DIY - customizing dressage coat?

[DressageLin]

So I love the new subtle trims and bling that can be found on some of the top brands of dressage jackets. Unfortunately, my wallet does not. Has anyone taken a plain jane jacket and customized it yourself or had a tailor do it?

A couple years ago, I hand-sewed some cord edge and bling to my plain pikeur diana. (pics here - http://dressagedaybyday.blogspot.com/2015/05/when-old-becomes-new-update-to-my-old.html) I even added the same cord to a saddle pad and stock tie.

Now, I am getting ready to wear s shadbelly for the first time (squee!) and want to jazz up my jacket. I purchased some faux suede-like fabric in a couple colors and contacted an alterations lady in town. My plan is to add light blue collar and points (and maybe some piping) to a navy jacket that I bought for a steal from ebay. Any advice? Has anyone done this?

[Crash_Helmet]

Congrats on your shad! YES to customization. I had my short black coat professionally tailored and replaced the buttons and it looks awesome. A friend of mine has a spendy Pikeur shad. She added custom pocket squares that match the suede collar and points. One other though: see if your seamstress can make removable collars and points in a couple of colors that you can switch up!

[ArabDiva]

A little work in this area goes a long way.

I have done the following:

• added subtle rhinestone bling trim to my jacket collar (2mm stones)
• added a contrast color color to my other jacket, replacing the out-of-style black velvet with a silver matte satin
• shortened a jacket
• changed out buttons for ones that I liked better
• added a hidden zipper like some of the newer coats have to prevent gapping
• added matching rhinestone bling to a fly veil
• added cord to a plain saddle pad when I couldn’t find one I liked that fit my horse

Bling trim, jacket that was shortened: https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/11670_10102640842422635_6271656255295948639_n.jpg?oh=8a4e1a161ca027856d8bc309a8371648&oe=57FD4AD5

Contrast collar (sorry it’s kind of hard to see): https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13445378_10103300218557575_6121619424301786825_n.jpg?oh=45152c6dc805aaa26a6f344074232620&oe=58273491

Next I want to develop a removable/interchangeable contrast collar. I have ideas about how it could be done neatly with hidden snaps or velcro.

I’ve thought about offering this as a service to dressage riders – custom styling advice and customization on peoples’ old and/or off-the-rack coats. Styling can be tricky depending on what you want to highlight and/or minimize on horse or rider. For example, white piping on pockets is great until you realize that it highlights a rider’s asymmetry. Certain colors look great on certain people and horses color.

I feel like I have a pretty good eye for this. However, I don’t know whether people would be willing to pay enough to make it a viable side hustle. It sure would be nice if I could generate enough extra income to cover a couple of entry fees once in awhile!

[DressageChic2]

i have added micro suede collar and cuffs in contrast colours to 2 jackets now and had buttons changed too. I am lucky to have a very good tailor close to me who knows how to work with riding jackets,but i know many dont.
arabdiva i think a lot of people would use you

[Ambitious_Kate]

When I was a teen, I added a yellow satin lining to my harry hall forest green jacket for jumpers. When jumping, you could get a peek at the yellow lining. Of course, it went with a green velvet hunt cap.

My point is, oh yes, think of some subtle and fun things and go fo it!!
]

[soloudinhere]

I had the lining changed on a coat from boring black to hot pink. That was fun.

I bought the tredstep coat with the changeable collars, I have a few, so I can decide what color I want to be today!

[ThistleDewDressage]

I did quite a change up on a shad I got for $75. It is totally me and the changes cost about $20 for new buttons and bling trim. The jacket had been changed drastically due to the customization not being the former owner’s taste. It is now back to its original hot pink and black with subtle bling buttons (as subtle as they can be anyway) I took off some stripes, and added bling to the collar as well.