The spandex padded tights from sailing angles are made of fine-knit Lycra and gives excellent knee and butt protection . The neoprene butt padding goes down the back side of the thigh, ending just before the knee. The padded knees add protection for tacking, and gybing. You get chafe protection, UV protection and excellent breatheablitity. Developed for the Beijing Olympic Sailors who needed to be cool, protected from UV and bruising, while maintaining flexibility.