Sparkle Ridge

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Western Show Pants: Online Buyers Guide

Anita Jensen

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

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

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.

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?

    1. Black is a must

    2. Other Neutrals - Chocolate / Sand / Beige / Tan / Buckskin

    3. 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

  1. Know what you need - Be Sure that’s what you’re getting

  2. Lots of Quality Images -

  3. Good Product Description -

  4. Clear Sizing and Measurements -

  5. Check on Shipping - so you know how much & when to expect

  6. Policies - Understand Returns/Exchanges

  7. Know WHO you are buying from - do your diligence - About us - consider who you are supporting with your $$

  8. LIKE - check out their social media platforms

  9. 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

  10. 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

See this product in the original post

  • 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

See this product in the original post

  • 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

See this gallery in the original post