How to Fit a Show Coat: Size & Fit Guide

Whether you reach for classic black or navy, or trend toward something more colorful, your show coat is the most important part of your competition ensemble. Making sure it fits perfectly is key to looking and feeling your best in the show ring. Since every rider is unique and every discipline has different needs, it's important to try on coats in a variety of styles and fabrics. Once you've narrowed down your options, it's time to take your measurements. 

It's best to measure yourself in what you'd be wearing in the show ring—a show shirt, breeches, and your go-to undergarments—so you can get an accurate idea of how your coat should fit. If you're measuring yourself at home, we recommend asking a friend to help you. Your tape can be in inches or centimeters—the Ariat size chart has both.

How to Measure for an Equestrian Show Coat

1. Measure Your Chest 

First, measure your chest, wrapping the tape under each arm and around the fullest part of your bust, ensuring that the tape is snug but not tight. 

2. Measure Your Waist 

Then you'll measure your natural waist, finding the narrowest part by bending from side to side. 

3. Measure Your Sleeve Length 

Finally, you'll need to measure sleeve length. Bend your elbow at a 90-degree angle, hold one end of the tape at the back of your neck, run it across your shoulder to your elbow, and down to your wrist. 

Show Coat Size Chart 

Once you have these measurements, use the size chart to determine which size will be your best fit. Ariat makes show coats in both Regular and Long sizes to suit riders of a variety of body types. If you're tall, have a long torso or long arms, you might want a coat in a “long” size which will add 1 ½“ to the body and 1” to sleeve length. 

How Should Your Show Coat Fit?

When you try on your new coat, make sure you're wearing show clothes so you can get a true idea of how it will fit and feel on show day. 

Shoulder fit is the most critical and can't be altered so we'll start there. The seams need to line up neatly with the edges of your shoulders because if they're too narrow, they will restrict your range of motion, and if they're too wide, the coat will look boxy. You should be able to stretch your arms forward easily, with plenty of room to release over a fence if you're competing in a jumping discipline. To learn more about attire for this discipline, explore our guide on what to wear show jumping.

The buttons should lay nicely against your chest without gaping or pulling. Some coats, like our Galatea Show Coat, have hidden zippers that will keep the front looking smooth. 

The sleeves should look tailored and the cuffs should end right at your wrist bone. If you're wearing a long-sleeve show shirt, you should see ¼-½ inch of shirt cuff when you hold your arms in a riding position. Many coats have sleeves that can be taken in so if they're slightly too long, you can have them shortened until they're just right. 

The length of the coat is a matter of personal preference that is guided by the dress code and trends of your particular discipline. Shorter coats often look great on riders with narrower hips and longer coats can create longer lines on curvy bodies. 

After checking the fit, you should ask yourself how the coat feels. Are you comfortable? Can you move freely? Is it flattering? If it checks every box, you'll feel confident the next time you step into the show ring.

Closing Thoughts

While some rules of equestrian style are fun to stretch, the fit and feel of your show coat is non-negotiable. From the fabrics used to the placement of every button, the designers and product experts at Ariat sweat every detail of every piece in our show collection. Because when you step into the show ring, you should be focusing on your ride, not on what you're wearing. 

Q & A 

What is the best show coat if you're just getting started?

The Ariat Artico 2.0 is a versatile style that meets the needs of many disciplines. Lightweight and breathable, it performs especially well in hot weather.

What makes a good show coat?

High-quality performance fabric that breathes and moves with you is critical to making a top-notch show coat. Once these boxes are checked, make sure it fits well, meets the needs of your discipline, and is easy to care for. 

How should I care for my show coat? 

While care instructions may vary based on the material and brand of your coat, all Ariat show coats are machine-washable so they're easy to care for between shows. Simply wash your coat on delicate cycle in cold water and then line dry.