Moving into junior divisions is one of your biggest milestones as a young rider. Along with new challenges in the show ring comes a gradual shift in your wardrobe. Your trainer may recommend it's time to switch from jodhpurs to breeches, or your show coat may no longer fit quite right. However the transition begins, it's a sign that you're entering a new stage of your riding journey.
For many riders, this is an exciting milestone that can also feel overwhelming. Growth spurts make sizing unpredictable, and it isn't always clear which pieces you need to replace first. The good news is that you don't have to rebuild your wardrobe overnight. Most riders make the transition one piece at a time as they grow and advance in competition.
Understanding what changes (and what doesn't) can make the transition feel much less overwhelming.
What changes when you move into junior divisions?
Every rider's transition looks a little different, but there are a few wardrobe changes that almost everyone experiences. Some happen before you officially move into junior divisions, while others happen as you grow and gain experience.
While every rider's journey is unique, there are a few wardrobe updates that nearly everyone makes as they transition into junior competition.
You'll switch from jodhpurs to breeches
One of the first changes many riders make is trading their jodhpurs for breeches. Jodhpurs are designed to be worn with paddock boots and garter straps, while breeches are made to pair with tall boots for a cleaner, more polished appearance in the show ring.
The timing of this transition often depends on your trainer, the discipline you compete in, and the divisions you're preparing to enter. Many riders make the switch as they begin preparing for junior competition, while others transition shortly before moving up.
Read more: Breeches vs. Jodhpurs: What's the Difference?
Tall boots replace paddock boots
Tall boots are another hallmark of junior turnout. In many hunter, jumper, and equitation classes, they're considered the traditional choice and help create the streamlined silhouette judges expect to see.
Because tall boots are a significant investment and are more particular in fit, many riders wait until they're ready both competitively and physically before making the switch. Your trainer can help determine the right timing, and choosing a pair that fits correctly is far more important than rushing into the purchase.
Your show coat may need an upgrade
As you move into junior divisions, you'll likely notice that your show coat needs to evolve, too. Children's show coats are often designed with growing riders in mind, while junior show coats feature a more tailored fit and refined styling that creates a polished appearance in the ring.
This is also one of the trickiest pieces to fit during a growth spurt. A coat that's too large can look sloppy, while one that's too small can restrict movement and quickly become uncomfortable.
Hairstyles become more polished
Your overall presentation becomes just as important as the clothing you wear.
Depending on the discipline, as riders move into junior divisions, braided hairstyles and bows are traded for a neat low ponytail tucked up into the helmet and secured with a hairnet. Hairstyles contribute to a tidy, distraction-free appearance that keeps the focus on your riding.
Your schooling wardrobe will mature, too
The transition isn't limited to show day. As you grow, your everyday riding wardrobe becomes more refined as well. Technical riding shirts, classic colors, and coordinated basics gradually replace brighter colors or more youthful styles. Riders who once opted for riding tights may also choose to transition to a hybrid or traditional breech for schooling as well.
That doesn't mean you need to replace every schooling outfit at once. Most riders update these pieces as they outgrow older clothing or it wears out, allowing their wardrobe to evolve naturally over time.
Finding the right fit during the transition to junior level
As you transition into junior divisions, finding the right fit becomes just as important as choosing the right apparel. During the tween and teen years, it's common to outgrow one piece of your wardrobe while everything else still fits, leaving many riders somewhere between girls’ and women's sizing.
Instead of focusing on the size printed on the tag, focus on how each piece fits and functions while you ride. Many junior riders wear a mix of girls' and women's apparel.
Finding the right breech fit
The right pair of breeches should feel like athletic wear—close-fitting without restricting movement. They should stay comfortably in place throughout your ride without sagging at the waist, pinching through the hips, or bunching behind the knees.
Before ordering, measure your:
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Waist
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Hips
Compare your measurements to the brand's size chart rather than relying on the size you wore last season. If you are at the top of the girls’ size chart, you may want to consider checking the women’s size chart just in case, or consider the Long variation of your size in girls.
As you try on breeches, look for these signs of a good fit:
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The waistband sits comfortably without sliding down or digging in.
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The seat and thighs fit smoothly without excess fabric or pulling.
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The knee patches align with your knees when you're in the saddle.
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The legs fit smoothly inside your tall boots without bunching at the ankles.
Stretch fabrics and technical performance materials provide flexibility during growth spurts, but breeches shouldn't be intentionally oversized. If you compete in hunter, jumper, and equitation classes, choose knee-patch breeches. For dressage, full-seat breeches are more common.
Finding the right show coat fit
Your show coat has one of the biggest impacts on your overall turnout, so finding the right fit is worth taking the time to achieve.
Before choosing a size, measure your:
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Chest
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Sleeve length
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Waist (if recommended by the manufacturer)
Then evaluate how the coat fits.
A properly fitting show coat should:
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Sit smoothly across your shoulders without pulling or drooping
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Allow the sleeves to reach your wrist bone
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Button comfortably without straining
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Allow you to move your arms and shoulders freely while riding
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Lay smoothly across your back without excess fabric or bunching
Avoid sizing up just to get another season of wear. An oversized coat can look sloppy in the show ring, while one that's too small may restrict movement and quickly become uncomfortable.
If you're between children's and women's sizing, R.J. Classics offers women’s size 00 show coats to help you achieve a polished fit without compromising comfort.
Finding the right show shirt fit
A well-fitting show shirt should be comfortable enough to wear all day while lying smoothly beneath your show coat.
