Posted: 11th September 2019 | Back to news feed
In this article, Liz Hayman, designer and owner of British equestrian fashion brand, Equetech talks trends and tips. This month, fellow rider Liz discusses the new seasonal trends and how you can incorporate these into your riding wardrobe this autumn, whatever your budget.
Turn Up Colour
We know you all adore black, navy and chocolate as the core colour of your winter wardrobe. This season we have introduced some beautiful colours to lift these sombre tones. Our graphite grey is such a beautiful colour against winter skin and silver mink has a warmth in tone that again, complements all complexions and lifts winter's dark colour palette. If your budget can't stretch to clothing, think about accessories as an option to add colour to your uniform of black. Our cable twist knit headbands and snoods also come in a delicious raspberry and stunning petrol colour. We've also added crystal embellishment to our black and grey knit headband for those who love sparkle. Look to introduce some welcome shade to brighten up the dullest of winter mornings.
Winter Warmers
With the trend for incorporating technology in rider clothing growing, we have gone one step further by introducing the first equestrian high fashion heated coat this winter. The Equetech Inferno Long Quilted Coat is the first British designer equestrian heated fashion coat to be launched on the market. Showerproof and water-resistant, this long, lightweight padded coat is designed for superior warmth, with heat control and Bio-DownTM ethical insulation, to keep you warm and stylish in the harshest of weathers! The garment features a network of technical heat panels along the thigh and lower back region and offers three temperature levels. Simply plug in your own power bank, place in your zip pocket and choose a level of heat (low, medium, high), using a discrete button in the pocket giving you approximately * 2-6 hours of warmth, depending on heat level. *Based on 6000mAh power bank.
The coat takes inspiration from catwalk trends with a flattering chevron quilt and features rider-friendly details such as two-layer storm flap which conceals a shorter, waisted 'easy wear' YKK durable zip to the front and a soft opening to the back to protect your saddle, yet enable you to also ride in it! Look for garments which take inspiration from technical sports clothing and translate to riding wear. While ski-gloves are perfect for the slope, they are not great for riding in, so apply the same focus when looking to update your riding wardrobe this winter.
Made To Last
While it would be wonderful to splash out on a new riding wardrobe every season, for most riders this is an impossible dream! (unless we win the lottery!). Fortunately, Equetech clothing is made to last and outlast the most fickle fashion trends, which is why our customers know that each season it's more of 'what do I fancy', instead of: 'what do I need to replace'. Look for garments that have style details that are relevant to the purpose and design of the clothing. Bling is gorgeous on competition wear but don't get blinded by the sparkle and ignore the bad cut of a jacket or those seams on breeches which will rub. Take a good look at the whole garment to ensure that fashion doesn't take away from the function of the fabric.
Look Closer
I spend a lot of time researching fabrics and creating the perfect design, which you'll see evolving every season. Sadly, Equetech designs are often copied but never to the standard or quality you will find with us. You might find a garment similar to ours cheaper. However, our investment goes into rivets that don't rust or fall off, zips that won't let you down mid-winter and fantastic style details that will enhance your user experience or the performance of the clothing, including reflective details on our fashionable winter coats this season. There are numerous copies of fantastic originals out there but if you want a garment that will stand up to wear and tear of everyday life at the yard and in the saddle, invest in the real deal.
All In The Detail
As a rider myself, I have to do the horses in all weathers, so I am always looking for ways to protect myself against the elements and make riding in all weathers bearable! Look for warm, waterproof and breathable properties in your coats and jackets and details such as storm flaps, high collars that protect your neck from that winter wind and concealed hoods in collars. Hoods on coats and jackets which can then be safely tucked away to wear in the saddle on windy days are ideal. As an owner of a young horse, he might be sensible, but in a gale-force wind with a flapping hood, I may well be pushing my luck, so I always try and design garments with plenty of thought about what I personally want from a garment, and it seems I am not alone in my wish to stay safe, dry, warm and comfortable!
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