Saddleseat Show Clothing Guide

Saddleseat Suit sizing explained

We get a lot of requests and questions from first time Saddleseat attire buyers and with good reason!!! Show clothes in general are absolutely confusing -but without a doubt Saddleseat show attire is the most complex.

First, there are no standards in sizing! In addition, show attire has no correlation to standard store bought clothing (street clothes) except for when it comes to children's sizes. For example, I typically wear a ladies size 4 - but I could wear anything from a size 2 to a size 12 in show clothes depending on the maker/brand. Because we are aware of this we typically ask for our customers to provide multiple measurements as well as the rider's typical street clothing size. The safest bet is to match up the bust measurement (at the fullest point with undergarments on) for the jacket.  We may also ask how old, the height and weight of the rider.   Over our 30 years of doing this, we've gotten pretty good at figuring out the right size just from this information.  If we look back - we've only had one suit that we had to take back because the rider just couldn't get the pants to fit.  She ended up having to go custom after trying multiple off the rack options.
Here are my measurements compared to a Reed Hill's size chart as an example:
I am about 5'5" and weigh around 123 lbs.  Typical street ladies size 4 or a Juniors 7
Bust 34"
Shoulder 17"
Pant Waist 27.5" (above the belly button)
Hips (9" from my natural Waist) 37.5"
Inseam 31"
I wear a size 10 according to the size chart below:










​Moral of  the story:  don't worry when the measurements indicate two or three - or more sizes higher than your 'normal' street size.  Or if the pants don't seem like the waist matches up. Keep in mind too, especially in Saddleseat attire, most of the pants are high waisted. The manufacturers also leave ample fabric at multiple seams so they are very adjustable.  It is not unheard of for there to be  8" or more of 'let out' in a pair of jodphur pants. 

Length is a personal preference. I prefer my jodphurs long.  I am also long legged with a shorter torso. Check the brand you are looking at carefully. Some do offer Regular, Short and Long lengths.  If you do end up having your suit altered by a non-horse person you must tell them how very important it is to keep the shape of the "bell" at the hem of the pants.  I have even recommended that the pants be altered from the knee seam and NOT at the hem because I have seen beautiful expensive suits ruined by a well intentioned, misinformed tailor. 

A good suit is an investment.  Entry level off the rack suits start at $350 and can exceed $1000. But these suits often last for many years.  Let us know what circuit and/or breed you are showing.  We will often save people hundreds of dollars by recommending a suit that is suitable for Equestrian Teams or 4-H vs. one that is appropriate for the Breed Circuits.  A beginner at the local level need not spend $1000 on a wool suit when they can start with a nice wool-blend or poly.  It's the accessories and polish that will make the $350 suit look like you spent $1000.  Putting your habit together with the right hat, gloves, shirt, tie, vest, boots and jewelry is as imperative as it is fun!  

​For more options and specifics on how to measure see our sizing pages and as always feel free to call, text or email us!

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