Women's, men's and children's riding clothes: where to start
The bottom half matters more than the top. Riding breeches stay in place on the saddle, do not crease under the knee and protect the skin from rubbing by the stirrup leathers. The choice comes down mainly to grip: a silicone full seat to stay secure in the saddle, knee patches to keep your freedom. We go into both in detail on the page for our riding breeches.
On top, several thin layers are better than one thick piece. A technical polo shirt, a jumper or a gilet, then a windproof jacket: you take off a layer after warming up and put it back on for grooming.
Rain, cold and wind
For winter, lined softshell parkas with hoods and the HKM Hamburg padded jacket keep you warm without restricting your arms. Long waterproofs such as the Dover, or the Tommy Equestrian poncho, also cover the thighs and part of the saddle. Don't forget your extremities: E.L.T merino socks, beanies and riding gloves from Roeckl, Waldhausen or T de T, in fleece versions for frosty mornings.
Show day
Competition calls for a set dress code: jacket, white polo shirt or shirt, light-coloured breeches. These pieces are grouped together in our selection competition wear, for women, men and children.
Sizes, cuts and care
Size charts vary from one brand to another, and riding clothes are worn more fitted than everyday clothes. The simplest way is to compare with a piece you already wear for riding, or to call us with your measurements: waist, hips and inside leg.
Most technical fabrics wash at 30°C, inside out and without fabric softener, which clogs breathable fibres and damages silicone seats. Avoid the tumble dryer: it wears out the elastane and makes reinforcements come unstuck. Close the Velcro fastenings before washing so they don't snag everything else in the machine.