What makes a jacket "equestrian" in style?

Transcona Shannon

I love the whole equestrian vibe but am curious about what makes a blazer in particular "equestrian" - is it because it's tweed or plaid? Is it elbow patches or types of buttons"? Is it the overall shape with the longer, rounded back hem and perhaps even a buckle across the back? Or is it just in the way you style it - e.g. can a classic black blazer be equestrian when paired with the right top, slim bottoms and boots?

Thoughts anyone?

11 years ago

Dressing

12 replies

Latest reply was from Neel

Diana

Veteran

I'm not sure about the official definition, but I think your descriptors are all pretty apt for the equestrian style. In fact, my plaid jacket (which I am wearing today) literally has all of the above features!

11 years ago

Anonymous

Not to jump right in the minute you hit "post" but I just happened to be here....

From my background in the academics of clothing manufacturing and design, it's got everything to do with the cut as anything. The seaming in an equestrian or hacking jacket traditionally makes for a very fitted blazer- princess seams front and back, and often /usually the curved hem. Definitely not the same as a classic black blazer .....

11 years ago

Anonymous

I know Angie will tell you all of this, but in addition, the back was historically double- vented to allow the jacket to open nicely (worn fully buttoned of course) over the saddle. It's quite fascinating, and a gorgeous testament to true tailoring.

11 years ago

UmmLila (Lisa)

Veteran

Good -- and interesting -- answer, Lis! I was wondering some of the same things as Shannon.

11 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

So smart, Lisa! I was guessing all this when I threw on my Reiss. It is called a "tuxedo" blazer, but it has princess seams and is double vented in back. It is also quite strictly tailored --- not tight, but fits at the waist. Not a BF blazer.

It does not have the curved hem or any other accoutrements like elbow patches or tweed.

Traditionally, there would be jackets a rider would wear for dressage (more formal) and "hacking" jackets -- these would be the more textured tweeds, plaids, etc.

11 years ago

dashielle (Ann)

(website)

Veteran

Just to add a little color...
Almost any jacket can give an equestrian vibe, depending on the other elements. For example, in Dressage, it is compulsory to wear white breeches, black boots, black jacket (tails at higher levels) and satin top hat. A vest with yellow points adds to that look. A jacket and Chelsea's (aka paddock boots) is enough to give an equestrian vibe, although tall boots cinch it, as they are required in the show ring. Then there is the "I live on an estate in the UK and take my horses out hacking or foxhunting" the latter having a more strict dress coat often involving plaid jackets and various colored pants. Truth be told, most people in the US wear "gear" like fleece jackets etc., skinny jeans or colored breeches and tall or paddock boots when not showing. TMI perhaps...

11 years ago

dashielle (Ann)

(website)

Veteran

Examples of the above. In the US, only children show in paddock boots. So cute on their ponies!

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11 years ago

Alexandra

(website)

Veteran

Great question, Shannon! I was wondering the same thing. For me, it's been mostly the total look - you know, does this person look like she just got off her horse? And does she look expensive? (I'm not entirely sure why that's part of the equation.) I like Lisa's explanation and am staying tuned to see what others say as well.

11 years ago

columbine(erin)

Veteran

What a great question. I enjoyed reading the answers.

11 years ago

Anonymous

Interesting thread!

11 years ago

WitchyD

Active Member

"And does she look expensive? (I'm not entirely sure why that's part of the equation.)"

Made me laugh. Because serious riding is an expensive sport!
As Dashielle mentioned, showing and fox hunting require more formal riding attire, including the lovely (and almost military in style which is I believe where the look originates from) formal shade belly jacket and white breeches. How lovely and classic!

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11 years ago

Neel

Veteran

Thank you for asking this Shannon! I have been wondering about it myself. Hmm .... And I am still wondering ... Will have to go check my closet and post the pictures of the jacket I *think* (that's a big think) looks equestrian!

11 years ago

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