Ever Wondered How Your Underwear Is Made?

Come and take a look behind the scenes at Derriere Equestrian Production

Underwear comes in every shape and size, with a plethora of choice when it comes to style. The meticulous underwear design technology applied at Derriere Equestrian is radically different from the undergarment industry status quo. Team Derriere Equestrian take you behind the scenes at our manufacturing facilities in Italy and Tunisia. 

From the clothing we wear, to the technology at our fingertips, to the food we eat, we have an insatiable curiosity about how things work and are made.

Our factories in Tunisia lead the world in designer lingerie manufacturing courtesy of their dedicated, highly skilled work force coupled with the very best equipment. Our production team, headed-up by Claire Galer, have an incredible eye for detail and quality so that every one of our designs stands up to the closest scrutiny. Make no mistake, this is a very competitive business and so efficiency, productivity and quality control are the vital ingredients to making a garment that will be successful in the marketplace. 

Derriere Equestrian is all about quality and this is why we source the very best luxury, high performing sporting fabrics from Italy; this is the key to our underwear feeling so comfortable and conforming.

All our designs are rigorously performance tested and tweaked, if necessary, until we are 100% confident that they will surpass expectations. The latest, and most exciting creation is our sports bra "The DE Sportief" which is set to take Derriere into the wider sporting arena, outside the equestrian world. 

High-tech fabrics coupled with brilliant design-features are seeing this product becoming a market leader. It combines the perfect balance of compression and support leading to rave reviews from consumers. 

How are the Derriere Equestrian products manufactured?

The manufacturing processes used for production, involves both the bonded and seamless technology.

Bonding fabric together, ensures reduced seamlines and stitching, this is an essential process to produce undergarments that have no abrasive edges and reduced stitched seamlines. 

Seamless Manufacturing is the new way of approaching the apparel culture. The introduction of the SEAMLESS manufacturing ability for producers has revolutionized the global underwear marketplace.

The development of the single jersey electronic circular knitting machines for the production of seamless wear was a very innovative discovery and has revolutionized the underwear manufacturing process for underwear, outerwear, swimwear and sportswear.

The team that head up the manufacturing for Derriere are composed of textile engineers, specialized chemists, high level technicians, designers and fabric selection experts.

The Derriere Equestrian® products go through more than 50 controls during their transformation in production, followed by further individual garment testing at quality control and then again at the packaging, shipment and warehousing stages. The final products are presented and packaged to an exceptionally high standard.

The manufacturing process involves: pattern formation, fabric coloring, pantone testing and layout, all prior to making it to the cutting table. 

When working with our Italian fabrics for the bonded technology, all fabrics are pre tested and then cut supervised. 

The traditional bundle formation is processed and all cut fabrics are then transported through to the bonding and stitching rooms. Specialized and highly trained seam technicians pull together the design formation and end users product.

From the design and manufacture of the Derriere Equestrian Padded Support System in Italy, through to full pull together of all product build of: Jacquard, Padding, Bonding, Seam Stitching, Seamless Weave production in Tunisia, the Derriere Equestrian Team are working hard to deliver to all of our buyers, the very best in equestrian and sporting apparel. 

A trip to production would not be the same without a few good Italian ~ French ~ Tunisian ~ International lunches and dinners with the team!

www.derriereequestrian.com 

SPOGA Horse 2017 Hall 11.1 / Stand D-030 Derriere Equestrian

SPOGA Horse 2017  Hall 11.1 / Stand D-030

Derriere Equestrian

Sunday 3rd - Tuesday 5th September 2017

SPOGA Horse 2017

Koelnmesse

Cologne

Germany

Hall 11.1

Stand D-030 Derriere Equestrian 

SPOGA Horse Autumn is where the international equestrian trading markets meet up at the worlds leading equestrian trade exhibition.

Derriere Equestrian launched at SPOGA Horse 2014 and has since grown from strength to strength.

Trading through 34 countries with over 300 retail stores around the world, Derriere Equestrian are delighted to be unveiling the 2018 Collection.

