Let’s be real for a second: how many riding shirts have you bought that looked great online… and then felt like a science experiment gone wrong after two hours in the saddle? Too tight across the shoulders. Sweat-stuck to your back by lunch. The embroidery peeling like old paint after one wash.
Yeah. Me too.
I’ve been around horses longer than I’ve had a driver’s license. Started in 4-H, rode through college, coached a team, ran a small training barn. And in all those years, one thing’s never changed: most equestrian apparel is designed by people who’ve never actually ridden in it.
Not the ones doing the laundry. Not the ones hauling hay in 90-degree heat while wearing that “performance” polo. And definitely not the ones trying to look professional in front of parents, sponsors, or judges while their shirt rides up every time they mount.
So when we started talking about custom equestrian shirts at Fexwear, we didn’t just ask, “What looks good?” We asked:
- What survives a full day at a horse show?
- What still looks sharp after 20 washes?
- What makes a rider feel like part of something bigger — not just a nameless face in a crowd?
Turns out, the answer isn’t just fabric. It’s function, fit, and identity — all stitched into one damn good shirt.
This isn’t a sales pitch. It’s a field report. From someone who’s had shirts split at the armpit mid-dressage test, seen team kits turn into faded rags by July, and watched riders light up when they finally get something that fits — and feels like theirs.
Let’s talk about why custom equestrian shirts aren’t just a luxury. They’re a necessity. And why “versatile riding apparel” should mean more than just “you can wear it to brunch.”
Why Off-the-Rack Riding Shirts Keep Failing Riders
Let’s start with the elephant in the tack room: most riding shirts are designed for retail, not reality.
You know the ones. They’ve got that sleek collar, a little mesh panel under the arm, and a price tag that makes you think, Hey, not bad. Then you wear it to a clinic. Or a lesson. Or a hot day at the barn. And by noon, it’s clinging to you like a damp dishrag.
Here’s the truth: most “performance” fabrics aren’t tested under a saddle. They’re tested in a lab, on a mannequin, in controlled humidity. Not on a rider who’s spent three hours lunging a fresh OTTB in July.
I remember one summer at a camp — we’d ordered 50 identical polos for our staff. Looked sharp on the website. Arrived, and half the team couldn’t even button theirs across the chest. The sleeves rode up. The backs gaped. One instructor said, “I feel like I’m wearing a tent that hates me.”
We returned 30 of them.
And that’s the problem. One size doesn’t fit all. Not in riding. Not in life.
Horses come in shapes. Riders do too. So why are we still forcing everyone into the same damn shirt?
Custom equestrian shirts fix that. Not by offering “small, medium, large” — but by offering fit. By letting you say: This is how my team moves. This is how we work. This is what we need.
And yeah, it costs a little more upfront. But how much does it cost when your riders quit because they feel like afterthoughts? Or when your brand looks sloppy because your shirts don’t last?
I’ll tell you: it costs more than a few extra bucks per shirt.
The Hidden Cost of Cheap Team Uniforms
Let’s talk money — because I know that’s on your mind.
You run a riding school. A team. A small academy. Budgets are tight. You see a bulk order deal: 30 shirts for $500. That’s under $17 each! Great deal, right?
Wrong.
Here’s what that “deal” usually includes:
- Fabric that pills after two washes
- Embroidery that starts fraying by show season
- Sizing that runs small (or large) with zero consistency
- Customer service that ghosts you when the zippers break
And then what? You’re stuck. You’ve got kids showing up in mismatched shirts. Parents asking, “Is this what we pay for?” Sponsors wondering if your program is serious.
I worked with a club in Colorado last year. They’d been using a big-box supplier for years. “We save money,” the director said. Then she showed me the pile: shirts with yellowed underarms, peeling logos, sleeves that stretched out like rubber bands.
“We go through two sets a season,” she admitted. “It’s cheaper to replace them than fix the problem.”
But is it?
Let’s do the math:
- 25 riders × $18 × 2 orders per year = $900
- Plus labor, time, frustration
Compare that to:
- 25 custom shirts at $38 each = $950 — one time, lasting 3+ years
Suddenly, “cheap” isn’t saving anyone anything.
And that’s not even counting the intangibles: pride, professionalism, retention.
When riders feel good in what they wear, they stay longer. They show up more. They represent your program better — on the ground and online.
So no, custom equestrian shirts aren’t the cheapest option. But they’re the smartest.
What Makes a Shirt Actually Versatile?
“Versatile riding apparel” is one of those phrases that sounds great until you try to define it.
Is it a shirt you can wear to a lesson and then to dinner? Sure. But that’s not what riders really need.
