Competition clothing for real women?

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Bonnie Allie

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Please tell me I’m not the only one having this challenge? Fit, average sized woman, ridden all my life - but really challenged at the moment finding quality comp clothing that fits.

Tomorrow is my first dressage day for the year, taking two horses and wanted to get new comp kit. Post menopause which means my waist is thicker (2cm) and bust marginally fuller - everything else the same as before.

Every new jacket is a bum freezer, I’ve never had a bum worth looking at especially in breeches so these are not going to work. Sparkles? Look amazing on the young stick insects that ride - but not on me. Size 12 bit snug in the bust area (think squirrels in a paper bag) but size 14 looks like a shapeless sack (a short sack with sparkles).

White breeches - I’ve never looked great in these but this year the thin material, the overuse of silicon, the fake pockets on the bum and the price for crap that is mass manufactured has left me frustrated.

Tomorrow I’m putting on my 20yr old Cavallo breeches which are beige not white and riding in my 15yr old 2nd hand jacket that is stunningly cut and tailored in the UK. I will look like the silly old lady from yesteryear but despite trying to spend money on new comp kit - Ihave been unsuccessful.

I’m not price sensitive, can be new or preloved, just want well tailored clothing from quality fabrics. Where to find quality well fitting comp kit please?
 
HorzeHoods do fabulous thick breeches which are white/cream but then have a dark seat - not visible when sitting but much more 'flattering' for the rest of the time (I hate that word but not sure what to use in its place).

Boobs are IMPOSSIBLE with riding jackets though, I have found that for sure! I wear a tight sports bra to try and smush mine down as much as possible.
 
When I think I can't do my current job I do think about making nice longer jackets with technical fabric in good colours. I can't stand white I'm clumsy and at certain times of the month it would be damn near impossible to wear. Clearly a man thought this was a good idea 😂 I think you can wear navy or black these days though?
 
Bonnie Allie said:
Please tell me I’m not the only one having this challenge? Fit, average sized woman, ridden all my life - but really challenged at the moment finding quality comp clothing that fits.

Tomorrow is my first dressage day for the year, taking two horses and wanted to get new comp kit. Post menopause which means my waist is thicker (2cm) and bust marginally fuller - everything else the same as before.

Every new jacket is a bum freezer, I’ve never had a bum worth looking at especially in breeches so these are not going to work. Sparkles? Look amazing on the young stick insects that ride - but not on me. Size 12 bit snug in the bust area (think squirrels in a paper bag) but size 14 looks like a shapeless sack (a short sack with sparkles).

White breeches - I’ve never looked great in these but this year the thin material, the overuse of silicon, the fake pockets on the bum and the price for crap that is mass manufactured has left me frustrated.

Tomorrow I’m putting on my 20yr old Cavallo breeches which are beige not white and riding in my 15yr old 2nd hand jacket that is stunningly cut and tailored in the UK. I will look like the silly old lady from yesteryear but despite trying to spend money on new comp kit - Ihave been unsuccessful.

I’m not price sensitive, can be new or preloved, just want well tailored clothing from quality fabrics. Where to find quality well fitting comp kit please?
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You can't beat vintage/retro if you ask me, leave the sparkly mini jackets for the young and stick with your old jacket that fits.
 
My most forgiving breeches are Mark Todd. My posh ones are Pikeur.
I too found 34" waist and larger are hard to find. I got some 2nd hand on e bay.
In summer I ride in denim breeches which I much prefer.
 
I’m with you on this. I can’t stand silicone and don’t understand the fashion for white jods, short jackets and skin tight base layers. I don’t have the boob issue as I don’t really have any, I just have solid thighs that look awful in most jods, let alone really thin white ones!

I did manage to get an Equetech jacket last year that was the same length as my old Dublin one and still had a reasonable shape to it so it might be worth you having a look at their website.

I think I’m going to try some of the Horzehoods tights in the thicker material, either their really light beige ones or if I’m feeling really brave I might try the white ones with the dark seat. Whether they’ll fit or not and what they’ll look like remains to be seen though!
 
HelenBack said:
I’m with you on this. I can’t stand silicone and don’t understand the fashion for white jods, short jackets and skin tight base layers. I don’t have the boob issue as I don’t really have any, I just have solid thighs that look awful in most jods, let alone really thin white ones!

I did manage to get an Equetech jacket last year that was the same length as my old Dublin one and still had a reasonable shape to it so it might be worth you having a look at their website.

