Investing in bad weather-wear that’s kind to the environment and lasts!
Does it feel like spring has arrived (or should I say ‘sprung’) where you are? I know some of my followers in the UK have enjoyed gorgeous sunny days, while here in Sweden we’ve had warmer temperatures and some of the snow has finally melted. Even if you’re somewhere where winter hasn’t quite released its icy grip, the longer days and lighter evenings herald that change is indeed on the way! Perhaps we can just about start dreaming of t-shirts and sunshine on our backs on rides…though for now it’s probably still some layers and waterproofs at the ready! But if you’re someone who values sustainability, practicality and getting the best value for your money, now is the perfect time to invest in winter wear that will last for seasons to come.
I know that lots of my followers and customers care deeply about our planet and try to shop sustainability. You know that unpredictable and extreme weather, as well as being devastating for those caught in climate emergencies and a huge risk to our food security, makes caring for horses tricky. So, it makes sense to choose high-quality clothing designed to last and crafted from sustainable materials. Fast fashion is problematic on so many levels, but definitely bad for the environment! That’s one of the reasons that I adore Uhip so much. They create durable clothing that withstands the elements year after year and the added bonus is that it’s made with the environment in mind.
Sustainability in every stitch
You’ll be pleased to hear that Uhip’s commitment to sustainability runs through every part of their clothing. They focus on long-lasting materials and responsible manufacturing choices, ensuring their garments have minimal environmental impact. Their fabrics are free from harmful fluorocarbons, the linings are made from 100% recycled polyester, and their insulation is designed to be both functional and eco-friendly. They also collaborate with innovative suppliers like OrganoTex, who make biodegradable water-repellent treatments for clothing and outdoor gear. I’m proud to stock OrganoTex myself, as it means you can reinvigorate older kit to help you stay dry and snug when the heavens open.
I know that you might be thinking, sure, being green is good, but do the clothes do what they’re supposed to? And the answer is, absolutely yes, there’s no compromise at all on performance! The waterproofing treatments work, the linings are cosy, garments are breathable when they say they are. Here are some of my current favourites:
The Uhip Urban Stretch Jacket 2.0
Warm, waterproof, windproof and breathable? You can have it all with this brilliant jacket, and while it might soon be mild enough that you don’t need to wear it all day long, I know you’ll be thrilled to have it when autumn rolls around again… It’s long enough to cover your bottom (no one needs a chilly rump!) and it’s not bulky in the slightest, which makes it a great choice to ride in. You can check out the navy version of this jacket here.
The Uhip Winnie Mid Raincoat
They say spring showers bring summer flowers, and I know that a lot of my followers will be contending with wet weather over the coming months… and this is the perfect jacket. It’s designed to keep you dry in and out the saddle even in the heaviest of downpours, and it’s cut to be stylish and flattering. You can choose from navy or black, which you can take a closer look at here!
The Uhip Windstopper Tights 532
It can be easy to remember to stay warm and dry up top but leave your legs to fend for themselves, but that leaves you at risk of chilblains – or just catching a chill if you get soaked through! These super riding tights are treated with a water repellent coating and they’re windproof and made from a warm, brushed thermal jersey material d so you can treat your legs to the same cosiness as the rest of you! See if they might have a place in your wardrobe, just click here.
The Uhip Lavalan Wool Hybrid Liner Jacket 2.0
I call this jacket the ‘just right’ jacket – it’s there on spring and autumn days when the weather will warm up but there’s a chill first thing. It’s got a lightly padded body that means you can layer it under a warmer coat in winter or a waterproof on rainy days. It also ticks a big box in terms of sustainability because the warm lining is made from Lavalan wool so it’s sustainable, biodegradable and breathable. I’m of the firm belief that we should make use of resources we have, and ensuring wool is used in clothing as much as possible is a great move! Take a look at the gorgeous sapphire colour here.
The best time to buy… it could be right now!
There’s never a wrong time to invest in quality gear, but I think it’s worth taking a few moments to browse my Uhip page now. Winter might be loosening its grip, but let’s be honest with ourselves – there will still be plenty of cold mornings and chilly nights before summer arrives. Plus, those first crisp autumn days always creep up faster than expected…
For me, choosing sustainable clothing isn’t just about reducing waste, it’s also about making long-term investments in pieces that work hard for you season after season. If you’re thinking ahead and want to be ready for whatever the weather throws at you, I think that now is the perfect time to shop smart and choose quality over quantity.