A quality show jacket is an investment. The brands worth buying, whether Cavalleria Toscana, Vestrum, or Horse Pilot, are built to last, but only if you treat them accordingly. The riders who get multiple seasons out of a jacket are not lucky. They are careful.

This guide covers everything you need to know to keep your show jacket looking sharp and performing well season after season.

Read the Care Label First

Before anything else, check the care label on your specific jacket. Different fabrics and constructions have different requirements, and the label is the definitive source. What applies to one jacket may not apply to another, even within the same brand. When in doubt, default to the most conservative option: cold water, gentle cycle, lay flat to dry.

Washing: Less Is More

One of the most common ways riders shorten the life of a show jacket is over-washing. Frequent washing, even on a gentle cycle, breaks down technical fabrics, degrades stretch properties, and causes color to fade faster than necessary.

The goal is to wash your jacket only when it actually needs it. After most show days, spot cleaning is sufficient. Use a damp cloth or a soft brush to address any visible dirt or marks immediately after removing the jacket, before they have a chance to set. Pay particular attention to the collar, cuffs, and underarms where contact and sweat accumulate most.

When a full wash is necessary, turn the jacket inside out before placing it in the machine. This protects the outer fabric and any embellishments from friction during the wash cycle. Use a gentle or delicates cycle with cold water and a small amount of mild detergent designed for technical or performance fabrics. Avoid fabric softeners entirely. They coat technical fibers and reduce their moisture-wicking and stretch properties over time.

Never wash a show jacket with items that have zippers, velcro, or hardware that could snag the fabric.

Drying: Heat Is the Enemy

Heat is the fastest way to damage a show jacket. Never put a show jacket in a tumble dryer. The heat degrades elastic fibers, causes shrinkage, and can permanently alter the shape of a structured garment.

After washing, gently reshape the jacket and lay it flat or hang it on a padded hanger to air dry at room temperature. Avoid direct sunlight during drying, which can cause colors to fade unevenly. Do not wring or twist the jacket to remove excess water. Press it gently between two clean towels instead.

Allow the jacket to dry completely before storing or wearing it again. Storing a jacket that is even slightly damp can lead to odor and fabric degradation over time.

Storing Between Shows

How you store your jacket between competitions matters as much as how you wash it. A show jacket should always be hung on a padded or wide-shouldered hanger that supports the full width of the shoulders. Wire hangers concentrate pressure on a single point and can cause the shoulder to deform over time.

Keep your jacket in a breathable garment bag to protect it from dust, light, and accidental contact with other items in your wardrobe. Avoid plastic garment bags for long-term storage, as they trap moisture and prevent the fabric from breathing.

Store your jacket in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight. UV exposure fades color gradually and consistently, and even indirect light over a long storage period can affect dark fabrics noticeably.

If you are storing a jacket for the off-season, give it a proper clean before putting it away. Storing a jacket with sweat or body oils in the fabric accelerates fiber breakdown and can lead to permanent staining or odor.

At the Show: Handling and Transport

The show grounds are where most jacket damage happens, and a little care during the day goes a long way. Hang your jacket properly whenever you are not wearing it rather than draping it over a fence rail, tack trunk, or the back of a chair. A travel garment bag or a dedicated jacket hook in your tack stall keeps it protected between classes.

If your jacket gets caught in rain, do not panic. Most technical fabrics used by brands like Cavalleria Toscana, Vestrum, and Horse Pilot handle moisture well. Remove the jacket as soon as possible, reshape it, and allow it to air dry naturally before storing. Do not fold a wet jacket and leave it in a bag.

For long travel days, a quality garment bag with enough structure to prevent the jacket from being crushed in a tack trunk is worth the investment. Creases that set in during long journeys can be difficult to remove without heat, which creates a problem for jackets that cannot be ironed.

Dealing With Wrinkles

Most show jacket fabrics are designed to resist wrinkling, but creases can still develop, particularly after travel or improper storage. Before reaching for an iron, check the care label carefully. Many technical fabrics cannot tolerate direct heat from an iron.

A garment steamer is the safest option for most show jackets. Hold the steamer at a distance and allow the steam to relax the fabric without direct contact. Hang the jacket while steaming and allow it to cool and set before wearing or storing.

If you must use an iron, use the lowest heat setting, always iron on the reverse side of the fabric, and use a pressing cloth between the iron and the jacket. Never iron directly over embroidery, embellishments, or printed details.

When to Retire a Jacket

Even with excellent care, show jackets do not last forever. Pilling, fabric thinning, faded color that no longer looks intentional, and lost structure in the shoulder or collar are all signs that a jacket has reached the end of its competitive life. Wearing a visibly worn jacket in the ring does more harm to your presentation than wearing a well-maintained jacket from a more accessible brand.

When it is time to replace, invest in the same level of care from the first wear. A jacket that is properly maintained from day one will always outlast one that is treated as an afterthought.

Shop Show Jackets at EQU

At EQU Lifestyle Boutique, we carry show jackets from Cavalleria Toscana, Vestrum, and Horse Pilot. If you have questions about care for a specific jacket or are ready to invest in a new piece for the upcoming season, our team is here to help. Browse the full selection online or reach out directly.

The right jacket, properly cared for, will carry you through seasons of competition. Treat it accordingly.