How to Care for Riding Clothes So They Last

Riding clothes are more than just attire; they're an investment in your comfort, performance, and safety in the saddle. From durable breeches designed for daily training to elegant show coats meant for pristine presentation, each piece is crafted with specific functions in mind. Given their exposure to dirt, sweat, and the rigors of equestrian life, proper care is paramount. By adopting a few simple habits, you can significantly extend the lifespan of your riding wardrobe, save money, and ensure your gear always looks and performs its best.

General Principles for All Riding Apparel

Before diving into specifics, a few universal rules apply to almost all your riding clothes:

• Always Read the Care Tag: This is the golden rule. Manufacturers provide specific instructions for a reason, tailored to the unique materials and construction of each garment. Ignoring it is the quickest way to ruin an item.

• Separate by Color and Fabric Type: Wash whites with whites to prevent discoloration. Separate heavy-duty items (like mud-caked breeches) from delicate technical fabrics. This prevents dye transfer and protects softer materials from abrasion.

• Pre-Treat Stains Immediately: Horse slobber, mud, grass, and sweat stains are common. Address them as soon as possible with a mild stain remover or a dab of laundry detergent. Letting stains set makes them much harder, if not impossible, to remove.

• Zip Zippers and Fasten Velcro: Before washing, ensure all zippers are closed and Velcro tabs are fastened. This prevents them from snagging on other garments, pulling threads, or damaging the inside of your washing machine.

• Turn Inside Out: Always turn breeches, shirts, and jackets inside out before washing. This protects the outer surface, any delicate embellishments, and crucially, preserves the integrity of silicone grip patterns and technical coatings.

• Use Cold or Cool Water: Hot water can cause shrinking, fading, and damage to elastic fibers and technical fabrics. Cold water is usually sufficient for cleaning and helps maintain the garment's shape and color.

• Opt for a Gentle Cycle: A gentle or delicate cycle reduces the mechanical stress on fabrics, especially important for stretch materials and structured garments like show shirts.

• Choose a Mild Detergent: Harsh chemicals, strong bleaches, or fabric softeners can strip waterproofing, clog the wicking properties of technical fabrics, degrade elastic, and even irritate your skin or your horse's. Use a mild, dye- and scent-free liquid detergent.

• Air Dry Whenever Possible: The dryer is often the biggest enemy of riding clothes. High heat can melt silicone grips, damage elastic, shrink natural fibers, and degrade technical materials. Always air dry by hanging or laying flat, away from direct sunlight.

Specific Care for Different Apparel Types

Different materials and garment types require tailored attention to maximize their longevity.

• Breeches and Riding Tights:

  • Silicone Grip Care: Modern breeches often feature silicone grips. Always turn these inside out before washing to protect the silicone. Never use fabric softener, as it can break down the silicone and clog the fabric's wicking properties, making the grip less effective over time. Air dry to prevent melting or damage to the silicone.

  • Mud and Dirt: If breeches are heavily soiled with dried mud, allow the mud to dry completely, then gently brush off as much as possible before putting them in the wash.

• Riding Shirts (Technical vs. Cotton):

  • Technical Shirts: These are designed to wick sweat and regulate temperature. As with silicone breeches, avoid fabric softeners on technical fabrics as they can coat the fibers and render their wicking properties useless. They typically dry very quickly when air dried.

  • Cotton Shirts: Can generally be washed according to standard cotton care, but still benefit from cold water and gentle cycles to maintain shape and color.

• Show Jackets:

  • Wool/Traditional Jackets: These often require dry cleaning. Spot clean small marks immediately with a damp cloth. Hang on a proper padded hanger to maintain shape.

  • Technical Fabric Jackets: Many modern show coats are machine washable. Follow the care tag explicitly – usually cold water, gentle cycle, and always air dry. Steaming is preferable to ironing for wrinkles. When not in use, store them in a breathable garment bag to protect from dust and moths.

• Riding Boots (Tall Boots, Paddock Boots):

  • Clean After Every Ride: Wipe off dirt, dust, and especially horse sweat with a damp cloth immediately after each ride. Sweat can be corrosive to leather.

  • Condition Leather Regularly: Leather is skin and needs to be moisturized. Use a quality leather cleaner and conditioner to keep the leather supple and prevent cracking.

  • Polish: Regularly polish your boots for protection and appearance.

  • Boot Trees/Stuffers: Always use boot trees or stuffers for tall boots to maintain their shape, prevent creasing at the ankles, and allow them to dry properly.

  • For detailed instructions on breaking in and maintaining boots, consult our guide on How to Break In Riding Boots on MyHorseHub.

• Riding Gloves:

  • Hand Wash Preferred: Many riding gloves, especially those with leather palms or delicate fabrics, benefit from hand washing in cool water with a mild soap.

  • Machine Wash (Mesh Bag): If machine washable, place them in a small mesh laundry bag on a gentle cycle to prevent tangling or damage.

  • Air Dry Flat: Lay them flat or hang them to air dry completely. Avoid direct heat.

Smart Storage for Longevity

Proper storage plays a crucial role in preventing damage and keeping your clothes fresh between uses.

• Clean Before Storing: Always ensure clothes are clean and completely dry before storing them, especially for longer periods. Storing damp items encourages mold and mildew.

• Hang vs. Fold: Hang show jackets and show shirts on proper hangers to maintain their shape. Breeches and casual shirts can be neatly folded.

• Well-Ventilated Area: Store riding clothes in a clean, dry, and well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight or extreme temperature fluctuations.

• Pest Control: Ensure your storage area is free from moths, silverfish, or other pests that can damage fabric.

When to Consider Replacement

Even with the best care, riding clothes will eventually wear out. Knowing when to replace them is important for your comfort, safety, and continued good presentation, especially as covered in our guide on Show Ring Style: What Judges Notice First on MyHorseHub. Look for:

• Loss of Elasticity: Breeches or shirts no longer hold their shape.

• Fading or Staining: Beyond acceptable levels for show attire.

• Holes, Tears, or Frayed Seams: That compromise function or appearance.

• Failed Silicone Grips: If they no longer provide effective grip.

• Compromised Safety Gear: Helmets should be replaced after any impact or every 5-7 years, regardless of visible damage.

By integrating these practical care tips into your routine, you'll not only preserve the appearance and functionality of your riding clothes but also protect your investment, ensuring you and your horse always look and feel your best, whether in the schooling arena or the show ring. For specific details on fabric maintenance, you can also often find general guides from leading equestrian brands like Kerrits Equestrian Apparel or comprehensive guides from laundry experts like The Laundress (search for specific fabric care).