Real versatility means:
- You can wear it in 40°F or 90°F
- It looks professional at a show but doesn’t scream “I’m trying too hard” at the barn
- It survives machine washing, horse slobber, and sunscreen stains
- It fits whether you’re built like a jockey or a linebacker
At Fexwear, we’ve tested fabrics in real conditions — not just on paper. We’ve left shirts in trucks in August. Washed them 50 times. Ridden in them during downpours and dry spells.
And we’ve learned a few things.
First: moisture-wicking isn’t magic. Some fabrics pull sweat away — then trap it in the lining. You end up damp and cold.
Second: stretch matters — but only if it rebounds. A shirt that stretches but doesn’t snap back is just a bag with sleeves.
Third: UV protection isn’t optional. I’ve seen riders with sunburns under their collars. One trainer developed pre-cancerous spots on her neck from years of exposure. A UPF 50+ shirt isn’t “nice to have.” It’s safety gear.
So when we say “versatile,” we mean built for the full range of riding life — not just the Instagram shot.
The Fit Factor: Why Custom Isn’t Just for the Pros
Here’s a story: a young rider came into our pop-up at a regional show. She was 14, tall, broad-shouldered. She tried on three different brands — all “youth large” — and none fit. One choked her. One gaped at the back. One had sleeves down to her elbows.
She left without buying anything.
Her mom texted me later: “She said she feels like riding clothes aren’t made for people like her.”
That hit hard.
Because she’s not alone. Riders come in all shapes — and most brands ignore that.
Custom equestrian shirts fix this. Not by making a million sizes, but by letting you adjust the fit.
Want longer sleeves for a tall rider? Done.
Need a roomier chest for a woman who’s not a size 2? Easy.
Want a more athletic cut for a coach who moves all day? We’ll draft it.
It’s not about vanity. It’s about dignity.
When a rider can put on a shirt and breathe in it — when they don’t have to tug at the collar or worry about gaping — they can focus on riding. On teaching. On being present.
That’s what custom fit gives you. Not just comfort. Freedom.
And yeah, it takes a little more time than clicking “add to cart.” But it’s worth it.
Equestrian Team Wear: More Than Just Matching Outfits
Let’s get real: team uniforms aren’t just about looking good.
They’re about belonging.
I coached a college team for five years. First season, we had no uniforms. Just “wear navy if you can.” It was a mess. Some wore polos. Some wore T-shirts. One guy showed up in a hoodie.
We lost more than just points that year. We lost cohesion.
Second year, we went custom. Navy and silver. Clean logo. Same fit for everyone — but tailored to individual bodies.
The difference? Night and day.
Suddenly, we walked into the warm-up ring and people noticed. Judges, other teams, parents. Not because we looked flashy — but because we looked united.
One rider told me, “I didn’t realize how much I needed this until I wore it. It made me feel like I belonged here.”
That’s the power of equestrian team wear.
It’s not just fabric. It’s identity. It’s pride. It’s a silent promise: We show up together. We ride together. We win — or lose — together.
And when you get it right, it pays off in ways you can’t measure on a scorecard.
The Design Process: Where Creativity Meets Practicality
I’ll be honest — I used to think custom shirts were just about slapping a logo on a polo.
Then I started working with teams who actually cared about design.
One academy wanted a subtle watermark effect — their logo faintly visible in the fabric weave. Another wanted color-blocking that matched their arena footing. A youth program asked for rider names and horse names on the sleeve.
And you know what? It worked.
Because when riders see themselves in the design, they wear it differently.
But here’s the catch: great design doesn’t happen in a vacuum.
At Fexwear, we don’t just take your logo and print it. We ask:
- What’s your team’s vibe? (Classic? Edgy? Family-friendly?)
- Where will these be worn? (Shows? Lessons? Trail rides?)
- Who’s your audience? (Parents? Sponsors? Competitors?)
Then we build from there.
And we revise. And revise again. Because the first mockup is rarely the last.
One team went through seven versions before they got it right. Was it annoying? Sometimes. But when they finally said, “This is it,” you could feel the pride.
That’s the process. Messy. Human. Worth it.
Fabric That Works — Not Just Looks Good
Let’s geek out on fabric for a minute.
Most brands talk about “performance polyester” like it’s a miracle. But not all polyester is created equal.
We tested three fabrics last season:
- Standard moisture-wicking blend (common in retail polos)
- Recycled performance fabric (eco-friendly, soft)
- Our custom 4-way stretch with UPF 50+ and anti-odor tech
After 30 wears and washes:
- #1 faded, pilled, and lost elasticity
- #2 held up better but stained easily
- #3? Still looked new. Still performed.
