The Ultimate Guide to Caring for Your Competition Clothing for Horse Riders
As a horse rider, you've probably spent considerable money on your competition clothing. From tweed show jackets to breeches, these specialised garments are designed to provide you with comfort, mobility, and style while you're competing. However, caring for and maintaining your competition clothing can be challenging if you don't know where to start. Here is our ultimate guide to caring for your competition clothing by our equestrian clothing design team and horse riders for horse riders!
1. Read the Care Labels: Always check the care labels before you start washing or cleaning your competition clothing and equestrian attire. Care label instructions will provide important information on properly caring for your garments, including washing instructions and any specific precautions. Proper care of your competition wardrobe will help extend the life of your garments. Follow care requirements for each item, from horse riding underwear base layers to competition jackets.
2. Handwashing might be Best For Delicate Items: While throwing all your competition clothing in the washing machine may be tempting, handwashing may be the best option for delicate trims and finishes. Our range of machine washable competition clothing includes our competition shirts with lace trim and dressage shirts with crystal embellishment. However, if you need to hand wash your other clothing, fill a basin or sink with cool water and add a small amount of mild detergent. Gently agitate the clothing in the water, paying attention to any stains or areas that need extra attention.
3. Spot Cleaning: If you have a small stain on your competition clothing, spot cleaning can often be an effective way to remove it without washing the entire garment. Use a clean cloth or sponge and a mild detergent to dab at the stain gently. Avoid rubbing too harshly with a damp cloth, which can damage the fabric. Some items will need regular cleaning, but your competition jacket might only have a little horse slobber that needs sponging off. Address stains immediately: If you notice any on your competition clothing, address them immediately. The longer a stain sits on the fabric, the harder it is to remove. Make sure you allow your garment to dry thoroughly before storing it away for your next competition day.
4. Use Cold Water: Always use cold water to handwash your competition clothing. If your items are machine washable, we recommend washing at a maximum of 30 degrees on a gentle cycle with mild soap, as hot water can cause shrinkage and fading of the fabric, so it's best to play it safe with cooler temperatures. Even at 30 and below degrees, your white breeches or riding tights will wash well. If the manufacturer recommends, apply a gentle stain remover to stains on equestrian show shirts before washing.
5. Air Dry: Avoid using the dryer after washing your competition clothing. Instead, lay the garments flat on a clean towel or hang them to air dry. Direct heat from the dryer can cause shrinkage and damage to delicate fabrics. Most dressage riders will want to keep their competition outfit in pristine condition, including your leather riding boots, so after cleaning, use boot shapers in your riding boots to keep their shape. If you have a special pair of riding boots that you only wear on competition day, condition between competitions to ensure you have a pair of boots that shine and are supple to wear.
6. Store Properly: When you're not using your competition attire, store them properly to maintain their quality. Hang jackets and shirts on hangers to prevent wrinkles and creases. Competition breeches, competition riding tights and in-hand showing trousers can be folded neatly and stored in a drawer or shelf. Avoid storing your competition clothing in damp or humid areas, promoting mould growth and damaging the fabric.
7. Use Fabric Softener: To keep your competition clothing soft and comfortable, consider using a fabric softener if the care guidelines recommend. Fabric conditioners can help prevent the fabric from becoming stiff and maintain flexibility for greater freedom of movement while riding. Our range of competition wear embraces fabric technology, so it retains its four-way stretch, comfort and performance even after washing and with an easy-care label.
8. Handle with Care: When putting on or taking off your competition clothing, be mindful of how you handle it. Avoid pulling on delicate buttons or zippers too forcefully, as this can cause them to break or become loose. It's easy to forget when you are tired after a long day at your jumping competition or dressage competition, but a little care will help preserve your expensive competition clothing.
