If you’ve ever finished a summer show round drenched in sweat, desperately wishing you could rip off that show coat the second you left the ring, you’re not alone. Showing in hot weather is genuinely miserable when you’re wearing the wrong clothes.
The good news? Show apparel has come a long way. You don’t have to choose between looking polished and not overheating anymore. I’ve tested a lot of show clothes in Southern heat (I’m based in Aiken, SC—we know hot), and these are the pieces that actually make a difference.
Quick Comparison: Best Hot Weather Show Clothes
| Product | Best For | Price | My Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free Ride Cassidy Show Shirt | Everyday showing | $65 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Asmar Imperial Show Shirt | Premium breathability | $158 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Free Ride Sara Sun Shirt | Warm-up/schooling | $65 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Free Ride Lux Breeches | Lightweight comfort | $95 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Asmar Derby Technical Breeches | Competition polish | $268 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Free Ride Competition Jacket | Budget-friendly classic | $150 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Asmar Equestrian Show Coat | Premium technical | $498 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
My Top Pick: Free Ride Cassidy Show Shirt
If I could only recommend one piece for hot weather showing, it’s the Free Ride Cassidy Show Shirt. At $65, it’s genuinely one of the best values in show apparel.
Here’s the thing—most “performance” show shirts feel like wearing a plastic bag. The Cassidy is different. It’s legitimately breathable without being see-through, which sounds basic but is surprisingly rare. The collar stays crisp without being stiff, and it actually fits like a shirt you’d want to wear, not something designed by someone who’s never sat on a horse.
I wear mine in white for dressage phases and have the navy for schooling. The fabric dries fast enough that I can rinse it between classes if I need to.
Use code ELEVATED10 at checkout for a discount.
Pros:
- Truly breathable performance fabric
- Great collar structure
- Multiple colors available
- Price point that won’t make you cry
Cons:
- Runs slightly fitted (size up if you prefer loose)
Premium Pick: Asmar Imperial Show Shirt
If you’re willing to invest more, the Asmar Imperial Show Shirt is genuinely next-level for hot weather.
Asmar’s technical fabrics are some of the best in the industry. This shirt has moisture-wicking properties that actually work, UPF 50+ protection (critical for those all-day shows), and stretch that moves with you without losing shape.
The truth is—you can feel the quality difference the moment you put it on. Is it necessary? No. Does it make showing in 90-degree heat significantly more bearable? Absolutely yes.
Pros:
- Superior technical fabric
- UPF 50+ sun protection
- Beautiful tailored fit
- Holds up wash after wash
Cons:
- Investment price point
- May feel too nice for everyday showing
Best Breeches for Summer Shows
Everyday Pick: Free Ride Lux Breeches ($95)
The Free Ride Lux Breeches are what I reach for every single day, including show days. They’re lightweight enough for summer but still have enough structure to look polished in the ring.
I have them in white for dressage and tan for hunter days. The fabric breathes better than most technical breeches at twice the price. Fair warning—they run long, which is great if you’re tall but you might need to roll them if you’re not.
Use code ELEVATED10 at checkout.
Investment Pick: Asmar Derby Technical Breeches ($268)
For shows where you want to look absolutely put-together, the Asmar Derby Technical Breeches are worth the splurge. The silicone grip is subtle but effective, and they photograph beautifully.
Show Coats That Won’t Make You Melt
Here’s the truth about show coats in summer: even the best ones are going to be warm. The goal is finding one that’s warm rather than suffocating.
Budget Pick: Free Ride Competition Jacket ($150)
The Free Ride Competition Jacket surprised me with how lightweight it is. At $150, it’s one of the more affordable options that still looks sharp in the ring. The fabric has some stretch and breathes better than traditional wool blends.
Available in black, navy, and grey—all classic choices that won’t date.
Premium Pick: Asmar Show Coat ($498)
If you’re showing frequently at rated shows and want something that performs in heat, Asmar’s technical show coats are designed with ventilation in mind. The Asmar Show Coats use performance fabrics that wick moisture while still looking completely traditional.
Hot Weather Show Day Tips
Beyond the clothes themselves, here’s what I’ve learned about surviving summer shows:
Layer smart. Wear your sun shirt for warm-up, swap to your show shirt for your class. Keep a damp towel in a cooler to wipe down between rounds.
Choose colors wisely. Navy and dark colors absorb heat. White and light grey are your friends in summer (plus white breeches photograph better anyway).
Consider a cooling vest. Wear one under your show coat and remove it right before entering the ring. Game changer for those 10-minute waits at the in-gate.
Bring backup. Pack a second show shirt. There’s nothing worse than putting on a soaked shirt before your second round.
The Bottom Line
For most riders showing in hot weather, I’d start with the Free Ride Cassidy Show Shirt and Lux Breeches. They’re genuinely great quality at a price that makes sense, and they’ll keep you significantly cooler than traditional show clothes.
If you’re showing at a level where you want premium everything, Asmar Equestrian is worth exploring. Their technical fabrics are genuinely superior, and the pieces are designed to last for years.
Quick picks:
- Best overall show shirt: Free Ride Cassidy ($65) — shop here with code ELEVATED10
- Best premium show shirt: Asmar Imperial ($158) — shop here
- Best everyday breeches: Free Ride Lux ($95) — shop here
Whatever you choose, prioritize breathable technical fabrics over traditional materials. Your summer show rounds will thank you.
Looking for everyday barn wear for hot weather? Check out my post on What I Actually Wear to the Barn in Summer.
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