Show shirt - base-layer style?

[BayBondGirl]

So far I have survived perfectly adequately with just one white show shirt - however my single, very basic, plain white show shirt is now missing a button at the neck and is feeling a bit dated. I yearn for the lovely breathable “tech” fabrics that are available, but I do not want to drop $100+ on something that I only wear a handful of times per year.

Does anyone get away with a nice white “tech” fabric 3/4 zip base-layer type shirt in the show ring? I wear a stock tie and coat anyway, so any non-traditional neck style would basically be hidden… Right?

[bornfreenowexpensive]

@BayBondGirl

So far I have survived perfectly adequately with just one white show shirt - however my single, very basic, plain white show shirt is now missing a button at the neck and is feeling a bit dated. I yearn for the lovely breathable “tech” fabrics that are available, but I do not want to drop $100+ on something that I only wear a handful of times per year.

Does anyone get away with a nice white “tech” fabric 3/4 zip base-layer type shirt in the show ring? I wear a stock tie and coat anyway, so any non-traditional neck style would basically be hidden… Right?

Yes. I’ve worn that many times with no issue (stock is fine over it)…and see may others in them. They look fine even when coats are waived and you are not wearing a stock.

[Highflyer]

I’m not sure what you mean, but IME many people wear shirts of this type: https://www.amazon.com/Kerrits-Shortsleeve-Solid-White-Size/dp/B07MXH8CRL/ref=asc_df_B07MXH8CRL/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=385248063731&hvpos=1o6&hvnetw=g&hvrand=2313130670802777722&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9007829&hvtargid=pla-900226813437&psc=1&tag=&ref=&adgrpid=81331771111&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=385248063731&hvpos=1o6&hvnetw=g&hvrand=2313130670802777722&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9007829&hvtargid=pla-900226813437 that are breathable, all or mostly white, and well under $100. You could probably wear a non-riding specific one if you prefer though.

[BayBondGirl]

@Highflyer That’s pretty much exactly what I mean, but long sleeved. I’ve found some very budget-friendly ones of that type but worried that they might not look traditional even when hidden beneath a coat and stock tie.

[Highflyer]

I don’t think you can really tell anyway with the jacket and stock on, but pretty much everyone I know has ditched the old school button down ratcatchers. The zip up shirts with mesh are much more comfortable and cooler.

[EVneo]

A quick look at smartpak - they have a handful of long sleeve ones around $50. Maybe check dover too - I keep getting emails about their clearance, too. A lot of the tech fabric show shirts still have the loop for stock ties, too.

[yventer]

Check eBay for Kerrits show shirts. You can often find long-sleeved ones for under $50. My favorite eBay Kerrits seller is Gorge-Us.Girls. https://www.ebay.com/str/gorgeusgirls

[hoopoe]

there is absolutely no reason to not use a mock T neck type tech shirt you might find at athletic or outdoor wear store. There is no magic in a tack store purchase. I saw people wearing them and with a jacket and stock tie, you cannot see it. All of the fashion stuff is for after you take your coat off.

[BayBondGirl]

Wonderful, thank you all! I am so looking forward to retiring my current shirt in favour of something far more comfortable

[Lusoluv]

Hah, with most jackets if you wore NO shirt and a stock tie, no one could tell! Not that I’m suggesting you do that

I do rated events and my show shirts are either long or short sleeve 1/4 zips in white. I’ve never worn/don’t own a stock tie whether wearing a showcoat or not. At USEA shows, you’re not even required to wear a showjacket in any phase until Prelim and above. Unless you have money to burn, buy the most affordable clothes you can get away with. This sport is too expensive already with 3 phases of gear and multiple saddles. No one cares if you’re wearing a $20 Riding Sport or clearance shirt from Smartpak, or a $129 Romfh show shirt! And since your show clothes don’t see much wear, they tend to last a long time - even if they’re economy brands.

[Highflyer]

I was parked next to someone once who rode in a sports bra and a dickie type stock tie! It sounds like a great idea but when you sweat your jacket sticks to you and you have to be peeled out of it.

[Ajierene]

I wear a dark blue under armour heat gear top under my coat and stock tie for dressage and then just the top for jumping. Means I don’t have to change between phases, which decreases my stress levels.

I did pick up a white with blue pinstripe breathable coolmax type shirt on a Dover clearance for about $20. I wear that alone for schooling jumper/dressage/hunter shows in the summer.

@Lusoluv

Hah, with most jackets if you wore NO shirt and a stock tie, no one could tell! Not that I’m suggesting you do that

Funny story, my trainer wore a beige under armour long sleeve T to a show once on a hot day…almost the color of her skin. She’s heading out to cross country with her vest on (of course) and got stopped by a TD (or some official, was a long time ago). As the lady was running up she was calling somthing about how you have to wear clothes under your vest. She got close and in the same moment recognized my trainer and was close enough to see the sleeves. They had a good laugh over it.

[BayBondGirl]

@Lusoluv

Hah, with most jackets if you wore NO shirt and a stock tie, no one could tell! Not that I’m suggesting you do that

I do rated events and my show shirts are either long or short sleeve 1/4 zips in white. I’ve never worn/don’t own a stock tie whether wearing a showcoat or not. At USEA shows, you’re not even required to wear a showjacket in any phase until Prelim and above. Unless you have money to burn, buy the most affordable clothes you can get away with. This sport is too expensive already with 3 phases of gear and multiple saddles. No one cares if you’re wearing a $20 Riding Sport or clearance shirt from Smartpak, or a $129 Romfh show shirt! And since your show clothes don’t see much wear, they tend to last a long time - even if they’re economy brands.

Our requirements are quite casual as well, although prior to the 2019 season I didn’t even own a stock tie and got (kindly) called out on it by a dressage tack checker - she advised me to get one for future shows. Our rules do say that a stock, choker or tie is required if you wear a coat, and I do enjoy the look of a coat so I choose to wear one! It’s the only time I ever dress nicely when riding and I appreciate how the photos turn out