Fashion trends in hunt clothes – isn’t that an oxymoron? English riding, in general, is known for its strict adherence to tradition, especially in attire – dark coats, tall black boots, crisp white shirts and black velvet covered hats. It has been the same for years. It is in part, one of the draws to English riding – the clothes never go out of style.
Yet, recently there has been a subtle, or maybe not so subtle, transformation in the conventional attire. Whether due to the sheer monotony of the traditional garb or in attempt to stand out in an ever competitive field of talented big dark horses, hunter seat clothing is branching out.
According to Elizabeth “Spike” Brewer and Megan Brown of Boo Yah Custom Clothing, customers are breaking away from the conventional navy coat and white shirt. While each breed discipline maintains a bit of their own code, a couple of trends seem to be industry wide.
Black hunt coats have been the rage and while traditionally made from a wool gabardine, today’s fabrics have a distinctive sheen that appeals to riders of all breeds. Boo Yah is also seeing more requests for piping on hunt coats. Both men’s and women’s hunt coat orders have been coming in with contrast piping.
“Piping allows riders to reflect their personalities” says Spike. Of course the classic black coat is still their best seller for women, admits Brewer. Megan Brown indicated more and more customers order a second jacket with a little embellishment to spice up their wardrobe and offer an alternative to the conventional look.
Shirts have been revolutionized by fabric manufacturers. Today’s fabrics offer more options than 100 percent cotton or a cotton/polyester blend. There are shirts with cool dry technology that maximizes the transmission of moisture from the skin to the outer surface integrating comfort and function. There are blended fabrics that need little care to stay crisp and combinations to fit every budget, look, feel and fit. Hundreds of vivid colors or patterns with contrasting choker options make it easy to have a personalized shirt. And if bold is not your thing, there are countless subtle color on color patterns as well as shirting’s with sheen. The hunter world may be bringing dark green coats back, but its biggest trend seems to be in the boot department.
Shirts have been revolutionized by fabric manufacturers. Today’s fabrics offer more options than 100 percent cotton or a cotton/polyester blend. There are shirts with cool dry technology that maximizes the transmission of moisture from the skin to the outer surface integrating comfort and function. There are blended fabrics that need little care to stay crisp and combinations to fit every budget, look, feel and fit. Hundreds of vivid colors or patterns with contrasting choker options make it easy to have a personalized shirt. And if bold is not your thing, there are countless subtle color on color patterns as well as shirting’s with sheen. The hunter world may be bringing dark green coats back, but its biggest trend seems to be in the boot department. Equitation riders trying to get an edge on the competition are requesting boots with increasingly tight ankles. While foot numbing tightness may be the trend in boots, the color of coat they sell the most remains navy and the most popular shirt is still white.
And let’s not forget about the breeches – although they have changed so little over the last twenty years it is easy to forget there may be a trend. Alas, there is not – at least not in most arenas. The only arena to see beeches that are not tan seems to be in the USEF Jumper arena where colored breeches are debuting. But don’t expect to see rule changes in any Stock horse breed associations that would allow anything so outlandish as colored breeches. Stick to the traditional shades of beige and you will be on trend.
And if you are looking to update your hunt seat wardrobe consider the events you intend to participate in before making your purchases. Are you going to be showing outdoors in a hot climate? Wear those bright patterned colors. What fun. Getting ready for an evening performance, finals or indoor event? Keep to the more traditional colors and show your style with different fabrication or subtle variations. You do not want to risk offending any judging panel just to show off your flair for fashion.
Topping it all off is the controversial helmet – the one item that has seen the most change in the last few years. Because of increased attention to head injuries and their prevention, helmet makers are investing efforts in manufacturing helmets that meet ASTM standards. In fact, beginning with the 2014 Built Ford Tough AQHYA World Championship Show all exhibitors in English classes will be required to compete in an ASTM/SEI approved hard hats with harness. This requirement will apply to both flat (hunter under saddle and hunt seat equitation) and over-fences classes. With legislature in the works in Washington DC to require companies to manufacture only ASTM standardized helmets, protective head gear is going to get more attention not less. It is time to get used to the look…
And if you are looking to update your hunt seat wardrobe consider the events you intend to participate in before making your purchases. Are you going to be showing outdoors in a hot climate? Wear those bright patterned colors. What fun. Getting ready for an evening performance, finals or indoor event? Keep to the more traditional colors and show your style with different fabrication or subtle variations. You do not want to risk offending any judging panel just to show off your flair for fashion.Think of your dress code as you would consider proper attire for a black tie event versus lunch with friends. While it may seem that hunt clothes keep a lid on individuality, today’s manufacturer offer more choices than ever before. Whether you choose fabrics with sheen, piping on your collar, big monograms or no monogram, one thing is for certain – there is no shortage of options with the availability of custom designed shirts and coats and clothiers ready to create your look. As always, go for comfort. You will show better when you are comfortable. Good luck and have fun.
About Stephanie Lynn: Professional Horseman Stephanie Lynn coached her first AQHA World Champion in 1988. She has since coached, trained and shown World, Congress and Honor Roll horses across disciplines. She is a judge for AQHA, NSBA and APHA and has judged World Championship shows for each association. Most recently, Stephanie is the author of The Good Rider Series and A Lifetime Affair: Lessons Learned Living My Passion. The Good Rider Series is a library of resource material that is both practical and applicable in the barn and show ring for riders. Stephanie can always be reached through her website:http://www.stephanielynn.net to answer your questions, schedule a clinic or lesson.
Photos © Boo Yah Custom Clothing
