I know I’m late to the party here as these things have been around for years, but they seemed like a terrible idea from the get go to me, so I just have not thought about them at all.
Figured it was worth asking: Do they fall apart in the wash? Does the mesh tear easily? Are there any durable ones? How many wears (and I mean like hard xc school or all-day show wears) do you get before they need to be replaced?
I’ve had several different brands (Ariat, Dover, Back on Track, EIS, SmartPak) for years and have yet to need to replace any. No rips, while I’ve tried to wash them delicate as much as I can, occasionally they end up in a regular wash with no I’ll effects. I’ve worn them for all day work down in FL and the only ones that I would say don’t look good enough to be considered professional are the Dovers, but they’re also the oldest. Still perfectly fine for schooling, but they’re lighter colors that have a few stains after 5 years. I highly recommend them as a performance top.
I like mine, but have had issues with the mesh catching on bling browband a that have stones set in prongs. Didn’t tear, but a couple awkward moments of having my armpit stuck to my horse’s forehead might have happened.
I have multiple mesh panel shirts that have held up for years. I don’t baby them, they get washed along with all the other dirty farm laundry. Most of mine are EIS, Kastel, or Tailored Sportsman brand.
I will say that I do not put these shirts in the dryer, but that is true of any tech fabric that I own.
I have an assortment as well-- Kastel, Ariat, Tredstep, EIS, Coolblast, Tailored Sportsman, and Annie’s is maybe not a complete list. None of the mesh has ever ripped. I wash and dry mine with my usual laundry, rarely do I hang things out to dry. My Ariat mesh did get stained a bit, probably from some jeans I threw in there with them, but it’s my show shirt so gets covered anyway.
I have a bunch, some of which are 5 or 6 years old, still in great shape and I put them in the dryer! I did have one Dover shirt tear along the seam in the underarm, but I just brought it to the dry cleaner and they fixed it for $10.
Same as above. I wear mine for a full day at the barn, chores, riding multiple horses, toss it in the wash with my normal clothing, and keep going. I do air dry them but that’s the only precaution I take. I’ve even done yard work in mine.
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