Expert Guide to Show Jackets
With changing rules and so many options, it can be hard to know what to wear in the show ring. Discover Ariat’s Expert Guide to Show Jackets to help you decide.
When you’re preparing for a competition, getting your show clothing right is one of the most important considerations. With changing rules and regulations on what is appropriate to wear in the show ring when competing, as well as ever-evolving fashions and trends, it can be tricky to know what to wear. That’s why we have put together our expert guide to show jackets, to help riders decide what to wear.
Competition Guidelines on Show Jackets
When you’re competing in equestrian competitions, there are important rules to take into consideration. The style of your show jacket is key, though rules have been eased in recent years to allow for a greater variety of show jackets.
Traditionally show jackets with a darker colouring are usually preferred. These traditional styles are typically restricted to more neutral, dark, and muted colour palettes, including black, blue, green, and grey. However, with expanded allowances for brighter colours and alternatively styled show jackets, competitive riders may now wear brighter and bolder colours with more detailing and embellishments permitted.
How to Choose the Right Show Jacket
One of the first things to consider when choosing your show jacket is the type of competition you are entering. Different organisations that oversee competitions have specific regulations, so you will need to make sure that your show jacket choice is acceptable for the event you are participating in.
Show jumping jackets typically have a slim fit, hugging the body and enabling riders to perform without interruption from loose fabrics. They also tend to fit quite short, with the hem sitting just above the saddle. To allow riders to perform at their best, it is important to choose a show jumping jacket that is made from breathable materials like jersey and nylon, and elasticated fits can boost your flexibility and performance too. The Ariat Galatea Bellatrix Show Jacket sits perfectly on the hip with elegant button-down finish, and is crafted from nylon and spandex for ultimate movability.
Some competitors prefer a riding jacket with a longer cut, with the hem of the jacket dipping below the hip level. They tend to have a single vent in the back, and, similarly to show jumping jackets, are buttoned at the front for a traditional closure. Although some show clothing regulations have been relaxed over time, certain events prefer attire to be more traditional. You may prefer to choose a darker or more neutrally coloured show jacket for these competitions. Ariat show jackets come in a range of colours, including navy blues and charcoal greys to suit a more classic colour palette.
Ariat’s Favourite Show Jackets
Ariat’s Show Collection features a wide range of show jackets for women, made with premium craftsmanship. The designs are made with elements of traditional show dress, with modern construction and technology built in to boost your performance.
The Meridian Show Jacket is a great example of a modern take on classic styling. This elegant jacket has a form-fitting cut, with slanted pockets for an elongated appearance and smart shaping around the collars, hems, and cuffs. Designed with stretch fabric and breathability, for 360-degree comfort while you compete, the Meridian Show Jacket is carefully designed for maximum comfort and ultimate elegance. In a dusky denim blue shade, it adds a modern touch to classic show colour palettes.
Part of the Made in Italy Collection, the Sperenza Show Jacket is a finely designed show jacket for competing, with sophisticated styling and superior comfort. With excellent Italian craftsmanship from best-in-class makers of equestrian clothing, the Sperenza Show Jacket is the perfect luxurious choice for competitive riders. With minimalist elegance and a tailored European fit, you can be confident of looking and performing your best. Available in a chic navy blue, this is a truly smart, sophisticated show jacket.
For more information on what to wear when competing, check out our expert’s guide to Show & Competition clothing
Show jumping is renowned for its elegance and style, and so dressing to fit the part is key. There is a stricter dress code for affiliated competitions versus unaffiliated, in most events including show jumping, however, unlike other events, show jumping rules are similar regardless of which class you enter. That is why our guide on what to wear outlines everything you need to know.
What to Wear to an Affiliated Show Jumping Event
When you enter the arena of any affiliated showjumping event, you must be dressed correctly. The British Showjumping rule book will guide you on detailed directives, but the following must be adhered to:
- Jackets: should be traditional style tailored jackets (including hacking jackets, or new style jackets). These must not be in the British Team colours.
- Shirts: may have long or short sleeves with white cuffs and a white collar and must be done up properly at all times.
- Breeches: or jodhpurs should be worn in light colours including white, pale yellow, beige, grey, or fawn, but should not be black or navy.
- Boots: traditional style riding boots must be worn, and although there are some variations, we recommend sticking with classic black tall boots, or black paddock boots paired with black leather ‘gaiters’
- Gloves: are not compulsory but can add an elegant finish to your show jumping outfit.
- Body protectors: are not compulsory but can be worn if preferred.
- Helmet: must be worn at all times, properly fastened and, in the UK, must adhere to PAS 015 (2011), VGI (provided they are BSI kitemarked).
There are some things that are strictly not permitted including:
- Polo neck sweaters
- Chaps
- Half Chaps (unless you are a junior rider)
What to Wear to an Unaffiliated Show Jumping Event
We recommend sticking to the rulebook laid out by the British Showjumping association, however in most cases you’ll find that the dress code is a little more lenient.
What is required is a protective helmet that adheres to the regulations we’ve noted above, but otherwise, you’ll want to dress smartly with a darker jacket and light breeches, a white collared shirt. hair tied back neatly, and wearing traditional footwear.
We’ve styled a sophisticated show jumping outfit for inspiration.
Show Jumping Outfit Guide
Lightly Coloured Breeches
Firstly, we recommend starting your show jumping outfit with a clean and sophisticated base with some lightly coloured breeches. Our favourites right now include the Tri Factor Grace Knee Patch Breech in white. The clever technology paired with the elegant look of these breeches make them perfect for any show event. Riding breeches are unique to every individual though, so take a look at our guide to the best breeches to make sure you’re getting the right fit for you.
White Collared Shirt
Pair those lightly coloured breeches with a sleek white collared and cuffed shirt. The Sunstopper 3.0 Pro Show Shirt is perfect here, but if you’re after an all-white option for the summer months then we recommend the Bellatrix Show Shirt, a sleek addition to your Show wardrobe.
Smart Show Jacket
The jacket is often the star of the show when it comes to show jumping outfits, so it needs to be both stylish and comfortable. This Meridian Show Jacket is one of our favourites and is perfect; it’s sleek finish, elegant notches at the sleeves and hem, and tailored cut will get you looking competition ready, whilst additional features like 360-degree breathability and dynamic body temperature regulation will allow you to ride in comfort.
Traditional Riding Boots
To finish off your look, we recommend a chic pair of tall riding boots. The Palisade Show Tall Riding Boots and the Ravello Tall Riding Boots, crafted in Italy, are our top choices, pairing simple but elegant style with comfort, support, and stability. If you’re still not sure what works best for you, read our guide to the best riding boots.
We know that each discipline can have varying outfit elements, so take a look at our full guide to horse riding competition clothing for more information on riding outfits.
