Our guide to choosing the perfect riding jersey
Your riding wear has to be suitable for your work out in the saddle, and that goes for your jersey as well. This not your regular everyday jersey; this is a technical and practical piece of clothing, that is meant to provide you with comfortability as well as it is designed to give you the best conditions for a maximized performance. And yes, it matters which jersey you are wearing, when you ride.
Also, the weather becomes relevant in deciding which riding jersey, you should choose. And of course, the durability and the functionality should be considered too.
Why a riding jersey is more than a normal shirt
There are several differences between a normal shirt and a riding jersey. A riding shirt is made for sport, work and high activity, why it is designed with particular attention to functionality, comfort and durability whether you are on in the saddle, mucking out or cuddling with your horse after practice. This is a jersey, that consists of stretchable materials, that are breathable, light and of a perfect fit to give you the best conditions possible, when you ride.
Mostly, the riding jersey is similar to a running shirt or a workout jersey, both designed for freedom in movement and comfort while training. You should not be bothered by annoying seams, tags or prints, when you ride, and this type of jersey has none of those
A jersey for shows
There are special regulations and requirement for your clothing, when you are competing at a show. As an example, there can be rules to which colors, your jersey or jacket can be, often depending on which level you are on or which discipline you are competing in.
A show jersey will often be white and designed with a high collar - sometimes a zipper. If you have any doubts about the rules for show jerseys, you can learn more at the website of the national riding association (Dansk Rideforbund)
Can a riding jersey in fact improve your riding?
It may not sound real, but your riding jersey actually is of a great importance to your riding, and is therefore not an item, you should compromise on.
A riding jersey is designed for a good freedom in movement, and for keeping you comfortable - not too warm, nor too cold. The better you feel in regard to comfort. temperature and movement, the better your ride will be. Therefore, wearing a riding jersey, that provides you with these conditions, matters.
How to find the right riding jersey
Budget, material, design and functionality are all factors, you should consider, when looking for the right riding jersey. The weather matters too, because there is a difference in the riding shirts made for winter usage and those designed for summer. You can also consider if you want to wear the jersey with an extra shirt or a jacket.
Luckily, there are a ton of great jersey to choose from, and there is something for everyone - and for sure there is a riding jersey out there, that will match what you already have in your wardrobe.
Materials
The riding jerseys are often made from a synthetic material, that provides a good breathability as well as free ventilation. They also have a quick-dry function, that keeps the jersey dry even when you are sweating. This is an important feature in any sporting wear.
It can also be relevant to look for a riding jersey made out of wool, if you are looking for a jersey to wear under a winter jacket. Wool is sweat wicking and insulating, and secures a dry, warm ride. However, wool is a delicate fabric, and cannot withstand as much as the synthetic, which has its downsides when we are discussing riding wear.
The transitional jersey
If you are riding outdoor in the springtime or the fall, is can be difficult to choose the right jersey to wear. It cannot be too warm, but at the same time it needs to provide protecting from the wind and weather. A jersey made out of a softshell material, is a good choice for the transitional jersey for spring and fall. It blocks out the wind and it is breathable. It is dirt repellent and, to some degree, waterproof.
The winter layers
There are many advantages to having more than just one riding jersey to wear in the winter. Even when you keep busy, you can easily go cold, and when you are cooling off after a hard and sweaty training, there is a risk that you will end up freezing.
To have one jersey, that can withstand all conditions while you are on you horse, is rarely a reality. Instead you can wear layers and put on or take off as needed during your ride and stable work.
The inner layer
To grant you with the best protection on a cold day, the inside lining should preferably be made out of wool or another insulating material. This layer is close to the body and has to have the ability to lead away sweat form the skin. If you are not wearing a sweat wicking fabric, it can be difficult to keep warm while and after work or training.
The middle layer
The middle layer should consist of a heavier shirt with good insulation qualities. This can be a jersey of any type; a hoodie, a turtleneck or a sweater, and preferably with extra-long sleeves that you can tuck your gloves under - not so long, though, that they will disturb your grip on the reins. With a good middle layer, you secure a good basis for comfort during the winter.
The outer layer
The outer layer is for usage in the occasion of windy, wet weather, when you are riding outdoor. On the really cold, windy days, even a good inner and middle layer won’t matter without the outer layer - you would go cold either way.
The outer layer is not necessary there to provide warmth - it is there to block out the wind and the rain. Your outer layer - the jacket - cannot be too small, because there has to be room for both the inner and the middle layer.
Functionality
A riding jersey can have several functions, but the most important ones are the temperature regulation and the freedom of movement it provides. It has to let your body breath, and it has to be sweat wicking. The ride will be really cold really fast, if your jersey isn’t breathable and quick-dry.
Other valid functions can be a high collar for show usage, it can be a design with an invisible pocket, or it can be a whole for the thumb for a perfect fit.
Size
In general, your riding wear needs to be tight for it to not have needless fabrics in folds that gets in the way of your comfortability. With that being said, it is also important, that you do not choose a size that is too small - look at your proportions and measures and use that as a baseline for your choice. The ideal riding jersey gives you endless freedom and is long enough to be tucked into your breeches if needed.
Give your trainer an advantage
The better the jersey fit you, the easier it is for you trainer to help you out. A well-fitted tight shirt will give a better view of your posture and movements while in the saddle, which makes it easier for the trainer to see where you can improve - and thereby helping you perform better.
Budget
The budget is of importance, of course. Most equestrian prefer to spend the money on the horse, not themselves, but a good riding jersey is an investment in both performance and joy from being with the horse and is not a place to cut back.