Are you getting ready for your first equestrian competition? You'll want to look sharp, but you'll also want to avoid stepping on figurative toes with your choices. The styles for equestrian show clothes have increased greatly in the past few years as different fabrics and fitting shortcuts have led to a wealth of choices (and confusion). For your first show, you want something presentable and practical.

Stick With Technical and Tailored

Technical fabrics are those that offer a special purpose other than covering you up. Fabrics that wick away sweat, for example, are technical fabrics. Most equestrian clothing is made from technical fabric now, so be sure to ask the salesperson helping you what the fabric is supposed to do -- wick moisture, avoid wrinkling, and so on. Also look for clothing that has hidden panels and zippers to adjust the size. After getting the clothing, you may want to have a tailor familiar with equestrian clothes make minor adjustments so that your outfit looks comfortably snug.

Stay Within the Established Rules

Always be sure you are choosing clothing that conforms to the regulations of the particular competition you're in. Now is not the time to be that rebel who tries to break down stuffy requirements. You want an outfit that makes you look good, but also one that does not stand out in a jarring way. You also need to be sure that you know how to wear everything so that you don't look needlessly sloppy and risk the ire of the judges.

Watch for Static

Sometimes fabrics can be more static-prone than others. If you're looking at technical fabrics, try to find some that have anti-static materials woven in or that use material that does not contribute to static. You don't need shocks and weird pulling as you try to get through the competition.

Stay Modest

Modern equestrian clothing follows modern general clothing trends, which means lower waists on breeches. When you try on breeches, move! Bend, sit, twist, do everything you would do in the course of the show, even when you aren't on a horse. You want to be sure there are no unsightly gaps or additional views that you weren't intending to give the audience.

Good luck with your show. With your new, trim outfit and knowledge that you've been training intensely for this event, you can go into the show confident of your ability to do well.