13 minute read
Dressed for success
DRESSAGE TREADS A DELICATE LINE BETWEEN TRADITION AND FUNCTION WHEN IT COMES TO COMPETITION CLOTHING, BUT THERE’S STILL ROOM FOR INDIVIDUALITY AND FLAIR. JANE CARLEY LOOKS AT SOME OF THE LATEST TRENDS.
BD’s established rules are designed to ensure the rider stays faithful to the origins of the sport while being permitted to wear practical, comfortable attire. They also allow for the use of modern technical fabrics which adapt to our unpredictable climate and have been specified to be cared for without a team of valets or ladies’ maids. Whatever we choose to wear, the focus should always be on the horse and its performance, but that shouldn’t stop us enjoying the shopping or the wearing! The entre ine offers a range of hand-picked, innovative products and co-founder Claire Hubbard gives the lowdown on what’s in for this season in the competition arena.
“With the advances in technical sports fabrics, the competition jacket now comes into its own with lightweight, breathable and stretch properties. Lotus Romeo is a uropean brand that has offered dynamic design with cutting edge fabrics for nearly a decade. Their unique short tailcoat has been a favourite of many small tour riders and being able to customise it – within the BD rules and regulations – is hugely popular to give that individual look for any rider.”
By adding highlights such as contrast piping and collars, custom linings and beautiful buttons to BD’s required ‘muted’ colours, any rider can make a style statement, Claire points out.
“The four-way stretch fabric for jackets and tailcoats gives riders the optimum in
movement on their horse. Modern sports horses are huge movers, they need the rider to be able to move with them so having a fitted, yet fully functional jacket is a must.
Keeping the rider’s body temperature down is also a consideration. “After the extreme heat that riders had to cope with competing in Rio and Tokyo, Lotus Romeo has developed a new mesh fabric that has been fashioned into a short jacket and a tailcoat. It’s a single layer of fine stretch mesh, with no lining, that when worn is almost imperceptible from that of a traditional navy competition jacket/tailcoat.”
A key colour for this season is a mid-blue, as sported by Carl Hester when he debuted his new tailcoat at Keysoe in March 2022, she comments.
And for the ultimate in personalisation, Lotus Romeo can embroider script into the lining of the jacket – for example the horse and rider’s name or even a motivational phrase. Imagine your tailcoat reminding you that ‘You’ve got this’ just when you need to hear it!
Classic Dressage has also seen the impact of modern designs using technical fabrics for tailcoats, director Julia Hornig comments. “We love the structured mesh inserts on the arm and back that Cavalleria Toscana provide. You get great wearability with a stunning look – it’s both cooling and attering.”
Breeches have probably seen the greatest evolution in the last 40 years or so, and while white is almost universally the colour of choice, there’s still plenty to consider.
Alongside its extensive range of casual riding wear, Toggi uses the latest fabrics for its competition breeches. “The designs feature exible fabrics that mould to your every movement and superior water repellency for added comfort and ultra-practicality,” explains Toggi spokesperson Mel Newman.” High waisted styles are popular as they give you unlimited movement and keep you covered and comfortable.”
“These four-way stretch polyamide fabrics are popular because they are lightweight enough to feel like a second skin but also have enough structure to give you the support that you need. Toggi Flexi breeches and the Toggi Contour are crafted from lightweight fabrics that are fully breathable and wick away sweat keeping you cool and comfortable in hot weather.”
Suede seated, heavy breeches that had to be washed by hand are largely a thing of the past, Mel reports, with silicone becoming widely popular for the level of security in the saddle it provides.
But cut and design remains very important, she points out. “The Toggi design team have worked on numerous design options and had samples made and tested by our team before achieving the correct fit.”
Another advantage of modern grip s eats, points out Julia Hornig, is that they stretch with the rest of the breech, increasing comfort.
“Functional fabrics avoid that ‘seethrough’ effect as they stretch,” she explains. “They may appear thinner than traditional fabrics, but offer more support and are thus more attering. It’s important to try different styles on to see what suits your body shape. Breathability is another plus when temperatures rise.”
