How to Wash and Care for Equestrian Apparel

Be honest: have you ever put off washing your beautiful new riding clothes for fear of shrinking them, fading the colors, or ruining their performance? Dust, dirt, and sweat can take a toll on even the highest-quality pieces, but with the right care, you can keep your apparel looking sharp, performing well, and lasting for seasons to come.

Technical fabrics may seem intimidating, but most riding apparel will stay good as new when you follow a few best practices. In this guide, you’ll find practical, step-by-step tips for washing, drying, and storing every piece of your equestrian wardrobe—from breeches and jackets to boots and gloves.

General care rules for riding apparel

Technical riding fabrics are designed to move with you, wick away moisture, and hold their shape through long days in the saddle. But the way you care for them can make or break their performance. Before washing the pieces in your show wardrobe, keep these tips in mind:

• Check the care label: Every piece is a little different. Fabric blends and construction can change washing instructions, so look at the tag before you throw anything in the machine.

• Pre-treat stains: Dirt from the barn, arena dust, and grass stains can set quickly, especially on lighter colors. Apply a gentle stain treatment to affected areas before washing for best results. (Quick tip: The original scent Dawn Liquid Dish Soap is excellent for pre-treating stains, especially on whites!)

• Wash inside out: Turning breeches, shirts, and jackets inside out helps protect technical finishes, prevent pilling and fading, and reduce friction from zippers and closures. (Quick tip: Mesh laundry bags add an extra layer of protection between garments, preventing items from getting tangled together and stretching and buttons from being pulled.)

• Use mild detergent: Harsh soaps can break down stretch fabrics and moisture-wicking technology. A gentle detergent keeps fabrics performing like they should.

• Avoid fabric softeners and bleach: Fabric softeners can clog performance fibers, affecting breathability and stretch. Bleach weakens fabrics and can cause colors and patterns to fade.

• Use a gentle cycle: A delicate wash setting is ideal for technical equestrian apparel. It cleans effectively without putting unnecessary stress on seams or stretch materials.

• Don’t tumble dry: Direct heat can shrink fabrics, damage stretch, and cause garments to lose their shape. Always air dry to help your gear last longer and keep its tailored fit.

How to care for riding breeches

Your breeches work hard every ride, absorbing sweat, dust, horsehair, and the occasional slobber. A little regular care goes a long way toward keeping them comfortable, stretchy, and show-ready.

Before washing

• Check the care label. Different brands use different technical fabrics, so always start with the manufacturer’s instructions. Follow brand-specific guidance when available.

• Pre-treat stains. Tack room dust or arena dirt? Spot clean before washing to keep white or light-colored breeches bright. A mild stain remover or a small dab of gentle dish soap works well on tough spots.

• Fasten closures and turn inside out. Zip or hook closures to protect the fabric, then turn the breeches inside out to prevent fading and reduce abrasion during the wash.

How to wash

• Use cold water on a gentle cycle. Hot water weakens fibers and fades colors over time. A gentle cycle protects elasticity and helps breeches keep their shape.

• Choose a mild detergent. Skip bleach and fabric softeners, which can break down stretch and damage silicone grips or suede patches. If your breeches have suede or faux-suede seats, make sure your detergent is safe for those materials.

Drying and storage

• Skip the dryer entirely. Even low heat can shrink elastic fibers and shorten fabric life. Air dry breeches flat or hang them by the waistband. Avoid direct sunlight to prevent fading.

• Store in a cool, dry place. Avoid damp tack rooms or sun-lit racks. Breeches last longest when stored clean, dry, and folded or hung neatly.

Learn more: Types of Riding Breeches & How to Choose the Best Pair for Your Discipline

How to care for show shirts

A crisp, fresh show shirt completes your competition look. Follow these care guidelines to keep yours bright, polished, and breathable through long show days.

Before washing

• Check the care label. Many show shirts are made with performance mesh, technical stretch, or embellished collars, and each may require slightly different care.

• Pre-treat stains. White shirts are hard to keep clean in this sport! If there are any stains on your show shirt, spot treat before washing to keep the fabric bright and fresh.

