Many riders choose black because it goes with every garment color and can create the illusion of slenderness. But black chaps and hats tend to blend into the background in most arenas and dark hats can cast a harsh shadow over the rider's face and shoulders. Also, black chaps and clothing may fade in sunlight, so be prepared to wash and re-dye leather chaps occasionally. Black hats need to be kept dust-free to look their best, as do black boots and saddle blankets. Because black is the most common outfit color in the show ring, take care to coordinate your black outfit to make it distinctive and memorable. Use strong contrast hues to add interest or work with the drama of black with sophisticated accents to create a show outfit that's anything but basic, boring black.

Show clothes, in color and design, are bolder than casual apparel. The judge will see you from 50-100 feet away and won't notice tiny details. He or she will see color, silhouette and coordination of rider and horse. Black is always popular in the show ring, but at least 75% of your competition will also be wearing it. Make sure that your black outfit is the most outstanding one in the arena or consider other colors. Preview your color ideas by draping a towel or other color sample over your horse, then stand across the arena to evaluate the look. At shows, find horses similar in color yours, then see which outfits catch your eye. Invest in your own success: always buy the best quality show apparel and tack within your budget, then take care of your equipment.

Hobby Horse clothing will last for many years if treated kindly; it's not unusual to see our outfits on their third and even fourth owners. Dust and dampness shorten the life of all clothing and tack so brush off dust before storage and allow air to circulate around items when stored. Hats: store hats in hat carriers. Use soft-bristled brushes to remove dust. If your hat gets wet, allow it to air dry. Felt hats will require tune-ups from a hatter to look their best. Clothing: follow the manufacturer's directions on care labels. Most apparel can be hand-washed and air-dried; if unsure, contact the maker. Always clean garments before long-term storage. Chaps: leather chaps can usually be washed and re-dyed; Ultrasuede is machine-washable. Boots: keep boots polished, use boot trees in storage and allow them to air out after use.

Think about the goals of your show girl, then dress her to fit the family's budget and her horse show dreams. As your child begins showing at the local riding club, she may look fine with a simple top worn with starched jeans and western hat, boots, belt and buckle. Chaps may be optional. If the goal is winning in a competitive circuit, your child should be as elaborately turned out as the best of her competition. Note that quality children's show apparel has excellent resale value. Children's show clothes should fit trimly. If you buy or make clothes with ‘growing room,' alter them for a perfect fit and let the seams out as the child grows. Chaps,hats and pants are best purchased, but soft clothing can be beautifully made with love and learning by skilled home seamstresses.

Your chaps should make you look slim, feel good and ride confidently. As the most visible show garment you'll buy, chaps set the tone for your western wardrobe. Show chaps should hang snugly from your waist, not your hips and must be long enough to cover your boot heels when you are mounted. They should fit smoothly through the thigh and hip, with minimal gapping at the front of your thigh. They'll be fitted to the knee, then flare smoothly over your boot tops with no twist and the zippers sitting midway between the back and outside of your leg. If chaps fit poorly, they are difficult to alter because there are no darts or seams to work with and most seamstresses are not familiar with the fit and materials chaps require. If your weight fluctuates, consider our Split Leather Classic Show Chaps (with Personal Magic Sizing) with elastic inserts down the inside zipper or our new Chap Inserts.

Chaps are the most important element of a winning western show wardrobe. They cover more than half your body, and set the tone for color and style that the rest of your ensemble should complement. Your chaps should be the most flattering garment that you own, as they'll very likely be one of the most expensive! But, like just the right show saddle, chaps are an investment that will last for years and enhance your performance every time you enter the show pen. Besides a perfect fit you'll need to consider the following points when chap-shopping: Color: black is the most popular color for chaps as it's easy to coordinate, but most of your competition will be wearing it. Do you want to blend in, stand out, or make a memorable impression with an unusual color that flatters your horse? Material: chaps are made from natural or synthetic leather. There is no ‘best' chap material, so consider your comfort, washability, and color needs to choose the ideal chap style. Trim: classic fringe with a single or double concho is always popular, but you can dress up your chaps with silver conchos and buckles at the waist for added sparkle. Consider whether your show tops will cover the chap waistband or not before you customize.