The brand continues to lead the world in sporting and equestrian undergarments, having launched the revolutionary DE Sportief style in the sports bra collection to #banishthebounce! SPOGA Horse Autumn see's the launch of the new: Sports Skins, Riding Tops, Competition Wear and more. So don't miss the chance to book your appointment with the team now.

Contact our team now to receive your SPOGA Horse Voucher Booking Code for entry.
 

We have a full diary with clients visiting with us for the exhibition and have the 2018 collection to launch. We would therefore advise early booking for appointments, to save any disappointment. 

Riders Underwear Support - Dressage Rider Avril Clinton-Forde tells it like it is!

"For the first time in months my foofoo was unscathed" - Dressage Rider Avril Clinton-Forde tells it like it is!

Avril Clinton-Forde became a brand ambassador for Derriere Equestrian after writing a wonderful blog post on Derriere's undergarments.

"I have a massive hatred of underpants when it comes to horse riding. Unless they are suspended under your feet, cross-threaded to each leg and hung from your bra, they have a tendency to attempt a gynaecological examination at high speed," she observed. "It was suggested that I get myself a pair of Derrière Equestrian underpants, so however after a wrestling match similar to the epic fail of Zoolander trying to remove his jocks from under his trousers, I finally submitted and purchased a pair of the Performance Padded Panties," Avril continues. “I was so unbelievably sceptical about these padded panties but I am a total convert. The padding is amazing when it comes to the (all too close contact!) part of the dressage saddle. For the first time in months my foofoo was unscathed following an hour of half pass and sitting trot. When it came to the collected canter work it was amazing, I was cushioned and protected like a princess, my delicates were treated so delicately!"

We thought Derriere blog readers may like to find out more about Avril, so here goes!

Along with her mare Grand Duchess, Avril is based in the stunning surroundings of Dollanstown Stud, Co Meath, in Ireland. Avril has a love of Dressage, and is currently an amateur rider at Medium level, trying to make it to Grand Prix. She's also an 'at home' mum who works for herself in Digital Marketing ("Because rosettes won’t pay the bills!"), and lectures at night ("Because Digital Marking only pays some of the bills,"). Truthfully though, Avril confesses she's trying to pretend she doesn’t spend most of the day in her PJs eating chocolate and crisps.

Grand Duchess, the little Chestnut, Irish Sport Horse and Avril have been together 10 years now. Bred by the lovely Harold McGackern, she is out of Derantus Dimond x Great Marques. "She was, in Harold's own words, 'a breeding disappointment'" recalls Avril." Harold remembered that Duchess was a “dainty little thing” and as a result she was called Duchess. Little did Harold know at the time how aptly named she actually was. She’s a very lady like, 16hh mare who is a delight on the ground but an incredibly challenging horse to ride," Avril concludes.

We're delighted to report that Avril will be contributing to our blog soon, so watch this space!

Visit http://duchessdiaries.ie/

Derriere Equestrian 2017 finalist THE LARGEST CELEBRATION OF RURAL BUSINESS IN THE UK

Derriere Equestrian 2017 finalist

THE LARGEST CELEBRATION OF 

RURAL BUSINESS IN THE UK

Shortlist announced for Amazon, BT & CLA - backed Rural Business Awards 2017

The Rural Business Awards were created by Jemma Clifford and Anna Price and are supported by membership organisation CLA, Amazon and BT. They aim to showcase the success of countryside-based firms across the UK.

This year has been a record year for entries, the organisers have said. The firms which make up this year’s shortlist have a combined turnover in excess of £70m.

Derriere Equestrian are delighted to have been shortlisted in the category: Best Rural Clothing or Accessories Business. Alongside fellow companies: APT Fabrics Ltd, Butler Stewart Clothing, Emma Brown Tweed and Loopy Ewes.

