2008 Fashion Forecast

Courtesy of Charlotte's Saddlery president, Mark Raisbeck.

The English Riding apparel and garment industry has introduced several changes over the past couple of years giving equestrian enthusiasts more choices than ever. We’ve seen breeches following the mainstream fashion trends with low rise and hip hugging designs. Hi-tech fabrics are a standard when it comes to shirts, breeches and jackets. What innovations can we expect next?

Today more than ever, concern for the environment is on the minds of many consumers and that issue is taken very seriously by designers and manufacturers in many industries, including equestrian apparel companies. Ariat® International has announced the introduction of their first eco-friendly performance apparel for Fall 2008 and Kerrits has introduced a new line called g.r.a.s.s. or Green Riding Apparel for Style and Sustainability.

Ariat® Eco Thermal garments are made from recycled Polartec Power Dry fabric. These garments are made by harnessing the waste stream from the yarn manufacturing process. By recycling the yarn and fabric scraps that would have previously been discarded, consumption of energy and non-renewable petroleum is reduced. Using recycled yarn saves the energy equivalent of a quarter of a gallon of gasoline per yard. In addition to being constructed of recycled materials, Ariat® Eco Thermal is recyclable. Eco thermal garments can be broken down into their raw content and used to produce new yarn, new fabric and new garments instead of ending up in a landfill.

Kerrits’ g.r.a.s.s. clothing collection uses environmentally-friendly organic and recycled fabrics to strike a perfect balance between style, sustainability and function. Recycled fabrics such as Bamboo Carbon fiber are highly sustainable resources and are more breathable and thermal regulating than cotton or synthetic fabrics. Kerrits has created riding tights made by adding spandex to Ecolux which is a fabric made from recycled plastics that would otherwise be added to landfills.

Environmentally conscious equestrians are able to become part of the revolution to nurture, protect and respect our natural resources and inhabitants - both human and equine!

English Show Clothing remains predictably conservative. Subtle fabric patterns in Hunt Coats compliment the traditional tailored construction of the three button, double vented jacket. Black is still the strong color for Dressage Coats with navy a distant second. Details such as piping on the collar and silver or gold buttons provide crisp accents for this classic four button, single vented jacket.

Colors and fabrics for Show shirts change seasonally with white enduring all year long. Pale shades of blue, lavender and pink are seen in the Hunter/Jumper rings while white dominates the Dressage arenas. In our Southwest region, cotton blends and coolmax continue to be most popular choices, especially from late Spring to late Fall, while all cotton shirts tend to be worn more during the cooler Winter months.

Riders still love the wonderful hi-tech fabrics offered in many styles of breeches. In the Hunter/Jumper world, competitors chose traditional light beige with khaki as the runner up for their knee patch breeches. White full seat breeches are always a winner for Dressage riders at every level. For training and lessons, pull on tights and breeches make work outs a breeze in moisture wicking, breathable and lightweight fabrics.

Paddock boots in either lace up or zip up styles are combined with half chaps for comfort and function especially for lessons and recreational riding. Classic color choices either of black or brown co-ordinate with any style or shade of breeches and tights. At horse shows, a rider’s look is completed with a pair of either Field boots for the Hunter/Jumpers or Dress boots for the Dressage set. Both styles are available with zippers for ease of getting into and out of the boot.

Almost all helmets meet the SEI/ASTM national safety standards certification. Currently, riding helmets provide safety and protection in trendy and colorful styles. Lightweight, durable outer shells in fun colors with adjustable dial fit systems make it easy to get a snug comfortable fit whether for a quick work out or a long day in the saddle. Show helmets now offer hi-tech fabric liners and engineered front ventilating systems, some even with rear vents as well.

Designers and Engineers in the English Riding apparel industry continue to commit to providing the equestrian community with innovative and high quality products without compromising safety, style or the environment!

Mark Raisbeck
Charlotte's Saddlery
11623A Katy Freeway
Houston, Tx 77079
1.281.596.8225