In our latest blog The Saddlery Shop takes a look at shopping for your shape and optimising the opportunity to look good in the saddle! when competing. To read the full feature pick up a copy of Local Rider Magazine!
When competing, there’s no denying that if you look the part, you will feel more confident, and give a good impression.
Most women who have the finances to ride and compete are busy, working people, and many are mothers; this means that most of us are of average build, with the odd lump or bump here and there! However, there’s no reason why you can’t look the part and feel confident, whatever your size or shape.
There are generally considered to be four main types of female body shape: Apple shape (round), Pear shape (bottom heavy), Hourglass shape (curvy) and Rectangle shape (relatively straight up and down). It’s important you spend some time kindly critiquing yourself, before purchasing your outfit!
Apple shape – your friends say you have great legs, however you have some fullness around the middle that you may like to minimise. A fancy stock and ‘blingy’ pin will put more attention on your top half; go for high waisted, well cut beige breeches (ideally without a belt) to comfortably support your tummy – hunting breeches, such as Horseware Ladies Aylesbury Hunting Breeches, are ideal – and a jacket with obvious shoulder definition and sufficient length so that your tummy is not too exposed, like the Shires Ladies Cotswold Show Jacket. If your calves are wide, then choose made to measure boots or those in wide sizes, so they do not look too tight. Dublin’s ‘On Air Stretch Dress Boots’ feature a leather-look rear stretch panel on the calf, providing around 2cm of ‘stretch’.
Pear shape – you carry more weight on your hips or thighs but have a clearly defined waist that you can show off. Choose tailored jackets that make your shoulders look broader (velvet collars raise the eye line), and finish above the widest point of your hips and bottom – Shires’ Ladies Kingston Show Jacket is a good example. Blingy stock pins and bold stock patterns will draw the eye upwards, while you can rock a white pair of high waisted breeches like Hy Performance Competition Ladies Breeches, which have a Polymide, Cotton, and Lycra material blend.
Hourglass shape – the envy of many females, you have a well-balanced body shape with your shoulders and hips in line, a well-defined bust, and a nipped in waist. Choose stretchy, belted breeches, ideally in beige – Shires Ladies SaddleHugger Breeches are very nice, with a four-way stretch knitted fabric – and a jacket that flatters the female form; the Horseware ladies competition jacket would be a bold choice but it is softshell, and form fitting to show off your balanced shape. Show off your waist with a snazzy belt and remember to invest in a good sports bra, to add a smoother silhouette.
Rectangle shape – you have a moderately straight shoulder and ribcage line, and may be fairly petite in your clothes size; you may like to try to create the illusion of a waist and curves with a jacket that gently shapes the waist but does not ‘nip you in’ – we like the Horseware Embellished Ladies Show Jacket. Exaggerated pocket details, detailing at the hips and a fancy stock will help. (Avoid vertical pin stripes if you are choosing a tweed). You can wear hipster or low waisted breeches in a light colour including white – we like the Horseware Ladies Woven Competition Breeches.
Top tips for all sizes from The Saddlery Shop
- Check your underwear for VPLs and consider seam free versions. Lace is a ‘no go’ as it creates bumps!
- Double rear Jacket vents are always flattering.
- Wear a good sports bra for comfort and a nice silhouette.
- Match your gloves and breeches, for a smart look.
- Choose machine washable fabrics – Polyester and cotton blends wash well.
- Consider your horse’s colouring when choosing your single coloured show jacket or subtly-patterned tweed jacket.
- Always wear a securely fastened ‘two point’ helmet meeting industry standards.
To find out more about the stunning show gear The Saddlery Shop has to offer, including the products mentioned visit the website at www.thesaddleryshop.co.uk
No comments:
Post a Comment