Show Jumping Competition Outfit Guide

Everything You Need to Know About Show Jumping Competition Attire:

Whether you're preparing for your first 60cm class, competing at Pony Club or aiming for higher-level Equestrian Australia competitions, this guide explains what to wear for show jumping in Australia.

It's always good to check Equestrian Australia Jumping Rules or your event schedule, as dress requirements may vary depending on the competition.

Show Jumping Competition Clothing Checklist
For most Australian Show Jumping competitions, riders will generally require:
✔ EA-approved riding helmet
✔ Competition shirt
✔ Competition show jacket
✔ White or off-white breeches, tights or jodhpurs.
✔ Tall riding boots or approved short boots (where permitted)
✔ Gloves
✔ Hair neatly secured
✔ Correctly fitted saddle and tack

What Should You Wear to a Show Jumping Competition?
Unlike Dressage, where elegance is the focus, Show Jumping requires clothing that allows complete freedom of movement while maintaining a smart, professional appearance.

Your competition outfit should be:
• Comfortable
• Breathable
• Stretchy
• Lightweight
• Competition compliant

Safety Vests:
Safety vests aren't compulsory for most Show Jumping competitions, but many riders choose to wear one for added protection. Modern designs are lightweight, comfortable and allow full freedom of movement. Ensure your vest fits correctly and meets current Australian safety standards where required.

What Helmet Do You Need for Show Jumping?
Safety always comes first.
Every rider must wear an approved riding helmet that complies with current Australian safety standards and Equestrian Australia regulations. - check out the current regulations here
Your helmet should:
• Fit securely
• Sit level on your head
• Be correctly fastened
• Be clean and well maintained
Never compete in a damaged helmet or one that no longer fits correctly.

What Shirt Should You Wear?
A competition shirt sits underneath your show jacket and should look neat while remaining comfortable throughout the day.

Most riders choose:

• White
• Pale blue
• Soft pastel colours - our SOL Aero-Flex shirt ticks all the boxes

Modern competition shirts often feature:

• Moisture-wicking fabric
• Four-way stretch
• Breathable mesh panels
• UV protection

What Show Jacket Should You Wear?

The show jacket is one of the most recognisable parts of a Show Jumping outfit.
The most popular colours include:
• Navy
• Black

Can You Wear a Coloured Show Jacket?
While navy and black remain the traditional favourites, coloured show jackets are becoming increasingly popular across Show Jumping, Eventing and even Dressage, provided they comply with competition rules.

Our newly launched SOL Show Jackets are available in Dusty Rose Pink and Sky Blue, offering riders a fresh, modern alternative without compromising on style, comfort or performance. If you're looking to add a little individuality and confidence to your competition wardrobe, a coloured show jacket is a great way to do it.

Today's riders also expect performance from their jackets.

Look for features such as:
• Four-way stretch
• Lightweight fabric
• Breathability
• Tailored fit
• Freedom of movement

Our SOL Show Jackets are designed specifically for the modern Show Jumping rider. Its lightweight stretch fabric, breathable perforated back panel and concealed front zip allow riders to move freely while maintaining a polished appearance throughout the day.

What Colour Breeches Should You Wear?
White remains the traditional and most widely accepted colour for Show Jumping competitions.

Common choices include:
• White
• Off-white
• Two-tone white with a black seat

Our Rosette Breeches have become especially popular because the black full seat provides riders with extra confidence while maintaining the classic competition appearance. Many riders also appreciate that the darker seat helps minimise the appearance of marks during a long competition day while creating a flattering silhouette.

Choose breeches that:
• Fit comfortably
• Stay in place
• Allow unrestricted movement
• Don't bunch beneath your boots

Tall Boots or Short Boots?

Older riders generally compete in:
• Tall riding boots

Younger riders may wear:
• Jodhpur boots
• Approved short boots where permitted

Always check your event schedule and competition rules.

Boots should always be:
• Clean
• Polished
• Well fitted

Should You Wear Gloves?
Yes.
Gloves improve grip while creating a polished competition appearance.
Popular colours include:
• Black
• Brown
• White
Choose gloves that provide flexibility without reducing feel on the reins.

Hair and Presentation
Presentation remains an important part of competition.

Hair should always be:
• Securely tied back
• Neat
• Off your face
Many riders wear:
• Hair nets
• Decorative scrunchies
• Matching hair accessories

A tidy appearance completes your competition outfit without distracting from your performance.

Can You Wear Riding Tights for Show Jumping?

Absolutely. Competition riding tights are now worn at every level, from Pony Club to FEI. Made from technical stretch fabrics, they offer outstanding comfort, breathability and freedom of movement while still looking smart and professional in the ring.

Common Show Jumping Clothing Mistakes

One of the biggest mistakes riders make is buying competition clothing that's too large to "grow into."

Poorly fitting clothing can:
• Affect your position
• Distract from your presentation
• Become uncomfortable during long competition days

Other common mistakes include:
• Dirty boots
• Wrinkled shirts
• Poorly fitted jackets
• Forgetting gloves
• Wearing casual riding clothing
• Helmet that doesn't fit correctly
• Heavy fabrics during Australian summers

Frequently Asked Questions:

What colour breeches do you wear for Show Jumping?
White or off-white breeches, jodhpurs or equestrian tights remain the traditional choice for Australian Show Jumping competitions.

Can I wear black breeches?
Black breeches are generally worn for everyday riding rather than official competitions. Most riders choose white or off-white competition breeches.

Do I need a show jacket?
Yes.
Most official competitions require riders to wear a competition jacket unless a heat policy has been announced.

What colour show jacket is best?
If you're buying your first competition jacket, navy is always the most versatile choice. It complements almost every horse colour, suits riders of all ages and never goes out of style.
But if you love to be a little bit of a trailblazer, why not choose colour? Show Jumping is the perfect place to express your personality, and life is far too short not to stand out in the ring. Our SOL Show Jackets are perfect for this.

What is the best jacket for Show Jumping?
Look for a jacket that combines traditional styling with technical performance.
Features such as stretch fabric, breathability and lightweight construction will help you stay comfortable throughout the day while maintaining a professional appearance.

Final Thoughts:

Show Jumping is fast and exciting, but presentation still counts. Well-fitting, competition-ready clothing helps you ride comfortably, look professional and focus on your round. Whether it's your first competition or you're chasing championship ribbons, the right outfit helps you ride with confidence

Hot Tip: Never jump the fence you're at. Ride the one after it. Top riders are always planning ahead. As your horse is leaving one fence, your focus should already be on the next line, turn or distance. That forward thinking creates smooth, balanced rounds and gives your horse the confidence to jump cleanly.