You know that moment—right before you enter the arena, when your stomach drops and you suddenly remember: Did I match my gloves to my coat? Is my breech color regulation? And why does this jacket feel like it’s strangling me?
Yeah. I’ve been there. More than once.
Back in my early show days, I thought “equestrian competition apparel” just meant buying the right brand, sticking to black or navy, and showing up. But I quickly learned it’s not just about checking boxes. It’s about how you feel in the saddle, how you present yourself to the judge, and whether your clothes are helping you—or holding you back.
And let’s be honest: most off-the-rack show clothes? They’re built for a fantasy body. Not the real one you’re riding with.
That’s where custom equestrian clothing stops being a “nice-to-have” and starts being a game-changer. It’s not about vanity. It’s about function. It’s about walking into the ring knowing your coat won’t ride up, your breeches won’t pinch, and you’re not breaking any rules.
This isn’t a sales pitch. It’s a conversation. One rider to another. I’m going to tell you what the rulebooks don’t, what the catalogs won’t admit, and what I’ve learned after years of bad fits, wardrobe malfunctions, and finally—getting it right.
We’re talking fit, fabric, rules, and the real cost of cutting corners. Whether you’re doing local hunters or aiming for the FEI circuit, this is everything you need to know about riding show attire that actually works.
The Show Ring Doesn’t Care About Your Budget—It Cares About Your Presentation
Let’s get one thing straight: in the show ring, presentation matters. A lot.
I once watched a rider lose a class not because of her riding—but because her coat was wrinkled, her gloves didn’t match, and her breeches looked like they were two sizes too small. The horse was flawless. The rider? Penalized.
And look, I get it. We’re not all riding with sponsorships or trust funds. But here’s the thing: equestrian competition apparel isn’t just fashion. It’s part of your equipment. Just like your saddle, your bit, your boots.
If your tack doesn’t fit, your performance suffers. Same with your clothes.
A coat that pulls across the back makes you look tense. Breeches that slip make you adjust constantly. And if you’re fidgeting with your outfit, the judge notices. They always notice.
I remember a junior rider—bright, talented, great position. But she kept getting low scores in “overall impression.” Turns out, her off-the-rack coat was too wide in the shoulders and bunched at the elbows. She looked sloppy. We switched her to a custom fit. Next show? Top three. Not because she rode better—but because she looked better.
And that’s the truth no one wants to admit: how you look affects how you’re judged. Not just in turnout classes—in every class.
So yeah, custom equestrian clothing costs more upfront. But ask yourself: what’s the cost of losing a class over something you could’ve fixed?
The Fit Myth: Why “Size 8” Doesn’t Mean Anything
Here’s a story: I ordered a “perfect fit” show coat online. Brand name. Great reviews. Size 8.
When it arrived, the shoulders were tight, the sleeves were short, and the back gaped like a sad paper bag. I tried it on my friend—same size, different build. Hers fit like a glove.
That’s when it hit me: size labels are lies.
Manufacturers use one fit model. One body. And if you don’t match that exact proportion—tough luck.
But riders aren’t mannequins. We come in all shapes. Tall torsos. Broad backs. Long arms. Petite frames. And let’s not forget how pregnancy, weight changes, or aging shift our bodies over time.
Custom equestrian clothing fixes that.
It starts with real measurements—like back length, sleeve pitch, seat width, shoulder slope. Not just “waist 28.” We’re talking 20+ data points. At Fexwear, we even ask for a photo in your breeches so we can see how your body carries itself in the saddle.
And the difference? Night and day.
I worked with a dressage rider who’d been struggling with her shoulder alignment. She kept getting marked down for “tightness.” Turned out, her coat was restricting her range of motion. We built her a custom one with a slightly dropped shoulder seam and extra stretch in the upper back.
First test in the new coat? Her scores went up. Not because she changed her training—but because her clothes finally let her move.
What the Rulebooks Won’t Tell You (But You Need to Know)
Let’s talk about the rules.
FEI. USEF. British Dressage. They all have dress codes. And they will enforce them.
But here’s the thing: the rules aren’t always clear. And they change.
Take helmets. Five years ago, top hats were still required in dressage. Now? Most divisions allow ASTM-certified helmets—as long as they’re covered in black velvet or have a formal cover. Miss that detail? You’re out.
