Fashion Content // 5 Classic Fashion Garments Every Rider Needs*
Whether you’re new to horse riding or simply fancy updating your existing equestrian wardrobe, it’s always nice to have some inspiration! Here’s a look a 5 classic fashion garments every rider needs:
Breeches/Jodphurs
Let’s start with the ultimate ease of a nice pair of breeches or jodhpurs. Not sure what the difference is? These very similar trouser or legging designs can be simply differentiated. Breeches are for wear alongside long boots and jodhpurs are for wear with short boots. Jodphurs are typically worn by younger riders as they have straps that securely attach around your boot, while Breeches will be the choice for more experienced riders. Both offer a secure skin-tight fit, which although may scare new riders off at first, provides comfort and flexibility needed when riding. A real staple of horse riding wear; look out for designs by Shires, Tredstep, Cavallo and Kingsland.
Let’s start with the ultimate ease of a nice pair of breeches or jodhpurs. Not sure what the difference is? These very similar trouser or legging designs can be simply differentiated. Breeches are for wear alongside long boots and jodhpurs are for wear with short boots. Jodphurs are typically worn by younger riders as they have straps that securely attach around your boot, while Breeches will be the choice for more experienced riders. Both offer a secure skin-tight fit, which although may scare new riders off at first, provides comfort and flexibility needed when riding. A real staple of horse riding wear; look out for designs by Shires, Tredstep, Cavallo and Kingsland.
Riding hat
Another riding must-have is a well-fitting riding hat or helmet. Choosing this classic riding accessory is obviously much more than a fashion choice, a riding hat is paramount to your safety should you be unexpectedly thrown from your horse. Riding hats can be very attractive though, gone are the days of only being able to buy dull green and blue options. Champion do some lovely pink designs.
Another riding must-have is a well-fitting riding hat or helmet. Choosing this classic riding accessory is obviously much more than a fashion choice, a riding hat is paramount to your safety should you be unexpectedly thrown from your horse. Riding hats can be very attractive though, gone are the days of only being able to buy dull green and blue options. Champion do some lovely pink designs.
Long sleeve polo shirt
Even if you never plan on playing polo, get yourself a polo shirt as part of your riding get-up. These simple shirts are extremely flattering and comfortable too. Long sleeve polos are great for all seasons and provide protection from the elements and any flying grit, sand or mud that may come your way on an adventurous trek. Choose from fashion items like a colourful Joules Polo or go for a more refined show design like the range from Ariat.
Even if you never plan on playing polo, get yourself a polo shirt as part of your riding get-up. These simple shirts are extremely flattering and comfortable too. Long sleeve polos are great for all seasons and provide protection from the elements and any flying grit, sand or mud that may come your way on an adventurous trek. Choose from fashion items like a colourful Joules Polo or go for a more refined show design like the range from Ariat.
Gilet
A gilet is ideal when you need to keep warm but don’t want the restriction of a full jacket, so make sure you add this to your riding shopping list. As with pretty much all riding gear these days, you can choose designs to fit every taste – from sophisticated navy to a fun purple shade. All the good outdoor brands sell Gilet, including: Ariat, Horseware, Horze, Joules and Musto.
A gilet is ideal when you need to keep warm but don’t want the restriction of a full jacket, so make sure you add this to your riding shopping list. As with pretty much all riding gear these days, you can choose designs to fit every taste – from sophisticated navy to a fun purple shade. All the good outdoor brands sell Gilet, including: Ariat, Horseware, Horze, Joules and Musto.
Country/Riding Boots
A good pair of riding boots is vital to both safety and performance when riding, if you’ve ever tried riding in a pair of trainers you’ll understand just how much difference proper riding footwear makes. You can go for classic Hunter wellies or Mountain Horse leather rider boots, Dublin venturer ankle boots or Harry Hall Jodhpur boots… you’re spoilt for choice – which just goes to show how important they are to own. Again you don’t need to stick to formal browns, black and navy blue designs – although this may be one garment you do choose to go basic, as prettier colours do tend to look dirtier faster. If you’re going to go for a patterned or striped design, get yourself some simple riding wellies that can be easily sprayed off after a muddy session.