Western Show Pants: Online Buyers Guide
Thank you for checking out this part of our Comprehensive BLOG Series.
Ultimate Cowgirl Show Clothes Blog Series:
Western Show Clothes - Guide to putting together a POLISHED LOOK for the Show Ring
Cowboy Hats - Everything you need to know about Hats
Show Shirts - Guide to Selecting the right Western Show Shirt for you
Show Pants - Online Buyers Guide
Details Matter - Jewelry * Hair & Makeup * Much More!
Equestrian Fashionista - Customer Spotlight Series
“Find out what makes a good show pant, where to find them & things to consider before purchasing online.”
This BLOG will explain
DIFFERENCES between Dress Pants & Show Pants - style, design, material
CHALLENGES of shopping online
OVERCOMING the challenges
ADVANTAGES of buying online
The FUN parts about shopping - style/size/colors/matching
Sizing & Fit TIPS - knowing your measurements & getting alterations
10 Things to consider BEFORE buying Online - doing your diligence
What’s all out there - show pants master list
WHERE to buy - online retailers
How are Western Show Pants different from regular dress pants?
They are VERY similar!
Both should be:
Plain - Solid Color
Dress-style - refined in material texture & appearance
Well fitting - form flattering pants
Quality & Comfort - matters
in fact, you may luck out & find a suitable pair of dress pants that double for you as show pants.
〰️
in fact, you may luck out & find a suitable pair of dress pants that double for you as show pants. 〰️
Subtle but important Differences:
Show pants have special needs:
Boot Cut - extra room is needed in the leg to accommodate the boots we wear.
A. different from straight leg which most dress pants have and may be to narrow in the lower leg.
Extra Length - we’re taller in boots, and extra length is needed when riding
A. Show pants are usually un-hemmed - to help you achieve the exact right length in your boots.
Belt loops - western show belts are different than office belts & the loops should accommodate as such.
A. Belt loops need to be WIDER & STRONGER for our application.
Material/Durability - you’re not working in the office, your riding a horse!
Performance/Stretch - stretch-fit is recommended, see above
Zippers may or may not have….could be front or side Zip (often found on the side)
Details - everything matters more because you’re being judged.
“Although your typical black dress pants look SO Similar to black show pants, the subtle details make a BIG difference. ”
Aspects of Show Pants
Pants Style: Low Rise / Medium / High Waist
A. Straight Leg / Flare / Boot Cut
Pattern Design: fabric panel size & shape determines the end result (loose-fit, stretch-fit)
Sizing: wearing/purchasing the correct size…..taking measurements
Technical Aspects: patterning, buttons, zippers, belt loops, etc.
Material: what to expect in terms of durability, stretch & comfort
Color: matching with the rest of your outfit
Classic: Black/White Grey/Brown
Neutral: Beige/Sand Buckskin/Tan
COLORS: Red / Royal / Purple / Pink / Green
CHALLENGES of Buying Online
Where to start - what do I search for and where should I buy?
Too many options - What & Who should I buy from & WHY?
How will they fit? - and what if it doesn’t?
Color - what does it actually look like in real life?
Material - product reviews and customer testimonials can be helpful.
Hassle - returns/refunds & exhanges
FEAR - is this a real company? WHO am I supporting? is this a SCAM?
OVERCOMING Challenges of Buying Online
Know what you want - what aspects are most important to you (Brand, Style, Price, Ship Time, etc.)
Google it - “Search” for exactly what you want (look at images & shopping sections as well).
Review the company / website - is this someone I want to do business with?
Find the Pants - find the right show pant, in the right size & color.
Know your Size - take your measurements just to be sure.
Dive into the Details - product images/video clips, description, sizing, shipping & returns carefully.
Read the reviews - product reviews and customer testimonials can be helpful.
Contact Them - if you have any questions or concerns.
Buy 2, return 1 - Buy 2 different sizes and keep the one that fits the best.
Find a Seamstress - Have a local seamstress to help with the final alterations.
Keep Shopping - if you’re unsure or something isn’t right.
Don’t Get Scammed!
ADVANTAGES of Buying Online
Lots of OPTIONS when shopping - Brands, retailers, designs, sizes, colors etc.
