Is there a market for this?

A

angela_l_b

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My mother is an incredible seamstress and can make pretty much anything from wedding dresses to teatowels... Recently she was asked to make a fitted driving apron which has worked out really well and the people buying it are pleased. Which got me thinking... Is there a market for bespoke equestrian wear? Would you pay to have an item of clothing made or altered, and if so what item would it be?

I was thinking in particular of XC colours as it's so hard to find comfortable ones in nice material in exactly the right colours. Any other ideas?

Thank you!
 
I would pay for personal cross country colours, and also for a fitted driving apron come to think of it, so yes I would think there would be a market.
 
I do know a few who have had thier driving aprons made/fitted as everyone has different needs, for example, my headcoachwoman is rather petite and has to roll her apron up! I need extra width in mine because I'm a fattie! I think there is a market but it may be rather neiche to those who are standard heights/weights etc, a bit like having made to measure riding boots if you have short lower legs. Could be a nice little earner on the side though.

Oh side saddle habits could be another one!
 
I like the idea of making fitted reversible aprons that are waterproof and fleece! then they could be used for normal driving, even if its wet, and use the fleece side for showing!
 
I'd pay to have a tweed or show jump jacket made (if i had the money lol) as i have great difficulty getting one to fit properly, i have broad shoulders and a nipped in waist which means i normally have to go up a size to get it fit across my shoulders. But then i have the jacket flapping around my waist which makes me look bigger than i am. Also i find jackets tight around the tops of my arms/armpits which restricts my movement.
 
I think its a really good idea, go for it!
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I may be able to help you with where to get some of the more specialist fabrics in small quantities (eg quality melton, buckles etc etc) if you want to PM me.

The one note of caution I would say is in the made-to-measure side of thing. make sure you really tie down exactly what the customer wants and get them to double/treble check their measurements! (We make bespoke showing numnahs and you would be amazed at some of the flaky information we get. You can then get into the situation where you make another one because the customer got it wrong and waste fabric/time etc just because you want to keep the customer happy...)
 
What about browbands, waist coats, scrunchie bobbles and ties etc for all the show pony crowd, they often want personal colours and patterns.
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I know a fair few that do it but if your mum can have large selection of things people can order, then I'm sure that would be better for business.
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[ QUOTE ]
I like the idea of making fitted reversible aprons that are waterproof and fleece! then they could be used for normal driving, even if its wet, and use the fleece side for showing!

[/ QUOTE ]

Yep, I've seen them on the HDT and showing circuit when it's raining, warm up waterproof, flip it over in the ring. Plus even when the fleece is on top theres still a waterproof layer.

I really need a driving apron.... lol
 
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
I like the idea of making fitted reversible aprons that are waterproof and fleece! then they could be used for normal driving, even if its wet, and use the fleece side for showing!

[/ QUOTE ]

Yep, I've seen them on the HDT and showing circuit when it's raining, warm up waterproof, flip it over in the ring. Plus even when the fleece is on top theres still a waterproof layer.

I really need a driving apron.... lol

[/ QUOTE ]

Have to admit I have never seen a reversible one, but they sound like a great idea!
I really ought to get myself an apron too, I normally drive without one (tut tut I know) then borrow a friends fleece one if I am showing,
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Why do you need a driving apron? What is it for - keeping warm, or is it some kind of safety thing? Not meaning to hi-jack the OP's thread, but I don't know anything about driving and I'm curious.
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someone correct me if I am wrong, as I am not a hugely keyed up on the clothing side, but I believe it is because if you are driving with leather reins in the wet it stops the reins staining your trousers. Also because it looks outwardly as if you are wearing a skirt which is traditional. I may be wrong though.
 
It is partially what cheiro1 says, as traditionally you use tan reins which can run (something to do with tanning process) plus when you are sat on the box seat only your upper body is moving really (ok if you're driving marathon you might be using independant brakes) so you're legs can get very, very cold! lol

TBH a blanket can do the job but 1)blankets are dangerous in an emergancy where you can get tangled and end up under the wheels if you are thrown/need to jump clear 2) it's correct turnout for just about everything!
 
Reversible driving aprons are widely available, so would need to be nice to gain interest, being made-to-measure may do the trick. I would love a show jacket made that fits me in all places, but not cost a fortune. I want it all!
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