I think I’m going to try some of the Horzehoods tights in the thicker material, either their really light beige ones or if I’m feeling really brave I might try the white ones with the dark seat. Whether they’ll fit or not and what they’ll look like remains to be seen though!
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I’ve got an Equetech jacket and breeches. I think they are good for the price and a traditional style. Day to day stuff is Harry Hall.
 
I saw a lady wearing white with black seat and they looked very smart. Mind you, she’d have looked good in anything! I tried on about six pairs of white breeches they were unflattering, thin material which showed vpl. The very last pair looked good. That was about ten years ago and they are still my best ones. I also wear an ancient black jacket as it’s a nice cut.
 
Orangehorse said:
I really hate those short jackets, they look as though they have shrunk in the wash.

What happened to "does my bum look big in this?" Well, yes it does, not a flattering fashion at all.

Older clothes are a different cut, much more flattering.
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Yep, they look like they're wearing a kid's jacket they've outgrown.

They're not flattering at all, for those who are not sticks, the shorter the jacket, the wider it will make you look. As someone who already looks like a potato, it's a hard no from me!
 
HelenBack said:
I’m with you on this. I can’t stand silicone and don’t understand the fashion for white jods, short jackets and skin tight base layers. I don’t have the boob issue as I don’t really have any, I just have solid thighs that look awful in most jods, let alone really thin white ones!

I did manage to get an Equetech jacket last year that was the same length as my old Dublin one and still had a reasonable shape to it so it might be worth you having a look at their website.

I think I’m going to try some of the Horzehoods tights in the thicker material, either their really light beige ones or if I’m feeling really brave I might try the white ones with the dark seat. Whether they’ll fit or not and what they’ll look like remains to be seen though!
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I second Equetech but if you can find the Lucinda Green range or Musto, they are brilliant. Unfortunately, I sold mine but they are what you seek, bust cut right and a waist which sits in the right place once in the saddle! I'd definitely recommend a search on Facebook marketplace or Vnted! Good luck!
 
Jenko109 said:
Stick insects?

Imagine the vitriol someone would receive if they described a bigger person as being an 'Elephant' or a 'Hippo'

Why is talking about thin women in a derogatory manner normalised?
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Who has said that? "Squirrels in a bag" has been mentioned and I described myself as a potato, would you have preferred hippo or elephant? Wouldn't really be accurate for me what with being vertically challenged. Stop inventing stuff to be offended about.
 
marmalade76 said:
Who has said that? "Squirrels in a bag" has been mentioned and I described myself as a potato, would you have preferred hippo or elephant? Wouldn't really be accurate for me what with being vertically challenged. Stop inventing stuff to be offended about.
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In the OP’s post. We are all free to describe ourselves in whatever way we wish, but the point being made is that it would be considered universally inappropriate to refer to someone as a hippo. To that end, it is also inappropriate to describe someone as a stick insect.

Body shaming, in whatever form, is never acceptable.
 
Go with the vintage! I’m forever searching for ‘vintage’ stuff on Vinted because I’m a small 14 and sizes from 20 years ago means I can confidently know it’ll fit. I wish they did in between sizes, like Geordie Jeans back in the day (local chain of shops).

Rydale might have the right jacket, the 14 is big on me, so I reckon the 12 might be the right size on you for a jacket and they’re not bum skimming.
 
VictoriaSponge said:
In the OP’s post. We are all free to describe ourselves in whatever way we wish, but the point being made is that it would be considered universally inappropriate to refer to someone as a hippo. To that end, it is also inappropriate to describe someone as a stick insect.

Body shaming, in whatever form, is never acceptable.
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How is it body shaming? I was a stick insect at one time, if someone had actually called me that I'd have taken it as a compliment.
 
When I've spent a day stewarding at a dressage I actually thought that the jodphurs/ tights with the dark seats were really unflattering. They look great from a right side on angle but especially from behind I actually thought they made peoples backsides look bigger. Having said that, I think they're great if they can save some stain remover and also if it's your time of the month then they're a brilliant way of giving you safety while still wearing pale jodphurs.

For jodphurs I find flexars hard to beat but admit to having had nightmares with jackets. I've got one that just about will do but think I'm going to have to for vintage for a better one. Will follow this thread for inspiration!
 
marmalade76 said:
How is it body shaming? I was a stick insect at one time, if someone had actually called me that I'd have taken it as a compliment.
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Which is great, but many people struggle with how their weight is perceived inwardly/outwardly at both ends of the spectrum. Being a “stick insect” does not necessarily equate to having a healthy relationship with ones body and should not make it free game for others to comment on that person. Commenting on someone else’s weight can be equally as hurtful and shameful whether calling them a “hippo” or a “stick insect”.

