Why Textilene® Fabric Is the Powerhouse Behind Kensington's Horse Gear

If you've ever owned one of Kensington's fly sheets, masks, or protective gear, you’ve already experienced the strength and comfort of Textilene® fabric—whether you knew it or not. But what exactly is this miracle material, and why do we trust it to protect your horse?

Let’s break it down.

What Is Textilene®?
Textilene® is a woven mesh fabric made from polyester fibers that are coated in a special PVC (vinyl) compound. Sounds high-tech? That’s because it is. But the real magic lies in what it does for your horse.

Unlike typical mesh fabrics that can break down or fray under stress, Textilene® was originally designed to stand up to outdoor furniture wear and tear—harsh sun, pounding rain, kids, dogs, and everything in between. Kensington saw its potential for equine gear and turned it into the cornerstone of our protective products.

Built-In UV Shielding
Sun protection isn’t just for people. Horses, especially those with light-colored coats or sensitive skin, are at risk for sunburn and UV damage. Textilene® blocks 73% of harmful UV rays, and 90% in the UViator SolarScreen Masks. That’s serious shielding, helping to prevent bleached coats, sunburnt noses, and long-term skin damage.

What’s even better? Despite all that UV protection, Textilene® is still incredibly breathable. Air flows freely through the mesh at a rate of 73% breathability, so your horse stays cool and comfortable — even during long summer days. No sweaty buildup, no funky coat smell, and no irritated skin.

What “Ripstop” Actually Means
You’ll often hear us say our fabric is “ripstop,” and that’s not just a marketing buzzword.

Ripstop means that if a tear does start (maybe your horse got a little too playful in the pasture), the fabric’s weave pattern is designed to stop the rip from spreading. Instead of unraveling into a huge hole, the tear stays contained, so your fly sheet or mask remains usable and protective.

Think of it like this: most fabrics pull apart once they’re torn—like when you rip a paper towel. But ripstop fabrics have stronger reinforcement threads woven in a grid pattern. That structure helps lock the fibers in place and prevent a small issue from becoming a big one.

The Kensington Difference
We don’t just use Textilene®—we’ve built our entire brand around it. From our iconic Protective Sheet to our UViator fly masks and gear, we’ve refined how we use this powerhouse material to protect your horse from the elements without sacrificing comfort.

Tough, breathable, UV-blocking, and built to last. That’s the promise behind every Kensington product.

So next time someone asks why your Kensington gear still looks great after seasons of use, you can tell them: “It’s the Textilene®.”