I ride 43 sessions a week. In South Carolina. In the summer.
That means I’ve tried pretty much everything when it comes to hot weather riding clothes. The stuff that looks cute on Instagram but turns into a sweat-soaked disaster by 9 AM. The “breathable” fabrics that definitely don’t breathe. The sunshirts that pill after three washes.
Here’s what I actually wear now - the stuff that’s survived years of daily use in real barn conditions.
The Daily Uniform
Let me be honest: I wear basically the same thing every day. Not because I lack fashion sense, but because when you’re riding this many horses, you need clothes that just work without thinking.
Breeches: Free Ride Lux Zip (90% of the time)
I own three pairs and rotate them constantly. They’re lightweight enough for summer, the grip keeps me in the saddle, and they’ve held up to daily washing better than anything else I’ve tried.
Why I love them:
- High waist that actually stays up
- Compression fit that moves with you
- Light enough for 95-degree days
- Run long (I’m tall and have to roll them - finally!)
The Lux Hybrid (pull-on) version is great too if you hate zippers. Same fabric, same fit, no hardware.
Price: $95 | Shop Free Ride | Use code ELEVATED10
Sun Shirt: Free Ride Sara or Kastel
I rotate between these depending on what’s clean. Both have UPF protection, both breathe well, both hold up to constant washing.
The Free Ride perforated sun shirts are my go-to for the hottest days - the actual perforations in the fabric make a difference when it’s 95 and humid.
What I look for:
- UPF 30+ minimum (50+ preferred)
- Quarter zip (full zips dig into my chin in half seat)
- Fitted but not tight
- Doesn’t show sweat stains immediately
Sports Bra: Anything High-Impact
I’m not picky here. Lululemon, Athleta, Target - whatever’s comfortable and keeps everything in place over fences. Summer means more sweat, so I usually go with moisture-wicking fabric and change between AM and PM rides.
Socks: Tall Boot Socks That Actually Breathe
The cheap cotton ones make your feet sweat like crazy. I switched to moisture-wicking tall boot socks and it’s made a bigger difference than I expected. My boots don’t smell as bad and my feet don’t slide around.
The Extras That Matter
Belt: Leather, Simple, Functional
I have one brown leather belt that I wear every day. It matches everything, doesn’t dig in, and has lasted years. Don’t overthink this one.
Hair: Braid or Bust
In summer humidity, anything else is a disaster. Low braid, helmet on, done. I’ve given up on looking polished by the end of the day.
Sunscreen: Applied Before I Leave the House
If I wait until I get to the barn, I won’t do it. Face, neck, ears, hands - every single day. The sun damage on my left hand (reins side) is real.
What I’ve Stopped Wearing
Cotton t-shirts. They trap heat, show every sweat mark, and take forever to dry. Even cute ones aren’t worth it.
Dark colors on the hottest days. I know black is slimming. I also know it absorbs heat. Light colors in July and August.
Anything that requires special care. If it can’t be thrown in the washer and dryer on repeat, it doesn’t belong in my barn wardrobe.
Cheap breeches. I’ve learned this lesson multiple times. The $40 breeches that seem like a deal? They’re see-through, they bag out at the knees, and you end up replacing them in two months. Better to invest once.
My Actual Shopping List
If you’re building a summer barn wardrobe from scratch, here’s what I’d buy:
| Item | My Pick | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Breeches (x2-3) | Free Ride Lux Zip | $95 each |
| Sun shirts (x3-4) | Free Ride Sara / Kastel | $65-75 each |
| Sports bras | Whatever works | $30-50 each |
| Tall boot socks | Moisture-wicking | $15-20/pair |
| Belt | Simple leather | $30-40 |
| Starting total | ~$400-500 |
Yes, that’s an investment. But this wardrobe will last you multiple seasons if you take care of it. I’ve been wearing the same rotation for over a year now.
The Reality Check
Here’s the thing nobody talks about: you’re going to be sweaty and dirty by the end of a summer barn day no matter what you wear. The goal isn’t to look Instagram-perfect at 5 PM. The goal is to be comfortable enough to ride well and protected enough from the sun.
Buy clothes that work hard, wash them after every wear (I mean it - the sweat will break down the fabric if you don’t), and accept that “barn casual” is its own aesthetic.
Your horse doesn’t care what brand your breeches are. They care that you showed up.
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