What do I need to consider when buying western outerwear?

When choosing outer clothing, western riders should always keep an eye on the individual intended use. A sweaty western training in midsummer makes completely different demands on the top than, for example, a relaxed walk with a horse in winter. In addition to the weather, you should pay attention to an optimal fit. The individual need for comfort and the look are also decisive in order to feel comfortable in one’s western outerwear.

2.1 Fit

A good fit for riding clothes not only increases your sense of well-being, it is also partly important for ensuring the functional properties of the outerwear. As a rule, you should always choose a western jacket, shirt etc. in the size you usually wear. Of course, you can choose one size larger for a western shirt, for example, if you prefer loose-fitting clothing.

However, especially when it comes to clothing for sports and physical work in the stable, one should bear in mind that material properties such as breathability can only function properly if the clothing fits as close to the body as possible. This applies above all to the first layer, as sweat passes directly into the fabric and can be transported away more quickly. There should be room for at least one layer, from underwear close to the body to the winter jacket. The outerwear layers should not be too close together, as the air cushions between the layers in particular store and retain body heat. If these air pockets are too large, the heat can escape quickly and you start to feel cold.

The cut of the Western jumpers and Western jackets in particular ensures optimal heat retention. Most models are fitted with an elastic waistband in the hip area simply because of the bulky cantle, and the sleeves also have elastic cuffs so that you don’t get caught on the horn when dismounting. Another positive effect is that the garment thus stores body heat inside and does not give the cold wind from outside a chance to penetrate.

2.2 Comfort

Western riders want to feel comfortable in their clothing first and foremost. The adverse weather conditions to which one is exposed to in the stable, especially in the cold winter months, increase the need for more comfort. Riding also places certain demands on western riding clothes, which should offer maximum freedom of movement and be equally robust and durable.

But what should you pay attention to in order to feel as comfortable as possible when riding Western horses?

To brave the weather, you should first look for functional materials in which you neither freeze nor sweat uncomfortably. Breathability is the keyword here. Western riding jackets especially for winter should at least be water- and wind-repellent, in extreme weather conditions even waterproof with a minimum water column of 1,300 mm/m²/24h.

A dry and warm feeling is half the battle when it comes to wearing comfort. Soft and cosy materials such as knitwear or teddy fleece are also ideal for a pleasant feeling. While the choice of material determines the wearing comfort of body-hugging garments such as western shirts or western shirts, it is the practical details of the outer layers such as hoodies, sweat jackets or western riding jackets that make the clothing suitable for riding. Large pockets, a cosy hood and also a higher cut collar are important aspects in the purchase decision, depending on the individual need for comfort.

2.3 Optics

It is not only high fashion that is constantly reinvented by current trends. Fashion for western riding is also subject to continuous change. But just like in the general fashion world, western riding wear also features recurring trends or tried-and-tested elements that, like the ‚little black dress‘, are simply timeless and can no longer be imagined without.

The clothing style of western riders is oriented towards the cowboys of the USA. When it comes to outerwear, the denim shirts and flannel shirts are particularly noteworthy and simply do not go out of fashion. While the classic western shirts for men are rather plain and still reminiscent of the original workwear style, western outerwear for women often includes playful country-style elements such as lace details, floral patterns, fringes or ethnic patterns.

But the more western riding has established itself as a popular competition sport in Europe, the more sporty the looks of western riders have become. Especially during training, attention is paid to functionality and cosiness. Hoodies, sweat jackets and warming Western jackets in bomber jacket style extend the traditional look of the Western riding scene.