The difference? Construction. We use a tighter knit, bonded seams, and a finish that resists both UV and bacteria.
But here’s the real test: rider feedback.
One trainer said, “I wore mine for a 12-hour show day. No chafing. No sweat stains. I actually forgot I was wearing it.”
That’s the goal. Apparel that disappears — so you can focus on riding.
The Problem With “One-Season” Apparel
Let’s talk about sustainability — not in the trendy, Instagrammable way. In the real, boots-on-the-ground way.
How many team kits do you go through in three years?
Two? Three?
That’s 75+ shirts. Most ending up in landfills because the logos fade or the fabric sags.
At Fexwear, we design for longevity. Not fast fashion.
Our shirts are made to last 3–5 years of regular use. Not just survive — thrive.
And when they do wear out? We offer recycling programs. Trade-ins. Repair guides.
Because the most sustainable shirt isn’t the cheapest. It’s the one you keep.
Custom Shirts for More Than Just Teams
Quick — when you think “custom equestrian shirts,” do you only picture teams?
Yeah, most people do.
But here’s who else uses them:
- Private instructors who want to look pro without a corporate logo
- Event organizers who need volunteer or staff uniforms
- Therapeutic riding centers building identity and morale
- Amateur riders who want a show shirt that fits
- Barn owners creating a cohesive staff look
One woman ordered a custom shirt with her rescue horse’s name and a paw print. Not for competition. Just because she wanted to wear something that meant something.
And that’s the beauty of it. Custom doesn’t have to be corporate. It can be personal.
The Fexwear Difference: No Fluff, Just Facts
Look, I could list ten reasons why we’re “the best.” But you’ve heard that before.
So here’s what’s different:
- We’re riders. We’ve been where you are.
- We don’t outsource design. Our team drafts every pattern.
- We offer free mockups — no commitment.
- We stand by our shirts. If one fails, we replace it.
- We listen. If a team says, “We need longer hems,” we adjust.
No gimmicks. No fake scarcity. Just good gear, made right.
How to Start Your Custom Order (Without the Headache)
I get it — custom sounds complicated.
But it’s not.
Here’s how we do it at Fexwear:
- You send a logo or idea.
- We send a digital mockup — free.
- You tweak it. Change colors. Move the logo. We revise.
- You approve. We produce.
- You get shirts in 2–3 weeks.
No minimums for teams of 10+. No hidden fees.
And if you’re nervous? Start with five shirts. Try them. See how they hold up.
That’s how most of our big clients began.
When a Shirt Becomes a Statement
Last season, a youth team wore their new custom shirts to a regional championship.
They didn’t win. But afterward, a judge pulled their coach aside and said, “I didn’t know your program. But I noticed you. You looked like a real team.”
That’s the thing about equestrian team wear. It’s not just about winning ribbons.
It’s about being seen.
And when your riders walk into an arena in shirts that fit, perform, and carry their name — they’re not just riding.
They’re representing something.
And that changes everything.
Final Thoughts: Your Shirt Should Work as Hard as You Do
At the end of the day, riding is hard.
Horses are unpredictable. Schedules are brutal. Weather doesn’t care.
The least we can do is give riders gear that helps — not hinders.
Custom equestrian shirts aren’t a luxury. They’re a tool.
They protect your skin. Support your team. Reflect your values.
And when they’re done right, they disappear into the background — so you can focus on what matters.
So if you’re still buying generic polos in bulk, ask yourself: What are we really saving?
Because sometimes, the cheapest option costs the most.
FAQs
Q: How long do custom equestrian shirts last?
A: With regular use, 3–5 years. We’ve got teams still wearing shirts from 2020 that look brand new.
Q: Can I customize fit for different body types?
Yes. We offer tailored patterns — not just size up/down.
Q: What’s the minimum order?
10 shirts for teams. Less? Just reach out — we’ll work with you.
Q: Do you offer eco-friendly fabrics?
Yes. Our recycled performance line uses 92% post-consumer materials.
Q: Can I add rider names or horse names?
Absolutely. Popular on sleeves or back hems.
Q: How long does production take?
2–3 weeks from approval. Rush options available.
Q: What if the fit isn’t right?
We’ll remake it. No hassle.
Q: Can I see a sample first?
Yes. Order a single sample shirt before committing.
Q: Do you work with international teams?
Yes. We ship to Canada, UK, Australia, and EU.
Q: Can sponsors be added to the design?
Yes. We help place logos for maximum visibility.
Let’s Keep This Conversation Going
I’ve shared my take. Now I want yours.
What’s the worst riding shirt experience you’ve ever had?
And more importantly — what would your perfect custom shirt look like?
Drop a comment. Send us a message. Let’s build something better — together.