Hot weather dressage outfits

[Kat]

I'm planning to do some dressage this summer, probably only unaffiliated Novice but might have a bash at some quest or some trailblazers. I am aware that under BD rules it is no longer the case that you have to wear a jacket unless excused and this is good because lockdown weight gain has left my tweed jacket too tight. I'm considering buying a waistcoat or maybe a new shirt for competitions in the hope that I can get into my tweed before it is cold enough to need it!

So what do you wear?

What outfits have you seen that look good?

Can you recommend me anything flattering for an overweight 40 something with huge boobs?

For context I normally wear black boots, beige jodhs, my tack is brown and I can either use a white square or a brown saddle shaped numnah. I have a navy velvet hat or a skull with a black or navy cover. My horse is bay. I have a pearl and gold sparkly browband. I would normally wear a tweed jacket with either a stock or a shirt and tie depending upon the weather and what other classes I do. My competition shirts both have short sleeves and are the traditional type rather than stretchy technical ones.

Photos for inspiration would be great! Thanks

 

[Cowpony]

I've found the dressage waistcoats are lovely but incredibly expensive, and the cheap ones tend to look it! So last summer I took the sleeves off an old show jacket, shortened it a bit and took it in at the sides so it fitted me. It looks fine, and I wear it with a long or short sleeved stock shirt.

Which reminds me, I must go and sew on the button that came off last time I wore it, before we go out on Saturday.....

 

[Kat]

I've found the dressage waistcoats are lovely but incredibly expensive, and the cheap ones tend to look it! So last summer I took the sleeves off an old show jacket, shortened it a bit and took it in at the sides so it fitted me. It looks fine, and I wear it with a long or short sleeved stock shirt.

Which reminds me, I must go and sew on the button that came off last time I wore it, before we go out on Saturday.....

I'd happily adjust something I already have but apart from my heavy hunt coat nothing will fasten over "the girls"

Have you seen the Equetech waistcoats? What is the quality and fit like?

 

[Cowpony]

Yes I actually ordered one and sent it straight back! There was no bust shaping at all. I'm fairly curvy, so it meant the armholes gaped horribly at the sides. It was awful! Probably fine if you're flat chested. And a button fell off it before I even got it out of the plastic bag.

 

[milliepops]

Buckover equibibs get a lot of positive reviews for their waistcoats. she does lots of different designs.

I have a QHP one which is stretchy and not hot, and a bit longer than some.

 

[MissTyc]

I have a buckover bibs waistcoat - it was bespoke so fits beautifully and is my favourite dressage wear for all weathers other than rain and snow!

 

[Kat]

That's disappointing about the quality of the equetech waistcoats, I have one of their jackets that is great so I hoped they might be worth a try.

Buckover bibs all look a bit fancy for me, I'm not sure I'm brave enough to wear that kind of thing.

I'll look up QHP - thanks MP

Anyone fancy sharing some photos?

 

[milliepops]

 

[CanteringCarrot]

I have a QHP that I quite like.

I want to go with something a bit more mesh like this year since it's gotten so hot here and they never allow you to ride dressage without a jacket ?‍

 

[criso]

I've got a sleeveless shirt cotton, quite loose, with a mesh panel at the back, it's very cool. I warm up in it and just slip my jacket on before I go in.

 

[humblepie]

I don't feel right not wearing a jacket but I think it is good that it is permitted not to. MP one looks very smart.

 

[Kat]

That looks great MP, I like the length especially.

I am wondering whether I could get away with just a shirt while I find a waistcoat, the rules suggest that would be ok (though unflattering).

 

[Kat]

Well dilemma solved, went to do my entry and they have closed entries early so I have more time to slim into my jacket ?

I'm a bit gutted, there are only two entries in the novice so I would have been guaranteed a rosette!

 

[soot]

I'm another buckover bibs rider. It doesn't feel over the top even on my common cob! I don't even own a fancy hat lol.

 

[soot]

Well dilemma solved, went to do my entry and they have closed entries early so I have more time to slim into my jacket ?

I'm a bit gutted, there are only two entries in the novice so I would have been guaranteed a rosette!

Oh no! That's annoying. Ask for a late entry? Many venues are happy to fit you in esp is there are low entry numbers.

 

[Kat]

I'm another buckover bibs rider. It doesn't feel over the top even on my common cob! I don't even own a fancy hat lol. View attachment 73966

Ah but you are fancy enough for a double bridle! Your cob is anything but common, you look a fab pair and I love your expression in this photo!

 

[Kat]

Oh no! That's annoying. Ask for a late entry? Many venues are happy to fit you in esp is there are low entry numbers.

I probably should, it had demotivated me a bit though!

 

[smiggy]

There’s a lady on eBay that makes tweed ones, they are lovely, very fitted and slimming and long enough to cover most wobbly bits

 

[I'm Dun]

There’s a lady on eBay that makes tweed ones, they are lovely, very fitted and slimming and long enough to cover most wobbly bitsView attachment 74020

Have you got a link to these please?

 

[Lyle]

https://www.lpdesigns.com.au/product-category/adult-collection/hrcav-riding-vests/

Different country, but these are seriously nice. Custom collars, piping, colours etc! They are fitted like a jacket without sleeves, rather than a waistcoat. I think they are more flattering that a waistcoat due to the jacket shape and vents at the back

 

[smiggy]

Have you got a link to these please?

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/16466489...a=1&pg=2334524&_trksid=p2334524.c100667.m2042

 

[Kat]

Oooh more links, thanks

 

[eggs]

I got my waistcoat from Tweedies Country Clothing (on Facebook) and am very pleased with it

 

[Kat]

Bumping this because now I am wondering whether a lightweight technical show jacket might be more useful and versatile if I decide to do any ODEs or SJ.

Any comments or suggestions for companies to look at?

 

[nikkimariet]

I know some really struggle but I just do an hour warm up in my jacket. It’s lightweight technical fabric anyway. I can’t bear the thought of getting sweaty and then putting a layer on. And waistcoats aren’t for me.

 

[Kat]

I know some really struggle but I just do an hour warm up in my jacket. It’s lightweight technical fabric anyway. I can’t bear the thought of getting sweaty and then putting a layer on. And waistcoats aren’t for me.

What make is your jacket?

I don't always have a groom so I don't always have the option of putting my jacket on at the last minute.

 

[humblepie]

I have a Shires Aubrion for dressage - not particularly expensive but a technical fabric and hand washable. Doesn't crease in the arms like some of them do. I bought it as previously always used my showing jackets which are quite thick and thought we needed to look more dressage like!

 

[Season’s Bleatings]

I have this jacket - works well for me. Hopefully the link works!
Edited to add - if you want photos of the actual jacket let me know, the web ones aren’t great.

https://www.oldmillsaddlery.com/Mob...tm_medium=shopping&utm_campaign=UnitedKingdom

 

[Kat]

I have this jacket - works well for me. Hopefully the link works!
Edited to add - if you want photos of the actual jacket let me know, the web ones aren’t great.

https://www.oldmillsaddlery.com/Mob...tm_medium=shopping&utm_campaign=UnitedKingdom

Yes please that would be great

 

[nikkimariet]

What make is your jacket?

I don't always have a groom so I don't always have the option of putting my jacket on at the last minute.

It is Animo. Me either (I wish! My friends are great but not always available!), I always warm up with my jacket on even when it’s baking. I can ignore being a bit sticky but there’s no worse feeling than trying to wriggle your sweaty self into dry clothing!