ABOVE LEFT: WHILE BD RULES REQUIRE JACKETS AND TAILCOATS TO BE OF A MUTED COLOUR, THERE’S STILL PLENTY OF ROOM TO EXPRESS YOUR INDIVIDUALITY. LEFT: ADDING HIGHLIGHTS SUCH AS CONTRAST PIPING AND COLLARS, CUSTOMER LINING AND BEAUTIFUL BUTTONS, SUCH AS ON THIS LOTUS ROMEO TAILCOAT, MAKES A STYLE STATEMENT. ABOVE INSET: BAMBOO FABRIC USED BY CAVALEROS FOR ITS BREECHES GIVES BREATHABILITY, FLEXIBILITY AND SOFTNESS. RIGHT: A TECHNICAL SUPER SOFT STRETCH FABRIC ALSO FEATURES IN THE OLIVIA SHOW SHIRTS FROM LEMIEUX, WHILE LASER CUT LACE ADDS A TOUCH OF STYLE.
The introduction of bamboo fabric by brands such as Cavaleros, distributed by The Centre Line, gives riders breathability, exibility and softness while being incredibly hardwearing, points out laire ubbard. “The men’s range has proved to be very popular as the stretch off ered by the bamboo mix means that the same breeches can be worn by a slim rider or by one with a bigger thigh, without having to change waist si e.”
And in another nod to high performance sportswear, avalleria Toscana Revolution breeches now feature energising’ compression, suggests distributor Zebra roducts. This special textile is designed to help legs feel lighter at the end of the day thanks to a stretch and compressive system that improves blood ow, reducing fatigue. e ieux is renowned for using the latest fabrics and off ering innovative styles in its collections. arketing manager o ard comments “ e know a priority for riders, along with comfort and function, is a attering fi t. The e ieux ynamique breeches have a high elasticated waist band and are made from a soft four way stretch, unique double bonded fabric that ensures the avoidance of transparency. These come in both full seat silicone and knee grip options to suit all riders’ preferences.”
“A new addition to our competition range, the e ieux livia show shirts have been created with a technical super soft fabric that make them ideal performance wear. Sweat wicking, breathable, and quick drying material is enhanced further with beautifully delicate, laser cut lace details on the sleeves and back to allow air ow and regulate heat and moisture. These shirts meet the rules and are available in both long and short sleeve styles, in white and navy for added choice.” hen it comes to boots, patent leather is still a best seller as they always look great with little eff ort, comments ulia. owever, there are plenty of options if you want to try something diff erent.
“The relaxation of the rules to allow colours such as grey boots allows a little individuality,” she says.
Konigs has enabled riders to personalise every option of their boots, points out distributor ebra roducts, with endless colour opportunities and styles. As well as a wide range of diff erent shades in the alermo collection for example, trims range from patent to glitter and crystals.
ABOVE: TAILCOATS FROM CAVELLERIA TOSCANA FEATURE STRUCTURED MESH INSERTS IN THE ARM AND BACK, DESIGNED TO BE BOTH COOLING AND FLATTERING. BELOW: ALTHOUGH BOOTS MUST BE CONVENTIONAL IN STYLE, KÖNIGS OFFERS PLENTY OF OPPORTUNITIES FOR CUSTOMISATION.
BD RULES ON CLOTHING
JACKET
May be in any conservative colour, in muted tones. Should not be brightly coloured or have bold patterns. Subtle pinstripes are permitted as are coloured collars and contrast piping to collar, lapels, pockets and vents. Red collars with white/silver piping are not permitted on a navy jacket or tailcoat unless you are a championship team rider.
SHOW SHIRTS
Long or short sleeved, to fasten at the neck with a tie, white round collar or correctly fastened stock in any solid colour.
BREECHES
To be plain white, cream, beige or canary yellow except when being worn with offi cial service uniform, when they may be of the uniform colour.
BOOTS
Conventional boots designed for riding are to be worn.
COMPETITION CLOTHING
PRODUCT WATCH
LOTUS ROMEO NORA JACKET
The Centre Line is the exclusive UK distributor of the premium equestrian brand, Lotus Romeo. This Nora jacket has been created for riders who choose to ride in elegance and style, without compromising on comfort. Crafted from breathable, soft, featherlight technical fabric with mesh lining and Swarovski crystal buttons, this jacket is in a league of its own. Featuring double piping around the collar, over the pockets and on the feminine lines to the back, you will be sure to stand out from the crowd in Lotus Romeo. There are many colour options and Lotus Romeo Jackets are made to suit your style, using your choice of technical material, trims, linings and buttons.
