[Kobun]

As clothing is important when shooting (Hot brass, no clothing... :uhoh: ) ;) I have a question about BDUs.

What are the differenses between the fabrics that BDUs are made of?
-40%Poly/60%Cotton
-100%Cotton Ripstop
-Battle Rip
-50%Nylon/50%Cotton Twill

What are the different usages for the fabrics?
Are some better in hot/cold weather than others?
More durable?
More rip resistant?

[Kevlarman]

I prefer the NYCO blends just because they seem to be more durable than any of the poly/cotton blends. Only downside is that they're a bit heavier and you get pretty hot if you're wearing them in the summer.

[scotjute]

Hot weather - prefer light weight ripstop 100% cotton in light colors (ex. khaki or desert camo over the conventional darker woodland camo). Believe the light color however to the single most important factor in keeping cool as long as material is at least 40% cotton.

Ripstop is made to provide improved rip resistance in a lighter weight cloth.

[Zak Smith]

I have a bunch of Rothco BDUs - some in 50/50 poly/cotton and some in 100% cotton ripstop.

I prefer the cotton ripstop when it's really hot, and the poly/cotton when it's cooler.

The cotton ripstop does not last as long- it tends to get brittle and shrink more after washing many times. While the cotton ripstop pants last seem to last about 2 years for me, the poly/cotton pants last more like 3-5 years.

-z

[gun-fucious]

cool fabric links:

http://www.bdadye.com/military.htm

http://www.magnafabrics.com/category/026.htm