After taking a looooong break from riding, I’m finally going to be showing (smaller A shows, nothing crazy) again this coming season. Can someone be so kind to write me a “style guide” what I should be looking for when shopping? I think I basically have to start fresh.
What are people wearing these days? My DH will not be thrilled if I come home with a new show wardrobe that’s $$$. I purchased new boots (with a zipper!) and looking at a TraumaVoid or OneK helmet.
Thank you!
Will you be showing hunters or jumpers? That will affect what you should look at. For coats, the new washable technical fabrics are great, and RJ Classics makes some nice affordable options. I show hunters at the regional A shows, and I’ve been wearing an RJ coat, Noble Outfitters Allison shirt (the new stretchy fabrics are all white with collars that snap, no more colors or monograms!), and the Hadley breeches from SmartPak. But for breeches it will depend on what ends up fitting you best!
Whoops! We will be doing hunters mainly. Thank you!
First, figure out your size and which brands fit you. For breeches, you could go with Smartpak pipers or just buy some Tailored Sports Trophy Hunters. Or whatever tan breeches you like. If you know your size, check out eBay or Facebook groups. You can find new or lightly used for way cheaper. For coats, RJ Classics and Grand Prix are quality coats at decent prices. Navy or black always work. Once again, figure out sizing then check out online sources. Boots and OneK helmet are great options. Buy a couple Essex Classics Talent Yarn shirts and you will be go to go. The Essex Classics site always has a few sale shirts which are nice. Good luck!
I have a little different approach. Buy modestly-priced tan breeches that fit you well. No “name recognition” is required. The only part of your breeches that is visible is below the hem of your coat and the top of your boot. Not much. Not worth TS or other brands north of $75. Same logic for the shirt. Buy something comfortable that fits you well, without breaking the bank. But as for the jacket, this is where you want to spend some money, if necessary, to find one that is attractive, functional and looks polished. Don’t forget your gloves, too.
If any of your old coats fit, they will still work if navy, green or black. But you will want a new tech fabric if you can afford it. There is a trend towards shorter more jumper styled coats, but these look ridiculous on me since I need a tall size anyway, and so don’t feel you have to go with this trend. The classic shapes are still around.
I’ve found some Essex talent yarn shirts for cheap by getting past season patterns (on the inside of cuff and collar—who cares??).
There are are so many breech brands in the show ring now, with slight variations on the beige color. It doesn’t really matter if you get $300 breeches or a sale pair of Ariats if they fit you. Depending on your body type, I’d suggest looking for mid rise options and not low rise. Some of the fancier breeches will have more technical fabric. Might mean more comfort or might mean they are easier to keep clean than the old mostly cotton ones. But there are still some tech fabrics at lower price points too.
For helmet, get a brand that fits your head. 
If your looking for a new coat I personally would buy either alessandro albanese motionlite or the fits zephyr. They are both so breathable and absolutely not restricting. I have a terrible time finding show coats that fit as I am petite but have wide shoulders. These jackets fit amazing, look great, and are perfect in the heat. Highly recommend!
The Motionlite and Zephyr and lovely but for hunters I’d stay with more conservative coats. I agree with Orchid that the coat (and boots) are for more important to your overall look than the breeches. Spring for the best fit you can afford in the coat and boots.
As for helmets, Charles Owen is still popular and very well regarded for safety. The AYR8 is probably most popular and the “plus” version has a remove able liner. IMO, get the helmet that fits best. It’s safety equipment, not a fashion item.
Maybe coat preference depends on where you are but on the West Coast probably half the hunter riders are wearing the Motionlite coats in navy, black or Hunter green. I wear them and win plenty of classes. I even wear the aviation blue on my gray horse
I would also suggest a “tech” fabric show coat/ jacket. I have two Horseware Competition coats and they are very nice for the price (right around $100 depending on color and where you buy). I’m sure there are other brands out there that would be budget friendly and have the tech material. I also have a Grand Prix Tech Lite jacket and still end up wearing the Horseware more often. The Horseware is shower proof as well (I believe) and they even sell a “maroon” jacket should you so please :winkgrin:
Helmets - buy what fits and is well ventilated. I purchased a Charles Owen that fit wonderfully, but was not well ventilated and replaced it within a year or two with a One K.
Breeches - tan, knee patch, whatever fit/brand/style is flattering.
Show Shirts - I like the Essex Classics for the vents (mesh) they have and the snap colors, and I like Le Fash shirts because they are super comfortable and are very pretty but both of these are fairly expensive. I would suggest finding a vented shirt (short or long sleeved) with a snap collar.
I agree with all the other comments. Definitely spring for the tech fabric show shirts. They are so much cooler than the old fabrics and dry really quickly when you do get sweaty. Ditto for getting a tech fabric coat. Although you will not be laughed out of the ring if you stick with your wool (they are just so much hotter!). Plus, the new fabrics can be thrown in the washing machine instead of dry cleaning so really your saving money by getting a new coat!
I like the Essex Classic Talent Yarn shirts. The big difference from 10 years ago, is that almost everyone wears a white shirt now. And, instead of puke green breeches, everyone wears tan. Most of the breeches today also have a “euroseat” which you didn’t really see 10 years ago. The euroseat is really just a difference in how the fabric is stitched.
If you don’t want to update your entire wardrobe at once, I’d start with getting a white tech fabric shirt and tan breeches. Then spring for a new coat mid summer when its 100 degrees out and the wool is super hot!
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