Equestrian Fashion Forward
Looking your best in the saddle changes how you ride. It brings you more confidence, purpose, and focus. When you feel authentically powerful and beautiful, every day with your horse is a bit more magical.
Being fashionable isn’t enough, though. Riding apparel must be functional first—and that can be a tough balance to achieve.
That’s why I was curious to try four new items from Nikovian’s Invictus Equestrian Collection, including a top, breech, and lounge set. Keep reading to learn more about my first experience with the brand!
(Feature photo courtesy of Nikovian)
About Nikovian
If you are new to the Nikovian brand, as I was, here’s a little background.
Nikovian was created for riders by riders.
Their worldwide team of fashion-forward, passionate riders focuses on innovative design, luxury materials, product testing, and pushing the limits of equestrian apparel.
They aim to create gear worthy of the world’s top athletes by combining sports technology with bold colors and edgy styles.
At its heart, the team believes:
- In getting right back on the horse when you fall off.
- In never cutting corners
- In always striving to be the best, even when no one is watching.
- In toughness, grit, pride, and determination.
- That all that awaits is another goal, another arena, another ribbon.
Unboxing the Invictus Equestrian Collection
When I opened the shipping box, I was immediately impressed—and first impressions matter!
The attention to detail in how the brand was presented made me feel like the clothing within would have the same polish. (Spoiler alert: I was right.)
The outer packaging was beautiful, complete with a branded black box, logo-embossed ribbon, and tissue paper in black and gold.
I felt like Christmas came early!
The branded box even featured an inspiring poem from William Ernest Henley—another special touch.
Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.
In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.
Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.
It matters not how strait the gait,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.
“I am the master of my fate.”
The anticipation was killing me!
Trying the Collection
Nikovian kindly allowed me to try a lounge set, short-sleeve top, and pair of breeches from their new Invictus Collection.
I double-checked their sizing guidelines before ordering, as fit can vary greatly between brands.
Nikovian Size Chart
Read on to learn more about each of the pieces I tried!
Maroon Summer Breeches
These summer breeches are the perfect combination of striking and functional. The fabric is soft and stretchy, and the color is rich.
I always look for breathability, moisture wicking, and durability when it comes to summer breeches.
With these key points in mind, here are my thoughts on these breeches.
The colors were gorgeous!
Every detail is thoughtful and beautiful
What’s to Love
- Fabric is soft and breathable for hot weather
- High waisted, thick waistband style is very flattering
- One open pocket and one zipped pocket integrated into side seam panels
- Reduced seams on the lower leg to eliminate rubbing
- Compression-type fabric to increase blood flow
- Full-seat silicone gripping to keep you securely in the saddle
Room for Improvement
- The fabric is light and perfect for summer, but will be more revealing than a heavier pair of breeches.
- If you are not a fan of high-waisted breeches, you may not prefer this fit.
Overall, the quality of these breeches is wonderful. The design and fabric are two huge pluses, especially for riding in hot weather.
Black Sleeveless Top
I wouldn’t be able to ride in the summer without a breathable, short-sleeve top. As with the breeches, the fabric is super soft and very comfortable.
This top is really versatile. You could wear this at the barn or out running errands!
Unique mesh vertical panel
What’s to Love
- Mesh insert down the back is great for ventilation.
- No scratchy product tags.
- The design is cute and cut tighter to fit close to the body.
Room for Improvement
- If you don’t like having your bra strap show through the mesh, you may wish to choose one of their other tops.
- They recommend washing it inside out and hanging dry. This type of care might not be possible/desirable for all riders. I know I usually throw everything in the wash and may forget to turn this inside out!
Black Crop Sweatshirt
When not riding or at work, I love to be comfortable. (Well, if we are honest, I always like to be super comfy!) With this in mind, I was excited to try the lounge set.
I didn’t realize the sweatshirt was cropped until I tried it on, but I’m glad I gave it a try!
The cropped sweatshirt gives you the feeling of wearing a comfortable oversized sweatshirt without all the bulk. And, paired with the sweatpants, you can’t tell it’s a cropped top.
This makes it a nice option for people who want to wear it as a cropped top or prefer to have the coverage of a high-waisted pair of pants without the bulky sweatshirt.
Feeling casual can still look fancy
What’s to Love
- Cropped style (surprisingly!).
- The inside is soft, but the overall garment is flattering with some structure.
- 100% cotton material. (I love breathable fabrics!)
- The metallic gold zipper in the front is a nice accent.
Room for Improvement
- I heard the sweatshirt runs small, but I ordered my usual size, which was comfortable. If in doubt, order your normal size.
- The branding down the arm stands out, so be sure you like repping a brand.
- The waistband was a bit stiff when I first tried it on, but it may soften more after washing/wearing.
Black Sweatpants
I was pleasantly surprised by the black sweatpants. When I first opened the package, they looked a bit bulky, but when I tried them on, I was happy to find they were pretty flattering!
The branded ribbon along the leg is also more subtle than I thought it would be.
Gold logo striping pops against the black. (Credit: Nikovian)
What’s to Love
- High-waisted style with drawstrings.
- The deep pockets are reinforced, but don’t add extra bulk to your leg.
- Soft, cotton material increases breathability.
Room for Improvement
- Like the sweatshirt, the waistband is a bit stiff. This might soften after washing and wearing.
- The website says these run small, but I found the pants to be a bit large for me. I usually order a small in sweatpants/leggings and could have worn an XS.
Parting Thoughts
The quality, presentation, and structure of the Invictus Equestrian collection are lovely. The fabric, accents, and overall style are designed with modern equestrians and fashion in mind.
I was quite impressed and am excited to see new designs from this company in the future!
P.S. Enjoy this article? Trot on over to:
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