The 2017 judges have said of Derriere Equestrian “An amazingly innovative business that has wowed the judging panel”

Claire Galer MD of Derriere Equestrian says “To be in a position of listing as a top 5 finalist in the awards is an outstanding achievement. Should Derriere Equestrian receive the Award for “Best Rural Clothing or Accessories Business”, we would be absolutely thrilled. To see our brand recognised nationally as the best in its class would be an incredible achievement. Our team here at Derriere Equestrian hold high standards, have enormous pride in our brand that sits prominently within the rural business sector. The future is beckoning with success, growth and expansion, an exciting year ahead”

Doug Gurr, UK country manager for Amazon, said: “The depth and breadth of this year’s shortlist demonstrates the incredible creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of rural businesses.”

The objectives of the Awards are:

• To acknowledge and celebrate the vital contributions made by companies to the development and success of the rural sector and rural way of life;

• To encourage entrepreneurial spirit in the rural sector, and to give recognition to excellence in business set-up, operation and management

Importantly the awards are organised by rural business for rural business and judged by people who understand the rural sector. Businesses operating in the rural sector employ in excess of 3.4million people within over 600,000 businesses, and the sector is growing rapidly. The winners of the awards will be announced at a ceremony in October.

Derriere Equestrian’s Sportief Bra answers the call...

The bra industry wanted the next big idea - and now Derriere Equestrian’s Sportief Bra answers the call...

Did you know that the sports bra is one of the most-purchased styles of bra? This is because it appeals to consumers of all ages - the so called ‘Millennials’ and ‘non-Millennials’. The industry calls this the ‘ath-leisure apparel trend’ (Ref 1). This is backed up by America’s ‘Curve’ trade show, which showcases lingerie and swimwear. 

“More women are wearing sports bras as everyday bras because of comfort,function and fashion,” they quote.

                         

“Ath-leisure dressing is the biggest idea to hit women’s apparel since Jane Fonda and Madonna...”

“Ath-leisure dressing is the biggest idea to hit women’s apparel since Jane Fonda promoted fashion bodywear in the Seventies, Madonna popularized bustiers in the Eighties, the Wonderbra became a household name in the Nineties, and Spanx sparked a return to shapewear in 2000,” the trade show brand excitedly reported. Traditional bra sales are, in comparison, reportedly dropping!

Two years ago, the bra industry predicted smart fabrics and adjustable compression...

In 2015, analysts The NPD Group, authors of ‘The Bra Journey Insights’ report, predicted that the industry would soon see: “More technology and smart fabrics… Everyone is trying to figure out how to do adjustable compression, so sports bras can become an even smarter product. The next phase of the sports bra business is who does the next big idea.”

We are delighted to report that, after extensive development, Derriere Equestrian has risen to this challenge with the launch of our hallowed DE Sportief Bra, an innovative sports bra designed specifically for the horse rider. It’s designed to lift, separate, shape, and support the breasts, providing full support to the Cooper's ligaments, the connective tissue in the breast that help maintain structural integrity. This bra is set to be a market-leading product, because it is based on scientific research and extensive real-person testing and development!

Michelle Norris, a scientist at the University of Portsmouth’s Research Group in Breast Health, the first lab to research how movement affects breasts, told ‘Outside’ Magazine that bigger breasts move in larger orbits, referring to the fact that our breasts tend to move in figure of eights - vertically, sideways, and in and out, all at the same time. Ms Norris found in her studies that the under-band of a sports bra is vitally important, and reported that: “Bras that incorporate both encapsulation (e.g. separate cups) and compression (e.g, holding the breasts tight to your chest) tend to reduce movement, while still letting the wearer breathe.”

This is research that Derriere Equestrian has fully taken on board - throwing modesty to the wind, we are, as The NPD Group prophesised, the next ‘big idea’! Our DE Sportief Bra offers functionality as well as comfort - it is easy to get on, with full front zip entry and a racer back with full thoracic support - and boasts a super-comfortable, non-restrictive under-bust band.

Bucking the trend for returns

Talking of finding the right size....  Clothing purchased online has always had a very high return rate, of between 25 and 50%. IMRG (Interactive Media in Retail Group), the UK's online industry association, cites around 30% as average. Consumers’ reasons for returning goods are often that the item doesn’t fit, or that the purchaser doesn’t like the quality. BUT - here at Derriere Equestrian, we’re bucking the trend!