RRP: FROM £460 | thecentreline.co.uk
CUSTOM SCHARF RIDING HATS are incredibly
smart and lightweight with fantastic airflow and superior breathability, you wouldn’t even know you have one on. They are also easily adjustable so you can ensure the perfect fit. The great advantage to these hats is that you have endless choice to match them to your competition jackets. Whether you choose customised colour combinations, Swarovski crystals or even your own logo, The Centre Line can help you create the perfect match to suit your own unique style. Scharf hats conform to VG01.40 2014-12 and ASTM F1162-15 with SEI mark. Sizes: XS/S (48 – 52cm); S/M (53 – 57cm); L/XL (58 – 62cm).
RRP: FROM £156 | thecentreline.co.uk
LEMIEUX OLIVIA SHORT SLEEVE SHOW SHIRT
provides the perfect blend of elegance and performance with super soft stretch fabric. An invisible front zip closure keeps the shirt sleek and the intricate diamante detailing adds just the right amount of sparkle. Delicate, laser-cut lace sleeve and back detail provides subtle charm while also allowing air fl ow through the shirt to regulate heat and moisture. Finished with a white show collar with LeMieux stud detail.
RRP: £44.95 | lemieuxproducts.com
EQUILINE ADELLEK FULL GRIP AND HIGH
WAIST women’s breeches in B-MOVE fabric (light and extremely breathable). Ergonomic Italian tailoring for maximum comfort and freedom of movement. Full grip system providing better stability while riding. Modern design characterised by stretch fastening system on bottom legs. Available in white, blue, black, night grey.
RRP: £199 | equiline.it
CAVALLERIA TOSCANA RIDING TAILCOAT
This women's riding tailcoat combines elegance and performance. The highly breathable and water repellent technical performance. The highly breathable and water repellent technical four-way stretch fabric follows through your movements without four-way stretch fabric follows through your movements without constriction. The fabric also provides antibacterial properties constriction. The fabric also provides antibacterial properties and UV protection, ideal for sports activities. The tailcoat is and UV protection, ideal for sports activities. The tailcoat is refi ned by an alcantara collar, piping and points, while the refi ned by an alcantara collar, piping and points, while the metallic buttons are refi ned by a logo. Bottom tails include removable weights for greater stabilty and elegance during performance. The look is completed by a functional front pocket and an embroidered logo on the shoulder. Available in black or navy in sizes 36-46.
OFF THE SADDLE
EMMA SATCHEL
handbag is crafted from buffalo leather that will get softer leather that will get softer the more it is used. The top the more it is used. The top handle is suitable to carry handle is suitable to carry in your hands, alternately in your hands, alternately there is a detachable there is a detachable shoulder strap to keep shoulder strap to keep your hands free. The bag your hands free. The bag fastens at the front with two fastens at the front with two buckles and is embossed with buckles and is embossed with the Grays 1922 logo and snaffl e the Grays 1922 logo and snaffl e bit fi tment to the front. Inside there is bit fi tment to the front. Inside there is a large main compartment with a zipped pocket, phone holder and key compartment. On the base of the bag there are protective brass studs. there are protective brass studs. crafted from buffalo leather Embossed at the front with the Grays 1922 logo and snaffl e bit fi tment. There is a large main
JODIE HANDBAG is
crafted from buffalo leather that will get better with age. The carry handles are the perfect size to fi t comfortably over the arm or alternatively there is a detachable strap to keep your hands free. Embossed at the front with the Grays 1922 logo and snaffl e bit fi tment. There is a large main compartment with two side pockets and the front and back of the bag there are two zipped compartments and protective brass studs on the base. THE NAVY GILET is perfect for everyday wear. There are ribbed stretch side panels for a fl attering fi t. Featuring two zipped pockets on either side with embossed rubber snaffl e detailing to the pullers along with a two-way zip on the front to fasten the gilet and a detachable hood with poppers. Branded on the chest with an embossed rubber Grays 1922 logo. Made with a matte outer fabric; lightweight and warm with 200 gramme polyester fi lling.
detachable hood with poppers.
