Materials, Durability & Product Care

We want to be honest. Even with the amount of time we spend outside and in the water, producing gear for the sports we love has an impact. But driving positive change is necessary, and something we are working towards. That’s why transparency is essential. It allows us to openly communicate our progress, challenges, and commitments, while actively engaging our network and industry to do the same.

To do what we love, we need gear, but we also urgently need healthy waters and unspoiled coastlines. We need to understand and improve the impact our products have on the environment and the communities involved in their manufacturing. It’s why we’re committed to improving our products and processes wherever we can. We continuously research and explore new materials and fibers for our collections, while reviewing and improving the manufacturing practices available to us.

Durability forms the foundation of our design philosophy. We craft products that offer long lives and innovate product features based on this standard. Our research so far shows our harnesses have a low warranty rate. This means a low failure rate, helping ensure our harnesses are out there doing what they’re supposed to, for as long as possible. Through comprehensive facility testing, we ensure our spreader bars meet our required standards for strength and fatigue resistance.

Looking after your clothes helps them last longer and can help reduce unnecessary environmental impact. A little extra effort goes a long way, so here are some simple tips to get started.

Wash less

Wash your clothes less frequently. It’s simple—washing wears out fabrics. If it’s not dirty, let it air out and save the wash for another time.

Care labels

Check the care labels to identify the type of fabric and follow the recommended washing instructions for best results.

General wash guidelines

Sort by color and fabric, turn everything inside out, and keep those delicate items separate.

Dry cleaning

Many clothes labeled as ‘dry clean only’ can actually be washed at home on a gentle cycle, saving you time and effort. If you do need to dry clean, look for services that use methods designed to reduce the impact on both your clothes and the environment.

Detergents

Standard detergents often contain chemicals that aren’t great for your clothes or the environment. Fortunately, there are now plenty of effective options made from biodegradable, plant-based ingredients.

Drying

Air drying is a simple way to keep your clothes in better shape for longer while also using less energy. Whenever possible, hang your garments outside or on a drying rack, turning bright or dark items inside out to prevent fading. Some items, like insulated or waterproof fabrics, actually benefit from a low-heat tumble dry to maintain their performance, so be sure to check the labels and follow their care instructions.

Insulated garments

For insulated gear, use a down-specific detergent to protect the natural oils that keep the insulation performing at its best. Wash on a gentle cycle with cold water, and always air dry or tumble dry on low with dryer balls, tennis balls, or a heavy towel. This way, you keep the insulation fluffy and evenly distributed, just the way you want it.

Repair

A small repair can extend the life of your gear, from garments to wetsuits. Simple fixes like patching tears, fixing zippers, or re-stitching seams prevent further damage, help avoid replacement, and reduce waste.

Different fabrics require different care. Here’s an overview of our main fabrics, and how to care for each of them.

Cotton

Wash cotton garments in cool-to-warm water with a gentle detergent, and line dry when you can to keep them in top shape. If you need to use a dryer, stick to a low-heat setting, and always check the care label for any specific instructions.

(Recycled) polyester

Polyester is pretty low-maintenance and easy to care for. Machine wash it in warm water on the permanent press setting with a mild detergent, and line dry if you can. If you’re using a dryer, go for a low heat setting and take it out promptly to avoid wrinkles. For stubborn stains, a little dishwashing liquid on the spot should do the trick—just rub gently and rinse thoroughly.

(Recycled) nylon

Nylon is durable and easy to maintain. Machine wash it in cool-to-warm water with a mild detergent, and line dry or tumble dry on low heat to keep it looking its best. Avoid high heat, which can damage the fibers.