Savvy Show Clothing Shopping

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236 – October, 2016

By Taylor Fabus

When searching for a horse show outfit, the selection can be daunting. Have no fear; by following a few simple steps even the most inexperienced shopper can be on their way to finding the perfect complement to his/her equine partner. If this edition of The Equine Chronicle is in the hands of a savvy shopper browsing the racks at the All American Quarter Horse Congress, you’re in luck.

This article aims not only to guide a customer through the shopping process, but also to inform the consumer about what goes into creating these intricate garments that often take more than 100 hours to design, build, embellish, and complete. First things first, let’s learn the basics about selecting and analyzing horse show clothing.

THERE’S NOTHING MORE IMPORTANT THAN FIT

Proper fit is something that knows no budget. Price tags on some high-end jackets rival the cost of a used car, but if that outfit doesn’t fit well, it won’t be flattering. On the other hand, taking a second-hand, but well-made, jacket to a skilled tailor can easily result in a flattering, stylish, and inexpensive show ring staple. Fit has the ability to highlight strengths while concealing a rider’s weaker areas. As two of the pioneers in the custom show clothing world, Carolyn Berry, Berry Fit owner, and Polly Vandall, designer, explain, “Garments should fit well, be comfortable, and contain design lines that hide or accent figures. With thoughtful design and fit, shoulders can be squared, a dropped shoulder can be hidden, broad shoulders can be brought in, narrow shoulders can be broadened, short waists can be made to appear longer, and even weight can be visually diminished.”

Furthermore, Anna Omodeo of La Collezione Di Anna, a popular Italian designer of high-end show clothing, suggests, “When working on Showmanship and Horsemanship outfits, I suggest talking with the trainer to check if there are parts of the body to highlight or parts to divert attention from. We must not forget that what we wear must not only be nice, but also functional to the competitive performance.” Keep in mind that tailoring a piece is also one of the most difficult skills for a seamstress to hone. This is why shoppers should expect to pay more for a custom piece. In addition to a perfect fit, a custom piece provides the opportunity to showcase your unique style and personality.

Click here to read the complete article
236 – October, 2016