Over the past few months, we’ve shared a lot of details about our first product: the Ponderosa Pants. From construction to sizing to the many features they contain, we want to share it all with you. But, one thing we haven’t given you a closer look at yet is the material that makes these pants so special.
Fabric was one of the first things we considered when making the Ponderosa Pants. Without first determining what the pants would be made of, we couldn’t start to plan features like the many pockets, built-in belt, and more. We knew we wanted something quick-drying—these pants are intended to be your go-to adventure pants, no matter where that takes you. We also wanted something that wouldn’t chafe and help us say “no thank you” to chub rub. Finally, we wanted something that was abrasion resistant and easy to care for so they would be long-lasting and low maintenance. This was important to us because we have thighs that touch, especially when walking and hiking! After rigorous testing, these held up to our standards.
The final material is made right here in the USA, with dye that is imported and bluesign® certified (one of the highest eco-friendly certifications in the fashion industry). It’s a nylon-elastane blend that has a 2-way stretch, meaning it stretches around the body, thus providing a comfortable and almost custom-feeling fit. It is quick-drying, abrasion resistant, AND UPF 40+. Each roll of material used for the Ponderosa Pants is dyed specially in small batches of our sage green and slate grey colors, just for Alpine Parrot. We couldn’t be happier with the material and what they bring to the pants, and we hope you love it, too.
One thing our fit testers noticed about this fabric is that, like your favorite pair of jeans, they seem to mold to your body after a few minutes of wear. We recommend washing them in cold water and tumble drying—this will bring them back to their original shape (again, like your favorite pair of jeans), ready for you to slip on and head out the door in. Because of how they mold and stretch, we have found that you can generally size up or down depending on the fit you desire: size down for a more legging-like fit (their ample stretch allows for this) or size up for a roomier fit if that’s what you prefer. Be sure to check out our sizing chart and instructional video to find your perfect fit.
Whatever you choose, we hope you love the material as much as we do, and can’t wait for you to experience the magic of the Ponderosa Pants yourself!