How to wash

• Machine wash cold on a gentle cycle. Cold water protects technical fibers and prevents shrinking or fading.

• Use a gentle detergent. Avoid bleach or heavy-duty cleaners. Mild detergents protect delicate fabrics, mesh panels, and printed or embroidered details.

Drying and storage

• Lay flat to dry. Hanging can stretch the fabric and distort fitted silhouettes. Instead, reshape the shirt and lay flat on a clean towel away from sunlight.

• Iron only if needed (and allowed per the care instructions). If you need to smooth wrinkles, use a low-heat setting, place a cloth barrier between the iron and the shirt, and avoid direct heat on embellishments. Steaming is also a great option that is a bit more gentle than ironing. 

Learn more: How to Buy Equestrian Show Shirts: Size, Fit, Style Guide

How to care for show coats

Your show coat is the finishing touch and one of the most investment-worthy pieces in your wardrobe. With intentional care, it will stay structured, polished, and ready for every class.

Before washing

• Check the care label. Some coats are dry-clean only, such as 100% wool fox hunting coats. Other jackets may be machine washable for your convenience, including all of R.J. Classics’ Blue, Grey, and Orange Label show coats and shadbellies.

• Spot clean when possible. For small stains or spots, a damp cloth and mild soap are usually enough. Spot clean between washes to preserve structure and fabric integrity.

How to wash

• Machine wash on a gentle cycle. Unless your coat is dry-clean only, wash in cold or warm water depending on label directions. Be sure to turn it inside out to prevent wear and color fading. Washing in a mesh laundry bag will further help protect your coat and keep the buttons intact.

• Avoid over-washing. Show coats don’t need a full wash after every ride. Unless visibly soiled, frequent cleaning can actually contribute to wear and tear. Spot clean as needed and only wash or dry clean when necessary.

Drying and storage

• Allow the coat to air dry out of direct sunlight. High heat and harsh sunlight can fade colors or weaken fibers. Hang on a sturdy, padded hanger to keep the shoulders structured.

• Steam instead of ironing. A garment steamer safely releases wrinkles without risking fabric damage. Avoid hot irons, which may burn or distort technical fibers.

• Use a garment bag for long-term storage. Storing your show coat in a breathable garment bag during the off-season protects it from dust and keeps it in good condition. To preserve its crisp silhouette, avoid hanging it in an overcrowded closet.

Learn more: How to Buy Equestrian Show Coats: Size, Fit, Style Guide

How to clean horse riding accessories

Your gloves, boots, and helmet don’t just complete your look—they protect you, support your ride, and take the brunt of barn life. They’re also made from materials that behave differently than your apparel, which means they can’t always follow the same wash-and-dry rules. Prioritizing care helps them last longer, stay safe, and look sharp.

Riding gloves care

Riders and reins tend to be hard on gloves. Proper care prevents them from losing their grip and helps eliminate sweat and odor. Follow these steps to clean your gloves every few rides:

1. Wipe off dirt after each ride. Gently remove any excess dirt or debris with a soft brush or cloth right after riding.

2. Follow the care label for washing. Many fabric gloves can go in the wash (in a mesh bag), while leather should be cleaned by hand. If you own leather gloves, you may want to wash them less often to preserve the leather, simply spot cleaning them between rides.

3. Skip fabric softener. Softeners can damage leather and leave a residue on the gloves that affects their grip. Stick to a mild detergent specifically designed for delicate fabrics.

4. Air dry only. Never put your riding gloves in the dryer, as heat can damage the materials and affect the fit. Instead, lay them on a clean, dry towel or hang them in a well-ventilated area to dry.

5. Reshape while drying. If your gloves are made of materials that can lose their shape, such as leather, reshape them while they are still damp to maintain their form.

6. Condition leather gloves. To keep leather supple and prevent it from drying out or cracking, apply a leather conditioner to your gloves once they’re completely dry.

7. Store in a cool, dry place. Avoid leaving your riding gloves in direct sunlight or in a damp environment. A glove bag can help protect them during storage and transport.