We knew that our female customers would be concerned about finding the right size sports bra when we developed the Sportief. Perhaps they have particularly generously-proportioned breasts; have previously had trouble finding a well-fitting, supportive sports bra for their horse riding endeavours? Or maybe they are nervous about purchasing sports lingerie online?

Whatever the reason, we knew that it would be imperative for consumers to be THRILLED with their Derriere Equestrian Sportief Bra, and that we had to ensure our customers purchased the right sized bra the first time around! Customer service is paramount to us, after all.

 

A hybrid bra

The DE Sportief Bra is a hybrid bra, delivering a fusion of sporting excellence with the ‘look’ of luxury lingerie. It’s designed to provide additional support during horse riding, minimise breast movement, alleviate discomfort, and reduce potential damage caused to ladies’ chest ligaments. As such it doesn’t come in single cup sizes, hence we have created seven separate sizes, detailed in our useful size guide. The current Derriere Equestrian range of seven bra options (garments sized one to seven), covers fourteen to eighteen common bra sizes, with the DE Sportief Plus range being launched in Autumn 2017; this will offer many more size options for the more well-endowed horse rider!

Sports bras that are not sold in single cup sizes commonly come in ‘crop top’ sizes - perhaps in women’s dress sizes, or sometimes as ‘Small’, ‘Medium’, ‘Large’, etc. However, as our bra is so innovative and revolutionary, with its racer back, padded support and front opening, a traditional, limited size range would not work for us! And, when the exciting DE Sportief Plus range launches later this year, it will incorporate a further five garment sizes, and a further 10 – 12 cup sizes.

‘Flexibility’ in sizing

Our DE Sportief Bra has been designed to offer the lady horse rider several choices, in terms of breast support - if you would like normal breast compression effects, e.g. holding your boobs in place tightly, we recommend an exact size fit comparison to the size chart provided on our website. But, if you are seeking further compression, you could step down one size further if required. For more of a shaping, encapsulation effect with less compression, you could go up a size, for more of a ‘comfort’, looser fit. Our product is so-unrestrictive under the bust that this flexibility in sizing is ‘built in’.

The reason we have this flexibility in sizing is because of the design of the bra. For example, the material and structure in the cupping system seam is designed to lift, separate, shape, and support the breasts. (Breast pain has been reportedly experienced by over 70% of women during exercise (Gehlsen & Albohm) - just one reason why we chose to create a product with no underwire, to help avoid rubbing and chaffing.) A further benefit of our unique design is that if you have a large cup size and a smaller ‘back’ size, you should still be able to ‘go down’ a size in order to find a suitable garment, due to the ‘giving’ nature of the comfortable bust band. It sits lower than most sports bras and also gives important thoracic, core support.

Here are some ways we are helping you choose the right Sportief Bra for your breast-size via our website sales - (don’t forget you can also shop in your local bricks-and-mortar equestrian store, and we’d be happy to help you find your local Derriere stockist):

·         Clear sizing guidelines and charts

·         Photos of items from multiple angles

·         Real models, with real bodies, and a range of dress sizes

Derriere Equestrian’s MD, Claire Galer, says: “The DE Sportief sports bra is the style for the future; a fusion of compression and encapsulation creating the perfect hybrid design in sports bra technology. Demand for the DE Sportief has already grown at a phenomenal rate, and we are excited to see completion of phase one; we are already moving forward into second production, with the ‘Plus’ range, which we know our customers will be excited about.”

 

Visit our website today to find out more - www.derriereequestrian.com

Ref 1 - The NPD Group’s most recent ‘Bra Journey Insights Report’.        

Derriere Equestrian Announce New Sponsored Riders 2017/18

Derriere Equestrian Are Delighted To Announce 5 New  Riders Joining Our Sponsored Riders Team

With the demand for sponsorship growing and with a plethora of Sponsorship inquiries arriving daily, after much consideration we are delighted to announce our new additions to the Derriere Team for 2017/18.