But I think we may be digressing from the original thread slightly, we’re all “real women” who deserve clothes that fit and make us feel good, without the need for comparison to animals.
 
VictoriaSponge said:
Which is great, but many people struggle with how their weight is perceived inwardly/outwardly at both ends of the spectrum. Being a “stick insect” does not necessarily equate to having a healthy relationship with ones body and should not make it free game for others to comment on that person. Commenting on someone else’s weight can be equally as hurtful and shameful whether calling them a “hippo” or a “stick insect”.

But I think we may be digressing from the original thread slightly, we’re all “real women” who deserve clothes that fit and make us feel good, without the need for comparison to animals.
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OP was not referring to anyone specifically or personally, I took it as meaning young folks as opposed to us the wrong side of 40, or who've had children. I suspect most of us were thin when we were young, and are not so much now or have different proportions or shape.

Incidently, what would you consider non offensive words to describe people who are thin? Or overweight people or those inbetween? Or are we simply not allowed to describe anybody's appearance now? "Sorry officer, I couldn't possibly describe the build of the perp, wouldn't want to offend anyone".
 
marmalade76 said:
OP was not referring to anyone specifically or personally, I took it as meaning young folks as opposed to us the wrong side of 40, or who've had children. I suspect most of us were thin when we were young, and are not so much now or have different proportions or shape.

Incidently, what would you consider non offensive words to describe people who are thin? Or overweight people or those inbetween? Or are we simply not allowed to describe anybody's appearance now? "Sorry officer, I couldn't possibly describe the build of the perp, wouldn't want to offend anyone".
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I think you’re aware that you’re taking my good intention to slightly ridiculous proportions. If I was mugged by a thin or fat person I’d describe them as such and wouldn’t shy away from that.

What I will do is challenge the way that we discuss and speak about weight on a public platform such as this because I believe that it is a space to respect the felling of others. If I was a young rider reading this, who did have issues with my weight, maybe it would hurt me to consider that other women, who should be setting the example, view me as a “stick insect”; I’d find it demeaning. Maybe it wouldn’t, but it is important that we are aware of how the way we use language is interpreted and the influence that has.
 
VictoriaSponge said:
I think you’re aware that you’re taking my good intention to slightly ridiculous proportions. If I was mugged by a thin or fat person I’d describe them as such and wouldn’t shy away from that.

What I will do is challenge the way that we discuss and speak about weight on a public platform such as this because I believe that it is a space to respect the felling of others. If I was a young rider reading this, who did have issues with my weight, maybe it would hurt me to consider that other women, who should be setting the example, view me as a “stick insect”; I’d find it demeaning. Maybe it wouldn’t, but it is important that we are aware of how the way we use language is interpreted and the influence that has.
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No, you're being ridiculous so I responded with ridiculousness.
 
If anyone does know of any brands of show jacket currently available that aren't bum freezers I'd be thrilled to know what brand. Am not adverse to sparkles or technical fabrics but mainly just want something that covers bum/tum and doesn't look like a square potato sack on me, I have a plentiful bust and tiny waist so really struggling at present to not look spudesque in any I try on 😒
 
ElleSkywalker said:
If anyone does know of any brands of show jacket currently available that aren't bum freezers I'd be thrilled to know what brand. Am not adverse to sparkles or technical fabrics but mainly just want something that covers bum/tum and doesn't look like a square potato sack on me, I have a plentiful bust and tiny waist so really struggling at present to not look spudesque in any I try on 😒
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I have a Pikeur Diana jacket. It is a longer cut and I think flattering. Plus you can bung it in the washing machine.
 
I was just about to say Pikeur Diana (if they still do them!) or try and get hold second hand. They did 2 versions, a washable fabric and a wool mix.

Oh and beige breeches all the way!
Pikeur laguna for people with some hips!
 
VictoriaSponge said:
If “ridiculous” is wanting to respect others, I’ll happily be called that.

I believe that you do consider that being called a stick insect is a compliment, but I think differently and will behave as such.
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The OP obviously didn’t intend to cause offence. You’ve made your point, there is no need to keep harping on about it.
 
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