Competition Wear

Choosing Your Competition Outfit

Start with your discipline’s rulebook. Dressage riders typically wear a dark or navy jacket (tailcoat required at higher levels), white or cream breeches and long boots. Show jumping allows a smart jacket in navy or black with white breeches. In showing, a tweed or discipline-specific show jacket with beige or canary jodhpurs is the norm. For cross-country, an approved body protector is mandatory and bolder colours are usually permitted. When in doubt, always check the current rules for your specific class before competition day.

Competition Dress Codes at a Glance

Use this as a starting guide and always verify the current rules for your specific class, level and governing body.

Fit & Presentation

Competition clothing should allow full freedom of movement while still looking tailored. Jackets should sit just below the hip with sleeves that don’t ride up when you’re in the saddle. Breeches should lie flat at the knee with no excess fabric pulling at the seat. A polished turnout starts with good fit and you should always try your show clothing on horseback before competition day to check freedom of movement and that everything sits correctly.

Competition Wear from the Experts

“Competition day is about confidence as much as performance. When your turnout is right, you can focus fully on your riding and that’s why investing in well-fitting, properly checked show clothing makes a real difference.
Alice, Head of Design at Harry Hall

Why Buy from Harry Hall

- Trusted brands across every discipline, including Covalliero, KL Equestrian and Harry Hall’s own competition range
- Personalised competition clothing available to add your name, initials or club colours to selected styles in our personalised competition clothing range
- Complete your look in one place: browse show jackets and waistcoats and competition legwear alongside shirts, base layers and accessories
- UK delivery available; loved by riders across the country since 1891

FAQs

What should I wear for a dressage competition?
Traditionally a dark or navy jacket (tailcoat required at higher levels), white or cream breeches, a white stock or tie and long boots. Always check current BD/BS rules as requirements vary by class and level.

Can I wear coloured breeches for show jumping?
White or cream breeches are standard and the safest choice for most affiliated competitions. Some unaffiliated shows allow more flexibility but always check the schedule or rulebook for that specific event.

Does Harry Hall sell personalised competition clothing?
Yes we do. Selected styles can be personalised with names, initials or team colours. Browse the personalised competition clothing range for current options available for customisation.

What’s the difference between a show jacket and a tailcoat?
A show jacket is a standard smart jacket suitable for most show jumping, showing and lower-level dressage. A tailcoat has a distinctive longer back skirt and is required for certain dressage levels (Prix St Georges and above in British Dressage). Check your governing body’s rulebook before competing.

Do competition dress codes differ for juniors and adults?
In many disciplines, junior and pony classes follow similar dress codes to seniors but with some flexibility. Check the specific rules for your age group and class, showing in particular can have different requirements for juniors, lead rein and first ridden classes.