9. Mend Small Tears: Your competition clothing may develop some wear and tear over time. It's important to mend these issues as soon as possible to prevent further damage. Use a needle and thread that matches the colour of your garment and carefully stitch up any tears or loose threads. If you're not confident in your sewing skills, consider taking your clothing to a professional tailor for repairs. Our competition jackets embrace stretchy fabric to help prevent tearing from movement, but if your jacket starts to burst at the seams, it might be time to invest in a bigger size or a cut of jacket that better fits your body shape.
10. Regular Inspections: Take the time to inspect your competition clothing regularly for any signs of wear and tear. Being observant can help you catch any issues early on and prevent them from worsening. Look for loose buttons, stretched seams, or areas of fabric that may be thinning. After use, even if you didn't get caught out in bad weather, put your jacket on a hanger to air at home and replace it in a garment bag after 24 hours. If you store away, keep your jacket flat to avoid unsightly creases.
11. Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Avoid using harsh chemicals or bleach when cleaning your competition clothing. These can cause discolouration or damage to the fabric. Stick to mild detergents and spot cleaners specifically formulated for delicate fabrics.
12. Follow Storage Instructions: Some competition clothing may come with specific storage instructions, such as folding them in a certain way or avoiding exposure to sunlight. Make sure to follow these instructions to maintain the quality and longevity of your garments.
13. Consider Professional Cleaning: If you need help caring for your traditional competition clothing correctly or have stubborn stains that won't come out, consider taking them to a professional cleaner specialising in delicate fabrics. They will have the knowledge and expertise to handle your garments carefully and ensure they are cleaned effectively. If you need more clarification, always reach out to the manufacturer to ask for their advice first.
16. Separate Colours: When washing your competition clothing, separate colours to prevent potential colour bleeding. Wash dark colours together and light colours separately to maintain their original vibrancy. Whether you own a dressage horse, show horse or event, horse riding is a messy business when you're encountering stable stains, horse slobber, mud, horse hair and dirt, but mixing your competition attire with your everyday clothing when machine washing won't help keep it looking it's best.
17. Remove Accessories: Before washing or storing your competition clothing, remove any detachable accessories such as belts, riding stocks, stock pins and coloured ties. These accessories can be washed separately, hand washed, or wiped over to prevent damage to the main garment or washing machine!
19. Brush Off Dirt and Hair: Before storing your competition clothing, take the time to brush off any dirt, hair, or debris that may have accumulated on the fabric. Use a soft-bristled brush or lint roller to gently remove these particles without causing any damage.
21. Store in a Cool, Dry Place: When not in use, store your competition clothing in a cool, dry place. Avoid storing them in humid areas or places with direct sunlight, as this can cause damage to the fabric and lead to discolouration or fading.
22. Use Garment Bags: Consider using garment bags to store your competition clothing. These bags provide an extra layer of protection against dust, dirt, and potential damage from other items in your storage area. Make sure the bags are clean and free of any debris before placing your clothing inside. All our competition jackets come in quality zip garment bags.
23. Check for Damage: Before each use and after your competition, take a few moments to inspect your competition clothing for any signs of damage. Look for loose threads, holes, or any other issues needing repair. Addressing these problems early on can prevent further damage and ensure your garments are in top condition for your next competition.
24. Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Avoid using harsh chemicals or bleach when cleaning your competition clothing, as they can cause discolouration or damage to the fabric. Stick to mild detergents specifically designed for delicate fabrics to ensure the longevity of your garments.
25. Seek Professional Alterations: If you need alterations to your competition clothing, it's best to seek the help of a professional tailor or seamstress. They have the expertise and experience to make precise alterations that will not compromise the quality or integrity of your garments. Avoid attempting DIY alterations, as this can lead to irreversible damage and may cost you more in the long run.
26. Store with Care: When storing your competition clothing, take care to fold them properly and avoid hanging them on wire hangers, as these can cause creases or deformities in the fabric. Instead, use padded hangers or lay them flat in a drawer or storage container.
Are you thinking of heading into the dressage arena? You should read our professional rider tips in Perfecting Your Centre Line.