Get EXACTLY what you want - what aspects are most important to you (Brand, Style, Price, Ship Time, etc.)
Arrives much FASTER than having it made to order locally.
EASIER in many ways - you don’t have to leave your house.
More AFFORDABLE - especially with sales/discounts. coupon codes. Custom made is almost always more complex & expensive.
QUALITY - Commercially available pants can be higher quality stitching etc.
MORE - Additional info & resources available - blogs, video clips etc.
Choose who you Support -
The FUN parts about Shopping
Style - Brands, retailers, designs, sizes, colors etc.
Fit - loose-fit vs form-fit - trying it on, seeing how it looks, buy 2 return 1.
Details - what do you like in terms of - design/patterning/zipper/belt loops
Design - low ride / moderate / high waist with BOOT CUT
Patterning - how does it look
Zipper - None, Front, Side - does it matter?
Belt Loops - do you like their look?
Color - what color will it be?
Black is a must
Other Neutrals - Chocolate / Sand / Beige / Tan / Buckskin
Colors - Red / Royal / Navy / Purple / Turquoise / Pink / Rust / more!
Outfit - coordinating with your other garments
Are you creating a new look from scratch?
Do you already have a hat, top or show pad that you are trying to coordinate with?
What color is/are your other pieces?
How does that color look on you and on your horse?
What other color/looks do you already have?
Sizing & Fit Tips
Quality Show Pants usually arrive un-altered
This is GOOD NEWS! It means that your seamstress should be able to get them to the exact right length for you.
they also should have SOME STRETCH - also good news…
First & foremost, Your show pants Must FIT WELL
Colors should coordinate with the rest of your outfit
the bottom hem should rest just above the ground (when standing in your boots).
BONUS TIP: You will still need a seamstress to HEM (& take in or let out) your show pants.
Don’t Wait till the last minute - Allow yourself enough time for shipping & alterations.
10 Things to Consider Before Buying Pants Online
Know what you need - Be Sure that’s what you’re getting
Lots of Quality Images -
Good Product Description -
Clear Sizing and Measurements -
Check on Shipping - so you know how much & when to expect
Policies - Understand Returns/Exchanges
Know WHO you are buying from - do your diligence - About us - consider who you are supporting with your $$
LIKE - check out their social media platforms
TRUST - Don’t get scammed - Checkout their GUARANTEE - Contact them if your still not sure
A. Don’t worry. if it’s the wrong color, doesn’t fit or anything else isn’t right…simply send it back.
B. We have hassle'-free returns & Exchanges
PROOF - Product Reviews / Customer Testimonials / referrals
Women’s Western Show Pants Master List
Hobby Horse - Ezee Rider
Features:
Available in a wide variety of colors
Price Range: $59-79
Available: all over the internet - dozens of different retailers including Sparkle Ridge
Hobby Horse - Low Rider
Features:
Available in Women’s and Girls
Price Range:
Available: all over the internet - dozens of different retailers including Sparkle Ridge
Hobby Horse - Smarty Pants
Features:
Available in a wide variety of colors
Price Range:
Available: several different online retailers
Western Styles Collection
Features:
Available in a wide variety of colors
Price Range:
Available: all over the internet - dozens of different retailers including Sparkle Ridge
Royal Highness Equestrian - Girls
Features:
Available in a wide variety of colors
Price Range:
Available: all over the internet - dozens of different retailers including Sparkle Ridge
Natural Born Winner
Features:
Available in Black / Khaki
Price Range:
Available: several different retailers including Sparkle Ridge
Irideon
Features: arguably highest quality & highest price.
Available in…
Price Range:
Available: all over the internet - dozens of different retailers
Rod’s - Supreme
Features:
Available in Black
Price Range: $60
Available: exclusively from Rods
Rod’s - Premium Select
Features:
Available in Black
Price Range: $80
Available: exclusively from Rods
Schneiders - Show Pants
Features:
Available in a wide variety of colors
Price Range: $60-90
Available: exclusively at Schneiders
Start Shopping for Show Pants
Shop By Brand at Sparkle Ridge
HH / WCS / RHE / NBW / Irideon / SR
Shop By Size (Recommended)
Shop By Color
Black
Neutrals
Colored
