I think every equestrian struggles with finding riding apparel that fits well and is flattering. I’m tall person with short arms, a large bust, a long waist, and stubby legs. I used to feel like it was nearly impossible to find clothing that looks and feels good, but I’ve discovered through work that nothing is impossible when it comes to equestrian clothing.
If you’re a very slim person in need of breeches, you’ll find what you’re looking for at most major brands. Ariat, Horze, Tailored Sportsman, USG, Montar, and Pikeur all start at US size 22. Several brands start at US 24, including RJ Classics, ELT, Kentucky, Ovation, Kerrits, Irideon, Equine Couture, TuffRider, and Romfh. European brands can tend to run a little big once you’ve converted sizes; this is especially true of Horze breeches.
Protip: Need to convert breeches from European sizes to US sizes, but can’t find the chart? Just subtract 12 from the European size to get the US size.
If you’re looking for show coats, you can find coats starting at size 2 from Tailored Sportsman, FITS, Asmar Equestrian, Grand Prix, and RJ Classics. Kerrits, Ovation, and Romfh start at size 4, while Ariat starts at size 8.
Tall boots can be had in slim calf from most manufacturers: Ariat, DeNiro, Tredstep, Mountain Horse, Cavallo, Petrie, and Konig all offer slim calf boots.
For The Short Rider
Short people, RJ Classics should be your go-to for show coats and breeches! They make a ridiculous number of products in a short length. Almost every one of their coats is available in short, as are their new breeches. Ovation and Romfh offer a short length on most of their size 24, 26, and 28 breeches. Tailored Sportsman makes a short length, though it can be difficult to find.
While Pikeur coats aren’t available in short sizes, per se, many of their coats do run a little short. Grand Prix coats seem to fit shorter riders well, and Tailored Sportsman has several styles available in a short length.
Tall boots for short people can be problematic (and painful). Ariat, Mountain Horse, TuffRider, Ovation, and Tredstep offer short heights, but they’re usually only available in certain styles, foot sizes, and calf sizes. Heel lifts can help a slightly-too-tall boot fit more comfortably.
For The Plus Size Rider
Don’t despair if you aren’t wearing an easy-to-find size 28 breech! RJ Classics makes breeches up to size 36, as do Tailored Sportsman and Ariat. On Course and TuffRider aren’t quite as high end, but carry an affordable selection of larger sizes. On Course goes up to 36 (look for the ‘Shapely’ line), while TuffRider makes a generously cut 34. If you need schooling tights or breeches, Kerrits has a wide selection of styles that go up to 2X! I know some people feel uncomfortable in their tights; I’d recommend their Utility breech or Crossover breech, both of which is made from a thicker fabric that’s just as comfortable and stretchy. Irideon has many styles of tights that go up to 3X. Their breeches go to size 34. Most of Horze’s breeches are available in a size 34, too! Kentucky and Pikeur both make size 36 breeches, but they’re often a special order that can take several weeks to come in.
RJ Classics is your best bet for good-looking hunt coats. They have traditional wool and softshell coats up to size 24 (which fits a 46-47″ bust). Their hunter shadbelly and dressage coat are also available in sizes up to 24; their sizing is kind of weird, so I’d definitely measure yourself and consult the size chart before buying. Other brands that carry coats for bigger busted riders include Kerrits (their new Competitors Koat is available in a 2X for a 46-48″ bust), Irideon (their Kismet coat is available in a 22), Equine Couture (up to 2x), and Ovation (they offer coats in sizes up to 28).
Tall boots aren’t as limited as they used to be when you have large calves. Ariat’s Challenge Contour and Heritage Contour field boots offer an extra-wide size that accommodates a 17.5″ calf. Ovation offers their Flex Plus field boot in wide (16″-18″) and extra wide (18″-20″) in both short and regular heights. Tredstep’s Donatello boot is available in plus (16″-17″) and wide (18″-19″) calf sizes in short, regular, and tall heights. TuffRider offers an affordable tall boot in both field and dress boot styles (Ladies Plus Rider boot) in regular (17″-18″) and extra wide (18″-20″).
For The Tall Rider
Tall riders can have some trouble finding breeches that are long enough in the rise, but Pikeur, Kentucky, Romfh, USG, Ariat, Tailored Sportsman, and RJ Classics offer a “long” length that isn’t just extra fabric tacked on to the bottom of the leg.
Show shirts are nearly impossible to find in a “tall” or “long size”, so if you have a long torso, your best bet is to choose a slightly higher-waisted breech and hope your shirt stays tucked in. I find the European brands like Horze, Pikeur, and Schockmohle run a little longer than American brands.
Jackets are readily available in “long” sizes from Cavallo, Pikeur, RJ Classics, Romfh, and Ariat.
Tall boots for the tall rider are relatively easy to find: Mountain Horse, Ariat, Konig, Ovation, and Tredstep all offer a tall height in most of their foot and calf sizes.
Of course, custom options from a variety of brands are available if something off the shelf won’t do. But if you look hard enough, you can usually find something from somewhere that won’t set you back quite as much as a custom anything!
What brands do you find fit you and your body the best?