Or piping. In dressage, contrast piping is technically not allowed. But I’ve seen riders get away with it—until they don’t. One national show, a steward started checking every coat. Three riders were pulled for “non-regulation trim.”
And breeches? White or light-colored in dressage. But “light” is subjective. Off-white? Beige? Ivory? Some judges are strict. Others don’t care.
The point is: custom doesn’t mean rule-breaking. In fact, it’s the opposite.
When you go custom, you can ensure compliance. Choose regulation-approved colors, avoid forbidden details, and still get a perfect fit.
At Fexwear, we build every custom piece with the current rulebook open on the desk. You want navy with a subtle herringbone weave? Fine. You want a monogram inside the collar? Great. But we won’t let you add silver piping if it’s not allowed.
Because looking good means nothing if you’re disqualified.
Custom Isn’t Just for the Rich—It’s for the Smart
I’ll be real: when I first heard “custom equestrian clothing,” I thought, That’s for Olympians and trust-fund kids.
But then I did the math.
I was replacing my off-the-rack coat every 18 months because it stretched out, faded, or just didn’t fit right. At $500 a pop, that’s $1,500 over five years.
A custom coat? $900. But it lasted eight years. Still looks new. Still fits.
And it’s not just coats. Breeches wear out fast. Cheap ones lose grip in six months. Good ones last longer—but only if they fit.
Custom means durability. Precision stitching. High-quality fabrics. No mass production shortcuts.
So yeah, the upfront cost is higher. But cost-per-wear? Custom wins.
Plus, there’s the intangible: confidence. When you know your clothes fit, when you’re not second-guessing your appearance, you ride differently. You’re present. You’re focused.
That’s not a luxury. That’s a competitive edge.
What You Can Actually Customize (And What You Can’t)
Let’s clear this up: custom equestrian clothing isn’t about going full rainbow in the dressage ring.
It’s about smart personalization.
You can customize:
- Fit: Jacket length, waist suppression, sleeve angle
- Fabric: Stretch level, breathability, weight (summer vs. winter)
- Color: Within rules—deep navy, charcoal, black, sometimes burgundy
- Details: Monograms, button style, lining color, ventilation zips
- Grip placement: In breeches, exactly where you need it
You can’t customize:
- Rules: No bright pink coats in dressage. No logos on the front.
- Formality: You still need a coat, gloves, proper boots.
But within those limits? You’ve got room.
One rider wanted a subtle shimmer in her coat fabric—just enough to catch the light in the ring. We found a wool-blend with a slight sheen. Regulation? Yes. Elegant? Absolutely.
Another wanted her stable name embroidered inside the collar. Not visible, but meaningful.
That’s the beauty of custom: you get you, without breaking the code.
The Real Cost of Bad Fit (It’s Not Just the Price Tag)
Let’s talk about the hidden cost of ill-fitting riding show attire.
It’s not just the $600 you wasted on a coat that shrank after two washes.
It’s the mental drain. The constant adjusting. The self-doubt. The judge’s eye lingering on your wrinkled sleeves.
I’ve seen riders blame their horse for a bad test when the real issue was their coat restricting their shoulder.
It’s the physical toll. Chafing. Restricted breathing. Poor posture.
And it’s the opportunity cost. When you’re not confident in your appearance, it shows. You hesitate. You shrink. You don’t ride to your potential.
Custom equestrian clothing isn’t an expense. It’s an investment—in comfort, in performance, in confidence.
Fabric: The Secret Weapon No One Talks About
Here’s a question: have you ever worn a coat that felt great in the barn but turned into a sauna in the ring?
Yeah. Me too.
Not all fabrics are created equal.
Dressage? You want structure. A clean drape. Something that holds its shape from warm-up to final halt.
Show jumping? You need stretch. Breathability. Maybe even moisture-wicking if you’re competing in Florida in July.
Eventing? You need a hybrid—something that looks formal but moves like an athlete.
At Fexwear, we test everything. We’ve put materials through sweat tests, stretch tests, UV exposure, and saddle friction. We know which ones pill, which ones fade, which ones lose elasticity after three washes.