Riders from all over the world contact our team with requests to become sponsored partners, so it is with much pleasure that we announce riders from: Belgium, Sweden, Ireland and the United Kingdom are joining our team.

Hanna Murray – Para Dressage – Sweden

Laura Luyton – Dressage Rider – Belgium

Antoine Nowakowski – Dressage Rider – Belgium

Avril Clinton-Forde – Dressage Rider – Ireland

Andrew Stennett - British Equestrian Federation Elite Recreational Coach - UK

Derriere Equestrian Brand Products are now sold through 35 countries around the world, readily available through over 300 equestrian retailers internationally. It is important to us, to see focus growth in our sponsorship team, representing an international rider platform.

Let us introduce to you our new riders:

Laura Luyton – Dressage Rider – Belgium

The 2017/18 season sees Laura Luyton Belgium International Dressage Rider join Team Derriere Equestrian. Laura has a wealth of experience and is an inspirational rider. Running professional Dressage Business “J2L Dressage Horses” is a professional studfarm and training stable for talented dressage horses and ponies. Located in Hoogstraten (Belgium), between Antwerp and Breda, very close to The Netherlands.

Laura aims to breed quality young dressage horses, break them in, educate them professionally and compete with them. All this with an eye for quality, uniqueness of the horse. J2L Dressage aim to create a perfect combination between horse and rider.

Results:                  

2014 Participant European Championship Ponies Millstreet

2015 Participant European Championship Juniors Vidauban

2015 Winner CDIO Juniors Saumur

2015 Silver Medal Belgian Championship 2015 – 2016 : Part of Belgian Talent Team (regularly training @ Anky Van Grunsven)

2016 : Part of Belgium A Squad preparing for European Championships in Vidauban

2016 Ranked first in Belgian Talent Plan (dressage riders aged 14 to 18)

2016 Winner CDN Diepenbeek and Massenhoven

2016 Winner of the Cup of Belgium

2016 Winner of 5yo competition at CDN Diepenbeek

Antoine Nowakowski – Dressage Rider – Belgium

The 2017/18 season sees Antoine join Team Derriere Equestrian Sponsored Riders. Antoine Nowakowski is a 25 years old French dressage rider. He has competed in many international competitions in Small Tour including Saumur, Pompadour, Deauville. Antoine is now starting to compete in Medium Tour. With his goal is to compete up to the Grand Prix with his current mare Vidermie. Antonie’s trainer is Bertrand Liegard, French dressage rider who recently won a Grand Prix Special at the CDI5* in Majorca. Having many horses in training livery and Antoine has already found sponsors who are willing to invest in young horses. They will take the lead for the Grand Prix Level after his mare’s retirement. Antoine is also an active dressage trainer and rider in Belgium.

Antoine’s 2016 year has been a big change for his future career. Besides his studies’ achievement in business management, Antoine has opened and developed with his fiancée a professional dressage stables near Brussels. The main objectives are to train young horses up to the Grand Prix level, compete with them and organise dressage clinics at the stables. I am currently sponsorded by Equ’Ideal  RuiterSport, Derriere Equestrian and I have a partnership with Childeric Sellier and Cavallo for boots.

Antoine’s initial Derriere experience: “I had the chance, through Equ’Ideal RuiterSport, to meet Marilyn Meulder. She talked about the strengths of Derriere Equestrian products. When I first decided to try the underwear and was immediately convinced, they are truly fantastic and a great support to the rider. I have not looked back!”

2016-2017 : coaching with Bertrand Liegard in Belgium

2015-2016 : training at Françoise Hologne-Joux stables in Belgium

2012-2015 : training at Inge Coenen’s stables in Holland

2010-2012 : training at Ludovic Henry’s stables in Belgium

2009-2010 : training at Bruno Lostria’s stable in France

Currently : managing my own dressage stables

self-employed as rider and trainer

September 2015 : selected for the 3 stars international competition in Saumur

June 2015 : selected for the 3 stars international competition in Pompadour

October 2014 : selected for the light tour’s French championships in Le Mans

July 2014 : selected for the 3 stars international competition in Deauville

May 2014 : selected for the 3 stars international competition in Saumur

May 2013 : selected for the 3 stars International competition in Saumur

October 2012 : selected for the Young Rider’s French championships in Compiègne

Latest Results

National competitions:

June 2016 : Inter II : 64,5%

March 2016 : Inter II : 62,1%

International competitions :

September 2015 : 3*** Saumur

St. Georges : 66,078%

Inter I : 61,631%

June 2015 : 3*** Pompadour

St. Georges : 65,841%

Inter I : 65,236%

Kur : 67,250%

July 2014 : 3*** Deauville

St. Georges : 64,237%

Inter I : 64,500%

Kur : 65,575%

Hanna Murray – Para Dressage – Sweden

Hanna Murray has joined team Derriere Equestrian for the 2017/18 season and we are delighted to have Hanna on board. Hanna was classified for Paradressage in march 2015, before that competing in “normal” classes. Rode in the Swedish Championship 2016, finished fourth in then grade II.

Hanna  is a 26 years old who has been riding since she was 5 years old. Hanna suffers from a neurological illness, the nerves do not send the signals as they should. This gives Hanna weak lower legs and lower arms. Hanna is competing as much as she can, although there are not a lot of Paradressage classes in her region in Sweden. She competes in all other dressage competitions instead.

Hanna;s horse: El Mazarron is a star! 15 years old and the kindest you could ask for! He has been with Hanna for three years and they are getting better and better together! Hanna’s goal this season is to finish higher in the Swedish championship than last year!! Now in the new grade III

Avril Clinton-Forde – Dressage Rider – Ireland

2017/18 sees Avril join Team Derriere Equestrian Sponsored Riders. Avril is an amateur dressage rider that is well known and liked in Dressage Ireland. Avril is very active within Dressage Ireland and known for a little fun and humour. Currently training with Rodrigo Matos and Ferdie Eilberg – Avril also train with Olympic Rider Judy Reynolds when she is available and Sandra Blake-Farrell. Avril is a mum and now that her child is 2 and a half she is able to get back to taking Dressage more seriously. Avril is currently at Medium level but plans to move to Advanced Medium soon. Her horse is Grand Duchess and her name could not be more fitting, she is a 16 year old Irish Sport horse with a fantastic character and tonnes of talent for dressage. Avril is based in the very beautiful Dollanstown Stud, Kildare where there are several other amateur dressage riders and some professional eventers. Dollanstown is owned by event rider Caroline Bjoerk (neé Sharp) she produces event horses and does thoroughbred sales preparation.

Avril’s introduction to Derriere Equestrian:

“As you know from the blog post that I did for Collette Ward of Dressage By Design, I love Derriere Equestrian Underwear as they really have taken the pain out of riding for me. I am a mother and once you’ve had one kid you begin to feel the need for a little more protection down there. It was Collette Ward that informed me about your products and asked me to write the blog post for her. I also really believe in the product and think that rider discomfort is not really addressed enough in this area… saddle related discomfort is what put my husband off riding horses more”

Andrew Stennett - British Equestrian Federation Elite Recreational Coach – UK

Andrew is a British Equestrian Federation (BEF) Elite Recreational Coach who has just started competing again after a break of over 20 whilst his kids had all the fun! This is now his time to have super horses to ride and also the opportunity to ride across India as part of The British Horse Society (BHS) Challenge Ride. Derriere Equestrian are delighted to be supporting Andrew in his BHS Ride India Challenge with #Derrieres behind him all the way.

Derrieres enabled Andrew to get back riding in comfort. Andrew says “Although they can't take me  back 20 years they are helping me compete at the same level as in youth making me realize that regular pants are a think of the past for my time in the saddle!

Andrew Stennett

BHS SM Cert Ed FE,

Postgraduate diploma in Professional Practice in Sports Coaching.

We are very much looking forward to working closely with Hanna, Laura, Antoine, Avril and Andrew. They make excellent additions to our growing team of sponsored Derriere Equestrian riders and are all assured of our total support and knowing that #Derrieres are behind them all the way!

www.derriereequestrian.com