4 Dressage Fashion Trends & Salute-Worthy Styles

Dress(age) for the score you want with these fashion-forward trends.

Dressage is an equestrian sport that is highly technical in nature and highly visual and beautiful to watch. The harmony between horse and rider can create a seemingly effortless spectacle as the pair uses nearly-invisible cues to communicate. As equestrians, we strive for a deep bond with our equine partners like those we witness in the dressage arena.

Riding well is the most important part of your dressage test, but dressing well can help put your score over the top. Judges take in the entire “picture” of horse and rider. In this article, we’ll discuss four dressage fashion trends:

• Show coats in fun colors
• Helmet details
• Lace show shirts
• Embellished stock ties

Stylish options are available across a range of price points, and buying gently-used apparel is a great option if you’re watching your wallet. Don’t be afraid to get creative, as long as you stay within the sport’s guidelines.

Dressage Outfit Rules Explained

There are strict rules and expectations garnered for each movement in a dressage test, and the same level of detail carries over to rider fashion.

Looking sharp doesn’t just impress the judges. You’ll feel more confident in the arena, too!

There are rules that must be followed to compete at recognized dressage shows, but there’s plenty of room for self-expression.

Make sure you read the USDF rulebook before competing in any dressage show so you’re familiar with the expectations.

Riders should wear the following:

• Show coat (conservative color)
• Shirt with collar
• Stock tie and pin
• White gloves
• White breeches
• Tall boots
• Helmet
• Hairnet (women)

Within those bumper rails are plenty of ways to express yourself (and show off your horse).

Remember, fashion should be fun, so don’t get too caught up in price tags and brands.

Simply feeling your best and presenting a well-kept appearance will improve your ride and impress the judges.

Learn about 7 Ways to Wow Judges and Improve Your Dressage Score.

Trend #1: Show Coats in Fun Colors

Gone are the days of only having a choice between black and navy show coats. Black is still a staple, and every dressage rider should have at least one black show coat in his or her closet.

These days, however, there are many alternative colors that you can wear for your dressage test.* (No red coats though, as this is the color of Team USA.)

*Note: This pertains to short coats only–not shadbelly jackets (i.e. coats with tails). Short coats are worn from Introductory Level through Fourth Level.

Keep in mind that your dressage coat must be a “conservative color.”

Within those guidelines, choose a coat you love and that complements your horse’s color. You don’t have to select a coat in a single color either. You can wear a black coat with colorful details (e.g. piping on the collar).

My Top Picks:

• Affinity® Show Coat (Kerrits)
• Burgundy Competition Jacket (Annie’s Equestrienne Apparel)
• London Show Jacket in Deep Pool (Asmar Equestrian)
• Klea Vario Show Coat by Pikeur (Western Shoppe)

Pro Tip: You can also buy show coats that are made entirely from breathable, mesh fabric–but aren’t see through when you’re wearing them. If you live and/or show in a hot climate, wearing the FITS Zephyr Mesh Dressage Coat can be a lifesaver!

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Heading to a competition? Check out Horse Rookie’s Ultimate Horse Show Packing List.

Trend #2: Helmet Details

Dressage is all about the details, right? No wonder helmets have become a popular way to make a fashion statement!

There are many helmet options to choose from that are on trend, as well as protect your melon.

In the dressage arena, you should stick with a color that is conservative and matches your show clothes. (Read: Don’t distract the judge with your helmet.) You should also try on different helmet shapes so you will know which looks best on you.

Black, navy blue, grey, or brown are always excellent choices.

Then play around with the finish (matte or suede), rhinestones, and piping that really make it pop! #letthefunbegin

My Top Picks:

• One K Defender Swarovski Helmet (Amazon)
• Uvex Suxxeed Glamour Helmet (Amazon)
• IRH IR4G XLT Rose Gold Frame Helmet (Amazon)

Pro Tip: Coming down the center line at the start and end of your test gives the judges a great view of your helmet. Adding some shimmer to it makes an impression!

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What are the levels of dressage, and how do you know when you’re ready to move up?

