Judges appreciate exhibitors who present cutting-edge performances packaged with attractive and trendy tack and apparel, so now’s the time to evaluate your show apparel wardrobe for possible upgrades or replacement.
Colour is back … and in a big way. Years of black, black, and more black are giving way to a full spectrum of colour in eye-catching patterns and designs. While some riders opt for an overall colour theme with tops, chaps, pants, and boots all of a hue, others are keeping their black or sand chaps, but being positively provocative in pairing these perennials with unpredictable tops: think turquoise with sand, black with purple, chocolate with metallic gold.
Colours to look for: anything in the blue-green spectrum from celery to forest, lots of turquoise and teal, and also off-shades of red including fuchsia, pinks, and coral shades. Blues from sky through royal and midnight are attractive on almost any colour horse. While you don’t want to spoil the look of coloured chaps with the wrong accessories, be sure that pants, belt, and chaps all are the same colour for the best impression.
Today’s show apparel cut is trim, but flattering, with accents at the neck and wrist in the form of oversize collars and French cuffs on almost everything. These big collars and cuffs add interest and create a perfect place to use applique and crystals in profusion: don’t expect to see “de-blinged” show clothes any time soon.
Show apparel must be form-fitting to create an elegant silhouette when viewed from centre ring, but choose stretch fabrics and careful design to achieve that look. If you have wintered well and can’t imagine wearing a thin, fitted blouse over your less-than-taut tummy, simply add a stretch faux suede vest that matches your chaps for a slenderizing and sensible all-event ensemble.
And slinky tops? With band or traditional collars, they’re still a great deal in comfort, price, and variety whether layered or decorated with elaborate beading, crystals, or other shimmering accents.
Other details to decide: rhinestone jewelry can add a beautiful finishing touch to dressy outfits. And, consider coloured crystals for an even more dramatic look. In hats, fine quality is the watchword, with brims proportionate to the riders’ face and perhaps sporting a trendy bound edge.
Pair a black hat with black chaps, and a warm tone like buckskin or cool tone like platinum for coloured chaps. And for big pleasure-class hair under those hats, how about a clip-on hair extension for a show day shortcut? If a show horse can wear a faux ponytail, shouldn’t his rider?
For show men, the traditional garb of crisply starched oxford-style shirts with chaps and jeans continues, although a few traditional cut Western shirts with yokes and snaps will make their way back into the winner’s circle. White shirts are always in fashion, with solid colours the predominant look. Consider a few plaids and an adventurous paisley or print for variety. Any shirt should be coordinated to the horse’s colour and saddle blanket for the look of a champion.
Exhibitors will get what they pay for in show clothes and accessories, so invest in quality that looks great now and has good resale value later. Better chaps and apparel have tight, even stitches, smooth seams, balanced and symmetrical applique trims, quality Swarovski rhinestones set so they don’t snag, and well-proportioned and attractive design elements.
For 2006, the winning Western clothing look is colourful, comfortable, cut to flatter each figure, and coordinated perfectly with horse and show blanket to paint a picture of effortless elegance.
All photos courtesy Hobby Horse Inc. For more information on how to pull together a winning Western show wardrobe, visit www.HobbyHorseInc.com. T
We are horse people. We deal with dirt, wind, extreme heat, sun, insects, abrasion, you name it. We need tough clothing that keeps us dry, comfortable, and looking great.
The latest trends in everyday English riding apparel are pulling from cycling, running, golf and yoga clothing. We are learning that stretch, water proofing, breathability, moisture wicking, stain resistant, and anti-microbial fabrics that are all machine washable are just what our riding clothes need to keep us comfortable and in the saddle.
The performance of riding apparel is determined by three components: fabric, styling/fit, and colour. Fabric is – without a doubt – the most important aspect of performance gear.
Today’s technical fabrics are far more appealing than those of five and ten years ago. If you have shied away from synthetics in the past, it is time to try them again. They are softer, more breathable and more affordable than ever before.
There are new technologies in synthetic leathers that are being used for full seats that grip the saddle like glue. For spring and summer, look for anti-microbial fabrics that wick moisture, to regulate your body temperature and keep you feeling fresh.
The style and fit of the garment also contributes to its performance.
For tops, try relaxed fit shirts with mesh back panels to help keep cool as the temperature soars. This look is just as flattering as it is functional.
For bottoms, one trend that recently crossed over into the riding world is the low rise. Kerrits offers a rather unique low rise. They call it F-low rise, (front low rise) which is low in the front and traditionally cut in the back, for maximum comfort and coverage in the saddle. Imagine you are seated in your saddle. A classic waist treatment tends to leave some fabric bunching up at the waist. F-low rise eliminates this problem.
The bootcut tight is a fantastic alternative to a traditional riding breech. You can go for a ride, then head to the store and go about your day without feeling like you are running around town in your breeches. Plus, they work great with a half chap.
Colour also adds to the performance of a garment. Lighter colours will reflect sun, keep you cooler, and repel mosquitoes compared darker ones. Colour, more obviously, adds to the appeal of a garment.
Today’s technical fabrics come in more great colours than ever. We are seeing a move away from the more traditional colours of navy, black, tan, and white. As always, sticking with a darker bottom is more slenderizing, but you can enhance your wardrobe with shirts in bold and beautiful solids and prints.
While the tonal look is still hot, don’t be afraid to mix it up. Pair an aqua top with a coffee brown breech, a tangerine top with a red tight.
And don’t forget to coordinate your pieces. You can complete your look with coordinating breeches, shirt, gloves, and socks. This pulled together look is both fashion-forward and professional.
With all these great new technologies, what about the show ring? Kerrits has developed a revolutionary new show coat called the 24K Jacket. It is made of Dynamic Fabric®, a lightweight, breathable microfibre, that repels wind and water, and has four-way stretch. It is very durable and even machine washable.
This spring, the forecast is for comfort, not only for adults, but for kids, too. Look for performance riding apparel in bright, fun colours, lower rises, bootcut tights and breeches, and a level of comfort unknown to the riding world.
To learn more about how to create a fashionable and comfortable English wardrobe that works for you, visit www.Kerrits.com
