The options are seemingly endless when shopping for the perfect pair of riding breeches nowadays, but while quantity has increased, the quality of many products has met the same standards for quite some time. In fact, it took a horse-loving geophysicist to advance the relatively unchanged riding apparel industry. The results, found in Latigo’s™ recently introduced english apparel line of breeches, tops, gloves and more, do justice to their scientific and athletic roots. Elizabeth Israel, founder of Latigo™ (and a former practicing geophysicist), designed the line with style and functionality using new technology that binds genuine leather to Lycra® fiber during the tanning process.
The process involves a secret recipe of heat and pressure to combine Lycra® with leather, Elizabeth divulges. The final product doesn’t lose shape or stretch out like traditional leather, while outperforming imitation leather products. The Leather with Lycra® full-seat is breathable and supple, making the fit more tailored and more comfortable than other materials. Additionally, Latigo’s™ Leather with Lycra® goods are easy to care for. They are machine washable with regular liquid detergent and they can be put in the dryer.
Elizabeth’s scientific background, as well as her previous work in sportswear design, has come in handy during the development of the Latigo™ line. She and her team of experienced sports apparel designers and product development professionals come from a variety of sports worlds including equestrian, mountain biking and snowboarding. Their combined talents and industry experience helped perfect the brand.
Elizabeth serves as the principal designer for Latigo™ and oversees the product from selecting the color palette to the global distribution of finished goods. “I am really excited to incorporate new technology in sports apparel,” she says. “Latigo™ ensures that riding attire is now aesthetically pleasing as well as durable, comfortable and convenient.” As a woman and a rider, Elizabeth also drew upon her countless hours in the saddle and in equine environments to develop a look and feel that is flattering and appealing to all riders. Whether the customer is competitively riding or simply seeking comfort and elegance for informal outings, Latigo™ offers full-seated Leather with Lycra® options for dressage as well as stylish knee-patch riding breeches for hunter/jumper enthusiasts. Several color choices and fits provide a virtual riding wardrobe suitable for casual workouts or proper training. While women are the primary market at the moment, a men’s line is in the works.
Latigo™ employs a sustainable business strategy. It is an environmentally-conscious brand, using schoeller®-bluesign fabrics and high-tech green processes to reduce ecological and social impact. Latigo has also introduced a sock line using Fusion Flow™, which features microscopic natural aromatherapy capsules infused into fabrics, delivering the invigorating benefits of aromatherapy all day long. Aromatherapy infused fibers energize and provide long lasting freshness, adding a totally unique aspect to any garment. Fusion Flow™ blends withstand up to 20 regular washings.
Though launched in January of this year, Latigo™ already has a European following and is rapidly gaining popularity in the United States. Latigo™ products are available at high-end equestrian retailers throughout the country and can also be found online at www.latigoequestrian.com.
For more information, contact Elizabeth Israel and the Latigo team at info@latigoequestrian.com, by phone at 1-866-663-9813 or visit www.latigoequestrian.com.