Helpful hint: If you store your gloves in a tack trunk or locker, consider placing a moisture absorber and odor eliminator like this one nearby to help keep your gloves dry and odor-free (dryer sheets are also an easy alternative).

Riding boots care

To keep your riding boots looking polished and help them last, clean them regularly and rotate pairs when possible. Here are a few steps for cleaning and caring for your riding boots:

1. Brush away loose dirt and debris. Before cleaning, use a soft brush to remove dirt from the surface of the boots, paying attention to the seams and crevices.

2. Wipe with a damp cloth. Dampen a cloth or sponge with water and wipe down the boots to remove any remaining dirt. For stubborn spots, you can use a mild soap or specialized leather cleaner. Avoid using harsh chemicals that can damage the leather.

3. Condition regularly. Apply a leather conditioner or oil to prevent drying and cracking. Follow the product instructions and allow the boots to fully absorb the conditioner.

4. Polish and buff. Evenly apply a high-quality polish that matches your boots with a soft cloth or applicator brush, using a toothbrush to cover hard-to-reach spots. Then, buff the boots with a clean cloth to achieve a shiny finish.

5. Let boots air dry. If your boots get wet, allow them to air dry naturally. Avoid using direct heat sources like heaters or hairdryers, which can strip natural oils from the leather.

6. Store upright. To help maintain their shape, use boot trees or rolled-up towels to store your boots in an upright position. Keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

Helpful hint: If you have multiple pairs of boots to store, a boot rack like this one that hangs them upside-down is great for keeping their shape and allowing airflow if they get damp.

Learn more: How to Choose the Right Riding Boots (+ 8 of our favorites)

Riding helmet care

Cleaning and caring for your riding helmet is important for both safety and hygiene. To ensure its effectiveness, here’s how to clean and maintain your helmet:

1. Inspect for damage. Regularly inspect your helmet for any signs of damage, such as cracks, dents, or loose parts. If you noticed any issues, contact the manufacturer for guidance on whether the helmet needs to be replaced.

2. Wipe down the interior and exterior. After each use, use a damp cloth to remove sweat and dirt from the helmet. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that can damage the helmet’s outer shell.

3. Wash removable padding. Check the manufacturer’s instructions on how to remove the helmet’s interior padding, then wash it according to their recommendations using a mild detergent.

4. Allow it to air dry. Let the padding air dry completely before reinserting it. High temperatures can damage the helmet’s structure and materials, so avoid excessive heat exposure, including leaving it in a hot car or near a heater.

5. Clear ventilation openings. If your helmet has ventilation openings, use a small, soft brush or compressed air to remove dust and debris. Clear vents ensure proper airflow.

6. Store in a cool, dry place. Keep your helmet away from direct sunlight, and avoid placing heavy objects on top of it. Use a helmet bag for protection during transport.

Helpful hint: If you store your helmet in a tack trunk or locker, consider placing a moisture absorber and odor eliminator like this one nearby to help your helmet keep dry and odor-free (dryer sheets are also an easy alternative).

R.J. Classics apparel care instructions

R.J. Classics uses advanced performance fabrics that hold their shape, resist fading, and withstand wear and tear—even after repeated washing. To ensure proper care, follow the garment-specific care recommendations in the chart below.

Easy-care riding clothes from R.J. Classics

When you’re balancing barn time, lessons, and show weekends, the last thing you want is to spend hours worrying about laundry. That’s why R.J. Classics designs riding apparel with convenience built in.

Almost all of our pieces are machine washable, so you can simply pre-treat any stains and toss them in the wash after a long ride. Our show coats feature wrinkle-free fabrics that make it easy to step into the ring looking polished without needing to pack a steamer. And because our quick-dry materials air dry fast, your breeches, shirts, and jackets are ready to go again in no time. Paired with durable fabrics and thoughtful construction, your favorites will look good from ride to ride and hold up through training, travel, and competitions.

Easy-care convenience doesn’t mean compromising on performance and style. Explore R.J. Classics riding apparel for women, men, and girls to find high-quality, polished gear that holds up in the ring and the washing machine.

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