What to Wear to Dressage
Share
Dressage is an equine sport steeped in tradition and history. It’s well known for its unique combination of precision, skill and elegance, allowing you to show off your riding prowess and your horse’s training.
While your movements and balance are vital for achieving a high score, your competition outfit is equally important to your success. Governing bodies like British Dressage (BD) also lay out specific rules for competitor dress that all participants must adhere to.
If you’re preparing to enter the ring for the first time, we’ve created this guide for you. With our years of experience and extensive range of high-quality dressage attire, we’ll ensure you’re correctly and stylishly kitted out.
Curating Your Dressage Competition Outfit
Equestrian dressage clothing is usually subtle, elegant and understated. It should also be unrestrictive, functional and comfortable, allowing you to move freely and showcase your skills as a rider.
Follow these guidelines to create your own dressage competition outfit.
Breeches and Jodhpurs
You may wear both breeches and jodhpurs for official dressage contests, so you can choose your preferred option.
British Dressage rules state that horse riding trousers should be predominantly a single, solid colour, without bold patterns or stripes. The LeMieux Freya Pro Breeches in white or beige are the perfect choice. However, with that said, jodhpurs and breeches with darker, contrasting seats are welcome at competitions.
Dressage Competition Jackets and Shirts
British Dressage allows you to wear any single-colour jacket, tail coat, or fitted waistcoat, as well as tweed jackets and coats if you prefer. You can also opt for a plain, waterproof dressage competition jacket to keep you dry in rainy conditions. Avoid wearing gilets, as they are not allowed for competitive attire.
You’re welcome to accentuate your outfit with a jacket with subtle patterns, cuffs, collars, or even crystal embellishments to distinguish your look. As for your competition shirts, it is best to keep them simple with short or long sleeves in a solid colour, fastened with a tie, stock, or round collar for a professional result. The Ariat Ladies Showstopper 3.0 Shirt and the LeMieux Emily Short Sleeve Show Shirt are excellent choices for dressage attire.
Horse Riding Boots
UK dressage rules allow you to wear any boots designed for horse riding in the arena. This includes short and tall riding boots with or without gaiters and half chaps. If you choose to wear half chaps or gaiters, make sure they are the same colour as your boots of choice.
There are no colour limitations for short and tall riding boots. However, in the spirit of dressage, we recommend choosing a pair like the Ariat Ladies Heritage Contour II Field Zip Boot or Moretta Lucilla Leather Jodhpur Boots in classic, refined hues like black or brown. This will help to ensure your dressage attire retains a sleek and stylish look.
Hats, Gloves, and Body Protectors
Riding hats are an essential part of your dressage attire and must be worn at all times according to official rules. This includes when you are warming up, exercising your horse, and competing in the arena. British Dressage requests that you choose hats, jockey skulls, and hat covers in conservative colours like black, brown, fawn, and navy blue.
Your riding hat must also meet at least one or more of the following safety standards:
● VG1
● PAS 015
● SNELL E2016
● E2021
● EN1384:2023
● ASTM F1163 2015
● AS/NZS 3838 2006
BD also suggests choosing a hat with the BSI kite, SAI, or SEI marks for exceptional protection and safety during competitions.
You’ll need to wear gloves at all times during dressage contests, too. You may also wear a body protector, air jacket, or soft shell air jacket for extra protection in the arena. As always, make sure your gloves and body protector are subtle and sophisticated colours to keep your outfit refined.
Training vs Competition Outfits
The dressage attire guidelines laid out by British Dressage are primarily for official competitors. Training outfits are often more relaxed and casual and focused on practicality and comfort. Riders in training can wear riding vests, gilets like the LeMieux Ladies Gayle Gilet, more casual jackets suited to the weather and any comfortable and breathable riding shirt.
Short or tall riding boots can be worn for training, and breeches or jodhpurs in any colour you choose can be worn. Your riding hat can also be in your preferred colours, but it should always meet strict safety standards to offer proper protection.
Tips for Choosing Quality Dressage Attire
Use these tips to choose high-quality and durable dressage attire. The right clothing will help optimise your performance on horseback while feeling confident during training and in front of judges.
● Select a riding helmet that meets strict safety standards and flatters your dressage outfits' look and colour scheme. It should also fit snugly and securely and provide plenty of ventilation to keep you cool in all weather conditions.
● Invest in a stylish dressage jacket in a versatile, conservative colour like black or navy blue. Choose a jacket with a fabric weight and type that will keep you comfortable in all weather conditions and a cut that allows you to move freely.
● Pair your jacket with a sophisticated shirt in white or light pastels. It should be made from soft, moisture-wicking materials like cotton and synthetic blends for optimal breathability during intense competitions and training sessions.
● Choose breeches and jodhpurs in classic colours like white, black, navy or beige. Your trousers should provide good stretch and durability, a cosy fit, and excellent breathability.
● Invest in horse riding boots made from quality genuine leather, cut just below the knee for superior stability, grip, and support.
● Accessorise your outfits with subtle accents like stock ties, pins, elegant gloves, and brooches to express your individuality while adhering to competition dress codes.
Find Quality Equestrian Dressage Clothing at Ayr Equestrian
Ayr Equestrian has everything you need to create a stylish, practical, and traditional dressage competition outfit for your next session in the arena.
Our premium selection of dressage wear includes quality breeches and jodhpurs, competition coats and shirts, short and tall riding boots, and riding hats from brands like Ariat, Brogini, and LeMieux. With us, you can dress confidently for every event.