And we offer options:
- Wool-blend for classic drape and breathability
- Technical stretch for high-mobility disciplines
- Eco-performance fabrics made from recycled materials
Because your riding show attire should perform as hard as you do.
How to Measure for Custom (Without Losing Your Mind)
You don’t need a professional tailor.
Here’s how we do it at Fexwear:
- Wear tight-fitting clothes—like your show breeches and a fitted shirt.
- Use a soft tape measure—not a metal one.
- Measure key points:
- Back length: C7 vertebra to waist
- Sleeve length: Shoulder edge to wrist bone
- Chest: Around the fullest part
- Waist: Natural waistline
- Seat: Around the fullest part of your hips
- Inseam: Waist to ankle bone
We provide a video guide. You can even send a selfie in your breeches so we can assess fit.
It’s not rocket science. It’s attention to detail.
The Psychology of Looking the Part
There’s a reason athletes wear their lucky socks.
When you look like a champion, you feel like one.
I’ve seen riders walk into the ring differently when they’re in custom gear. Shoulders back. Head high. Confident.
It’s not arrogance. It’s alignment.
Your clothes are part of your identity as a rider. When they fit, when they feel right, when they reflect your effort—you carry yourself differently.
And your horse feels it.
They respond to your energy. If you’re tense about your appearance, they’ll be tense too. If you’re calm and confident? So are they.
Sustainable Style: Eco-Friendly Custom Equestrian Clothing
Let’s talk about waste.
The fashion industry is one of the dirtiest on the planet. And equestrian apparel is no exception.
Mass-produced garments sit in warehouses. People buy sizes that don’t fit. They get returned. They end up in landfills.
Custom is inherently more sustainable.
We make only what’s ordered. No overproduction. No excess inventory.
Plus, we’re introducing recycled performance fabrics—made from post-consumer plastic, dyed with low-impact processes.
Longer lifespan = fewer replacements = less waste.
Looking good and doing good? That’s a win.
Accessories That Complete the Look
Your coat and breeches are the stars. But the details seal the deal.
Show shirts: Crisp, wrinkle-resistant, with just enough stretch. We offer custom collars and cuff details.
Gloves: Leather or synthetic? Tight or relaxed fit? We tailor them to your hand size.
Boots: While we don’t make boots, we design coats and breeches to complement them.
Hairnets and caps: Match your coat color. No more “oops, I grabbed the black one when I needed navy.”
It’s about cohesion. When every piece works together, you look intentional.
The Future of Riding Show Attire: Where Innovation Meets Tradition
What’s next?
Smart fabrics that regulate temperature.
3D body scanning for perfect measurements at home.
AR try-ons so you can see your custom coat before it’s made.
And greater inclusivity—adaptive designs for riders with disabilities, extended size ranges, gender-neutral fits.
At Fexwear, we’re investing in all of it. Because tradition doesn’t mean stagnation. It means evolving with respect.
Final Thoughts: Your Turnout Is Part of Your Performance
Let’s wrap this up.
Your equestrian competition apparel isn’t just clothing. It’s part of your tack. Part of your training. Part of your presentation.
And when it’s custom, it becomes part of your identity.
You don’t have to choose between rules and personality. Between fit and function. Between tradition and innovation.
You can have it all.
So if you’re tired of squeezing into clothes that don’t fit, tired of worrying about compliance, tired of feeling like an afterthought—maybe it’s time to go custom.
Visit Fexwear.com, start your design, and step into the ring knowing you’re dressed for success—literally.
FAQs: Your Custom Equestrian Clothing Questions, Answered
Can I wear a colored coat in dressage?
Only in specific divisions. Stick to black, navy, or charcoal unless the rules allow otherwise.
How long does a custom coat take?
4–6 weeks on average. Rush options available for urgent shows.
Do you offer petite or tall sizing?
Yes. Custom means we adjust for your height, not standard size charts.
What if my measurements change?
We keep your pattern on file. Updates are easy for future orders.
Can I see fabric swatches before ordering?
Absolutely. We’ll mail them to you—no guesswork.
Let’s Talk
What’s your biggest pain point with show attire? Is it fit? Rules? Comfort? Share your story in the comments—or pass this to someone who’s tired of compromising. Let’s change the game, one perfect fit at a time.