Measure your:
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Chest
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Sleeve length
Then look for a shirt that:
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Fits close to the body without feeling restrictive
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Allows comfortable movement through the shoulders
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Has sleeves that reach your wrists
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Features a collar that lies neatly beneath your show coat
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Stays tucked in while you ride
Technical performance fabrics with stretch, moisture-wicking properties, and breathability help keep you comfortable during long show days and often outperform traditional cotton shirts.
Finding the right tall boot fit
Tall boots are one of the biggest investments in a junior rider's wardrobe, so taking accurate measurements before purchasing is essential.
You'll need two measurements:
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Calf circumference
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Boot height (from the floor to the back of your knee)
When standing, the boot should fit snugly around your calf without causing pain, and the top should reach just below the bend of your knee. Keep in mind that leather boots naturally soften and drop slightly as they're broken in, so a new pair will often feel taller and firmer at first than it eventually will.
Common signs your boots don't fit properly include:
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Gaps around the calf
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Pinching that causes discomfort or restricts movement
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Boots that slide down excessively after breaking in
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A top that's noticeably below your knee
Leather boots mold to your leg over time and offer a traditional appearance, while synthetic boots can be a practical option for riders who are still growing quickly because they're often more affordable and require less break-in time.
Building your junior wardrobe without replacing everything at once
One of the biggest misconceptions about moving into junior divisions is that you need an entirely new wardrobe right away. In reality, most riders build their junior wardrobe over several seasons as they grow, advance in competition, and size out of older apparel.
Instead of replacing everything at once, focus on purchasing the pieces that will have the biggest impact on your comfort, confidence, and overall turnout first. Then, continue adding to your wardrobe as your needs change.
Start with the pieces that no longer fit
If your show coat feels tight across the shoulders or your breeches no longer allow you to move comfortably in the saddle, those should be your first priorities. Apparel that no longer fits properly can affect both your performance and your overall presentation in the show ring.
Replacing items because you’ve outgrown them, and not simply because they're older, is often the smartest place to begin.
Invest in tall boots when you're ready
Tall boots are one of the biggest visual milestones of moving into junior divisions, but they're also one of the biggest investments.
Rather than purchasing them simply because of your age, work with your trainer to determine when they're appropriate for the divisions you're entering. If you're still growing rapidly, it may also be worth considering how much growing room is realistic without sacrificing proper fit.
Refresh your schooling wardrobe over time
Unlike your show attire, your schooling wardrobe doesn't need to change overnight. Continue wearing well-fitting schooling clothes while gradually replacing older pieces with more technical, coordinated apparel as they wear out or no longer fit. This allows you to spread out the cost while still building a wardrobe that reflects your growing experience as a rider.
Shop women’s schooling clothing →
Shop girls’ schooling clothing →
Add accessories as needed
Once you've updated the essentials, you can begin adding the finishing touches. Items like gloves, belts, hairnets, and riding socks help complete a polished turnout, but they generally don't need to be purchased all at once. Replace them as they wear out or as your competition schedule requires.
Save specialty apparel for later
Not every piece of riding apparel needs to be part of your first junior wardrobe. Specialty items like shadbellies, stock ties, and other formal competition attire are typically reserved for specific disciplines, classes, or higher levels of competition. Unless your trainer recommends them, these purchases can usually wait until your riding goals require them.
Work with your trainer before making major purchases
Every rider progresses at a different pace, and expectations can vary depending on your discipline, competition level, and long-term goals.
Before investing in expensive items like tall boots or a new show coat, ask your trainer for guidance. They can help you prioritize purchases, determine what's appropriate for the divisions you're entering, and avoid spending money on apparel you'll quickly outgrow or won't need just yet.
Tips for shopping during a growth spurt
Growth spurts are one of the biggest challenges when building a junior riding wardrobe. You want apparel that fits well today, but you also don't want to replace everything a few months later. The key is finding the right balance between buying for your current fit and planning ahead as you grow.
Don't buy everything oversized
When you're trying to get another season out of a piece of apparel, it can be tempting to buy a size up. Unfortunately, oversized riding apparel rarely performs or looks the way it's supposed to.
A show coat that's too large can look sloppy in the ring and restrict your movement in the saddle. Breeches that bunch around the knees or ankles can become uncomfortable, and tall boots that are too loose won't provide the support they're designed to offer.
Instead of sizing up dramatically, buy apparel that fits properly now and choose technical fabrics with a little stretch when appropriate. You'll be more comfortable, look more polished, and get the performance the garment was designed to provide.
Measure before you buy
Sizing can vary significantly between brands, so don't assume you'll wear the same size in every piece of apparel. Before placing an order, take fresh measurements and compare them to the manufacturer's size chart.
Taking a few extra minutes to measure can help you avoid unnecessary returns and ensure each piece fits as intended.
Re-measure before every show season
A lot can change in just a few months during the tween and teen years. Even if your wardrobe fit perfectly at the end of last season, it's worth checking your measurements again before purchasing new apparel.
You'll also want to try on your existing show clothes before the first competition of the year. A show coat that suddenly feels tight across the shoulders or breeches that have become noticeably short are signs it's time to start shopping for replacements.
Transition into junior divisions with confidence
Moving into junior divisions is an exciting milestone, and like every stage of riding, it's a process, not something that happens overnight. As you grow and gain experience, your wardrobe will naturally evolve alongside your skills in the saddle.
Whether you're shopping for your first junior show coat, upgrading to tall boots, or simply replacing pieces you've outgrown, choosing well-fitting, high-quality apparel can make the transition smoother and more enjoyable. R.J. Classics offers extended girls' and women's sizing options to help you find the right fit at every stage.
Shop women’s equestrian apparel →
Shop girls’ equestrian apparel →
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