in conjunction with the Ventiprene® panels at the underarms and crotch for fresh kit
DOPE DYED YARN	Saves 60% water and energy consumption
RECYCLED POLYESTER	On the black surface fabric, we use polyester made from recycled plastic bottles. 45 plastic bottles are sufficient to make 1 suit - all helping to improve the product lifecycle.
DWR TREATMENT	Durable water repellent treatment used on arms and front of legs to aid in windchill and promote warmth.
DURATEX III	Our most durable abrasion resistant fabric yet, with rubber impregnated into the fibres to give extra protection on the seat and knees.
HEAT BOOSTING LINING	Hexagonal jacquard super wicking quick dry lining traps warmth around your core.

 

THERMAFLEX® 

Our mid to lightweight neoprene collection ideal for temperatures ranging from 12-20 degrees Celcius. The Thermaflex® range uses a super soft and stretchy lightweight neoprene in either a 1.5mm thickness (on our longjohns and tops) or a 3/2mm thickness (on the fullsuit). We combine the superstretch neoprene with several different linings and outer surface fabrics to give the best performance in our products. All Thermaflex® products use Flatlock stitching for added durability and to assist in breathability.  

Again, same as the Supertherm®, from 2020 we have moved over to more eco friendly premium materials and linings, with enhanced fit, features, and comfort. This is currently only in our unisex range, but the we are working on moving the Women's range in the same direction in the next couple of years. The range benefits from: 

LIMESTONE BASED NEOPRENE	Natural earth mined limestone is used to form the neoprene replacing traditional petroleum based neoprene, which can also cause less skin irritations. Comes from nature and has less environmental impact.
VENTIPRENE®	This is a breathable neoprene that we use on the underarm and crotch panels. It works by creating channels to allow body heat and sweat to go through, whilst regulating temperature.
ANTI-BACTERIAL TREATMENT	Used in conjunction with the Ventiprene® panels at the underarms and crotch for fresh kit
DOPE DYED YARN	Saves 60% water and energy consumption
RECYCLED POLYESTER	On the black surface fabric, we use polyester made from recycled plastic bottles. 45 plastic bottles are sufficient to make 1 suit - all helping to improve the product lifecycle.
DWR TREATMENT	Durable water repellent treatment used on arms and front of legs to aid in windchill and improve performance.
DURATEX III	Our most durable abrasion resistant fabric yet, with rubber impregnated into the fibres to give extra protection on the seat and knees.

 

ESSENTIAL NEOPRENE 

The essential neoprene is our entry level range, introduced to offer an affordable option, but with still a great level of quality. 

It uses a 2mm limestone based neoprene with flat lock stitching at the seams. Although this is not as stretchy as our premium ranges above, it is still a very soft, good quality and comfortable neoprene, where it's performance won't let you down. If you're after durability, we have made this product to last. There are some technical features that we have transferred across from our premium ranges, as we couldn't let these slip - on the wetsuits, the seat and knee panels use our Duratex II strong reinforced fabric, which has proven durability in years of testing within the Rooster® team. 

The 2mm thickness is a great thickness for the main watersports season, from March to October, covering temperatures from approximately 10-24 degrees Celsius. We would recommend to layer up with a Polypro base layer set and a spray top, such as our Aquafleece® Top on colder days to keep you nice and toasty. 

BASE LAYERS 

POLYPRO

Our signature base layer fabric constructed from a combination of Polypropylene (94%) and Elastane (6%). The inner surface is brushed to give a thick thermal fleece layer against the skin. PolyproTM is naturally hydrophobic, which means it feels dry against the skin even when wet, making it a great base layer fabric. 

0.5MM 'HOT' NEOPRENE 

Originally designed to work as a heat boosting base layer, this 0.5mm titanium lined neoprene is a clever material that works with your body to regulate your temperature. The titanium lining reflects heat from your body back onto your body, rather than letting it escape through the fabric 

This fabric is featured on a range of our liners and base layers, under the 'Hot' name. It's a great heat boost to wear under your other neoprene layers, gloves or socks/boots or on it's own in the summer. 

Tip: Great for cold water swimming and trail running, as well as sailing of course! 

Unsure about whether you need Hot stuff of Polypro? Have a little read of the blog below: 

Base layers - Hot Stuff or Polypro, What's the difference?  

PRO RASH 

Pro rash uses mainly heavy duty Nylon Spandex (420gsm) to provide more compression and support on our technical garments. The fabric has got UV50+ protection, and we often combine it with neoprene/Duratex II panels to make our products perform further. 

 RASH 

Our 'Rash' products are designed to protect you for UV rays and keep you cool under the sun. The Rash Tops are made from Nylon that allows moisture to be spread through the garment and around your body in order to cool you down while you're working hard in the sun as well as providing UV protection SPF50+ rating. 

DID YOU KNOW? 

A common misconception is that the more layers the better, but this is not always the case. It is important to select your layers wisely in terms of fabric, as the Rash range are designed to keep you cool. They will be great to cool you down, or protect you from a rash (if you are sensitive to neoprene) if you wear it under your wetsuit in the summer, but if you wear it under your wetsuit in the winter it will also keep you cool.  

WHY? 

Nylon is designed to take moisture away from the body and it has a relatively high water content and the moisture regain is around 4% (compared to Polyester that is 0.4%). This means that it will retain moisture and stick next to the skin, therefore giving you a cooling sensation against the skin. It is not hydrophobic so will take longer to dry than some other fabrics like Polypro or Polyester.   

UVF/ROOSTER TSHIRTS 

The UVF long sleeved T-shirts and Rooster T-shirts use a Recycled Polyester fabric. They are designed to keep you cool and are quick drying - great for use in active sports and for everyday wear. 

WHY POLYESTER? 

Polyester has a hydrophobic nature, where it can dry quickly and doesn't absorb water, therefore keeping the fabric loose and away from the skin and creating a cooling sensation. It has a low moisture regain content at around 0.4%, which means sweat can quickly evaporate without remaining in the fabric yarns, allowing heat to move away. 

PROTECTION / REINFORCEMENT FABRICS 

M.I.S.R.A (IMPACT PROTECTION) 

Mouldable Impact Shock Resistant Armour. This is the foam that we use in all of our impact wear, including the Harness, Helmet and Knee Pads, amongst others. It has excellent shock absorption properties and minimal water absorption, allowing us to produce M.I.S.R.A in thin sheets whilst still maintaining its performance. 
There are 2 different densities of M.I.S.R.A that we use, one is a bit softer and more cushioning next to the body, whereas the other one is harder and can absorb and higher density making it perfect for absorbing high shock. In some of our products we use a combination of the 2 to give the best all round protection.  

DURATEX

Duratex TM is our brand name for the premium quality high wearing protective fabric that we use on the seat and knee parts on most of our suits. On our standard products we laminate the DuratexTM II with a neoprene mid layer and a nylon inner fabric. When used on the seat panel of all our suits, we always combine it with a plush inner fabric so that our Pro Hike pads can be attached on the inside.