Editor’s Note: Today’s blog post comes from Chestnut Hill sponsor, Equestrian Concierge, located at Sonoma Horse Park in Petaluma, CA. Owner Ashley Matchett Woods has created a equestrian-lover’s dream shopping experience through outstanding service along with high-end custom apparel and tack. Stop by the store soon – the holiday decorations are up and you’ll get a dose of cheer while finding great gifts for yourself or the horse lover on your list.
Technical Innovation in Training Apparel
The key to a great performance is to make clothing so comfortable and functional that you don’t notice how hard it’s working for you.
FUNCTIONAL COMFORT ?To be truly effective, today’s athletic apparel must multitask – block the sun, wick moisture, breathe, and create a seal against cold, wind and rain. And it must do this without sacrificing comfort.
Base Layers to Cool and Warm: Microfibers like CoolMax, Ice-Fil and other proprietary blends work year-round to wick sweat. These materials are great base layers for cooler weather. If the moisture isn’t wicked away and insulated from our skin, we’ll get chilled.
- Goode Rider has their first Ideal Technical shirt in – it’s smooth and silky, lighter weight than the original Ideal and looks great.
Trend watch: inventive necklines and luxury in wick-wear. The most luxurious: PK Sportswear’s Fantasy zip in vibrant, saturated colors.
The Middle Matters: By the time we get on our horses, we’ve shed the outer layer. The mid-layer has to regulate body heat and moisture and allow complete freedom of movement.
Good ol’ wool works. It naturally transfers excess heat and moisture away from your skin – and looks elegant in the process
- • Pikeur’s Henrika V-Neck is this season’s best. A touch of glitz brings out the glamour in this simple, elegant, and versatile piece available in warm and cool palettes.
Microfleece affords maximum benefit. It combines fleece’s wind-stopping properties with less bulk and a slimmer silhouette.
- • Horseware Pessoa does it best – it’s replete with stylish details; come take a look at the Marcela and the Anna.
- Joules is back with its usual attention to detail and coordinating pieces. Curl up with the Morley.
Trend Watch: Interesting textures and patterns in comfy, snuggly pieces from price leaders Kerrits, Romfh and Mountain Horse.
Outward Facing: Jackets and coats have a new profile this season: the trend is shorter lengths, lighter weights and sleeker shapes.
- Synthetic “Down” for less bulk and more style. Quilt designs are as much a part of the look as the cut – Kerrits’ horseshoe-pattern quilting is a standout.
- Trend Watch: Belt it! We’re seeing belted waists on cute jackets, back belts on vests and adjustable waist tabs even on the heaviest pieces. Our favorites: Ariat’s Bristol belted-waist jacket and PK’s Claire vest.
EQ has a variety of coordinating pieces and accessories for all of these looks. So don your favorite ensemble and don’t forget the technical socks!