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Donning Equestrian Apparel Duds
By: Travis Moore Equestrian Apparel Fabric Choices When it comes to picking clothes to use, top criteria are style and functionality. Riders need to feel elegant and comfy – at the same time. Another equally important aspect is fabrics used. They need to be both hard-wearing and light. Go for cool fabrics that allow for ease of movement. Lycra and cotton represent the more common of the fabric types used for making equestrian apparel. Choosing fabrics that act as moisture wicks is always good. This kind of fabric works extremely well in both cold and hot temperatures. In hot months, this fabric keeps its riders cool by allowing them to sweat. During cold months, this same fabric keeps riders warm by moving the perspiration away from their bodies, thus keeping skin dry. As no moisture penetrates the fabric weave, it is able to evaporate quickly, making the drying process quicker. There is more. Equestrian apparel fabric is not limited. People can select from fabrics as well as fabric weaves that are capable of repelling insects and ultraviolet rays while reducing moisture absorption in the process. Equestrian Apparel Items Certain pieces of clothing make up the equestrian apparel. The basics include a wool crepe or cotton shirt, often white. From here, you can opt to add a matching vest. You can also go with a waistcoat that matches. For dressing the lower body, jodhpurs and breeches represent the more popular clothing pieces. Some favor full-seat riding breeches, but there are others who like jodhpurs and jeans more. What matters is that the different pieces fit well. Garb that is able to shield you from winds and rains is also worth considering. For everyday horse riding, a pair of inexpensive two-way stretch tights is most comfortable. Riding tights can come with seat patches and leather knee. Such pants provide more grip and are likely to be made from more durable fabric than the tights not made for horseback riding. Tall riding boots might look great for competitions and shows. But it does not really make for excellent everyday riding wear. For regular, training days, trouser socks and short boots are a better alternative. Another important equestrian apparel component is the riding gloves. A decent riding jacket is used to complete the overall equestrian look. Those made from luxurious fabrics such as tweed work best. Stuff to pay attention to are the double satin piping, silk lining, trims and buttons. Head gear should fit perfectly. Helmets are the usual pieces, but some prefer wearing black-top hats. Today’s helmets feature easy-fit systems so they are safer to use. Some riders customize their head gear by attaching crystals or placing decals. Equestrian Apparel Trends The forecasts and trends in equestrian apparel are many so take heed. With colors, current trends are leaning toward the softer, subtler purple, green, blue and pink pastel tones. It is the same thing for show breeches. Light tans are in for breeches but white still reigns supreme. Any color will do for show and dressage coats, but the trend is more on black and navys than the common light khaki and brown shades. Patterns and stripes are also now seen in coats, replacing the plain, solid colors. Over on the accessories side, there are more of the glittery items like jewelry and stock pins. Swarovski crystals can be seen on helmets, spurs, belt buckles and practically everything else worn by horse riders. Popular footwear for riding shows are the tall leather boots complete
with zippers. Back zippers allow for easier taking off of boots. People
into serious horse riding training can go for paddock boots and half
chaps. These are still considered “in” given their durability. |
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