How to Fit a Show Jacket: Size & Fit Guide
Your show jacket is one of the most important parts of your competition ensemble. So, getting the right fit is crucial. Find out how with Ariat's size guide.
Let our step-by-step show jacket size guide walk you through taking your measurements and help you determine if your show jacket has the perfect fit.
Whether you reach for classic black or navy, or trend toward something more colourful, your show jacket 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 jackets in a variety of styles and fabrics to find the right riding coat for you. 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 jacket should fit. If you're measuring yourself at home, we recommend asking a friend to help you. Your tape can be in inches or centimetres - the Ariat show jacket size chart has both.
How to Measure for an Equestrian Show Jacket
- 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.
- Measure Your Waist
Then you'll measure your natural waist, finding the narrowest part by bending from side to side.
- 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.
Equestrian Show Jacket Size Chart
Once you have these measurements, use the size chart to determine which size will be your best fit. Ariat makes show jackets 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 jacket in a “long” size which will add 1 ½“ to the body and 1” to sleeve length.
How Should Your Show Jacket Fit?
When you try on your new jacket, 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 jacket 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 jackets, like our Galatea Show Jacket, have hidden zips 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 jackets 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 jacket is a matter of personal preference that is guided by the dress code and trends of your particular discipline. Shorter jackets often look great on riders with narrower hips and longer jackets can create longer lines on curvy bodies.
After checking the fit, you should ask yourself how the jacket 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 jacket 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 jacket 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 jacket?
High-quality performance fabric that breathes and moves with you is critical to making a top-notch show jacket. 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 jacket?
While care instructions may vary based on the material and brand of your jacket, all Ariat show jackets are machine-washable so they're easy to care for between shows. Simply wash your jacket on delicate cycle in cold water and then line dry.
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.