Trend #3: Lace Show Shirts

Dressage riders tend to gravitate toward white, collared show shirts with either button or zippered fronts. Short and long sleeve options are both acceptable.

Click to see this Horseware show shirt at Amazon.

Generally, you can’t see much of the shirt under a show coat. But, if coats are waived due to heat, having a unique show shirt can help you stand out.

Several brands now offer show shirts with lace accents, which add a touch of class, as well as ventilation! It’s no wonder this trend has become a favorite among dressage riders.

My Top Picks:

• Horze UV Quick-Dry Lace Detail Show Shirt (Horze)
• Horseware Sara Competition Shirt (Amazon)
• Equetech Bella Lace Competition Shirt (Equetech)

Pro Tip: Entering the ring looking your best helps you ride your best. Putting extra effort into the details, even if they aren’t obvious to the judge or audience, can give you a mental edge.

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New to the sport? Check out our 27-Page Horse Rookie’s Guide to Dressage.

Trend #4: Embellished Stock Ties

Stock ties are a dressage apparel staple that have evolved from simple, plain white ties to options full of fun details and embellishments.

Click to see this stock tie at Etsy.

Today’s stock ties are true fashion statement pieces.

Choose a classic style with subtle, solid colors and a touch of trim or crystals. Or, choose a fashion- forward style in a bold color with an embroidered design. Don’t miss your this opportunity to really show off your personal style!

My Top Picks:

• Hot Pink and Black Trim with Rhinestone Stock Tie by Bad Habit Stock Ties (Etsy)
• White Crossover Stock with Crystals and Navy and Silver Triple Piping (Equestrian Pzazz)
• Gray Silk Stock Tie with Rose Gold (Equus Couture)
• White Faux Silk and Lace Stock Tie by Bad Habit Stock Ties (Etsy)

Pro Tip: If the rest of your outfit is fairly traditional in style and color, switch things up with a stock tie that stands out.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What do you wear to a dressage test?

You are required to wear a helmet, hairnet, show coat in a conservative color, show shirt with collar, stock tie with pin, white breeches, gloves, tall boots, and spurs. You should also carry a whip.

Check out our favorites on the Horse Rookie Dressage Apparel & Gear Amazon List.

Q: What do you wear to a dressage school show?

At most schooling shows, you are welcome to wear the traditional attire mentioned above. That said, these events tend to be a bit more casual.

You should wear a helmet, hair in a hairnet or fixed neatly, shirt with collar, breeches in a solid, conservative color, belt, and tall boots. Spurs are optional.

Check out our favorites on the Horse Rookie Dressage Apparel & Gear Amazon List.

Q: Do you have to wear gloves for dressage?

Yes! Gloves protect your hands and must be worn while riding your dressage test.

Check out our favorites on the Horse Rookie Dressage Apparel & Gear Amazon List.

Q: What’s the difference between a dressage coat and hunt coat?

This answer has become a little hazy over the years. Traditionally, dressage coats have a slightly different cut than hunt coats and are a bit longer.

Dressage coats usually have 4 buttons in the front, as well as buttons on the cuffs and above the vents in the back.

Hunt coats, on the other hand, have 3 buttons in the front and typically no buttons on the back. They have a 2 vents, creating a flap in the back versus the single vent seen on dressage coats.

Today, you will find the differences between dressage and hunt coats have lessened and are not as visually apparent as they once were.

Q: When can you wear a shadbelly in dressage?

You can wear a shadbelly when you enter a Prix St. Georges test. They are worn in the upper levels, including Prix St. Georges through Grand Prix.

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About Jennifer Landers

A well-known equestrian lifestyle blogger and freelance writer, Jennifer has worked in the fashion sector for many years and has translated her eye for the latest trends into equestrian fashion. She has been a dressage rider for eight years and earned her USDF Bronze Medal with her horse Petey. She loves having the opportunity to combine both of her passions, horses and writing.

Learn more at www.velvetrider.com, and follow her on Facebook and Instagram.

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