Equestrian show apparel, reimagined
The idea of R.J. Classics began with a simple belief: riders shouldn’t have to choose between style, fit, and affordability. Roberta “Bobbie” Weintraub understood this struggle firsthand. Her daughter, Jennifer, was a passionate young competitor, but finding a show coat that fit well and looked polished without a sky-high price tag was nearly impossible. Paying anything less than a premium price meant compromising fit and style.
In a sport where appearance matters, there was a striking lack of choice.
Bobbie saw an opportunity. She entered a market that consisted primarily of custom-fit uniforms, seeking to provide quality, attractive riding jackets that fit seamlessly without breaking the bank. With experience working as an importer and manufacturer of clothing in her father’s menswear company, Bobbie had access to factories, piece goods, and designers—not to mention a wealth of knowledge.
She gained inspiration from trade shows and upscale stores in Manhattan, working with a designer and pattern maker to create R.J. Classics’ very first piece—a women’s riding coat. This first jacket was unlike anything else on the market at the time—a stylish, off-the-rack option with a perfect fit, elevated by details like colored lining, unique lapel cuts, and decorative buttons.
In redefining equestrian apparel as stylish, well-made, and attainable, R.J. Classics was initially met with skepticism. Customers questioned whether a jacket at such an affordable price could stand up to the wear and tear of riding. But with time—and wear—came recognition, as riders embraced the quality and shared the brand with others.
From its founding to today, R.J. Classics remains a trusted name in the riding world—evolving with the sport while staying true to its original promises: innovative design, exceptional performance, excellent fit, and uncompromising quality and value.
The evolution of the R.J. outfit
As customers discovered the high-quality and innovative designs that R.J. Classics brought to the table, they requested more from the brand. “They wanted an R.J. outfit,” Bobbie says.
What began with a single show coat soon expanded. Piece by piece, the brand introduced new additions—each one crafted with the same commitment to fit, style, and accessible pricing that defined the original. Over time, the R.J. Classics collection evolved into a complete line of apparel for men, women, girls, and plus-size riders, meeting the needs of equestrians across disciplines and stages of life.
The jacket that started it all
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The first R.J. Classics riding coat introduced sophisticated, feminine details that set a new standard in the ring, establishing the brand as a pioneer in the new wave of equestrian fashion. |
Riding jackets for the next generation
| With the goal of making riding more accessible for young girls, the brand launched a line of girls’ riding coats—designed with the same quality and attention to detail as R.J. women’s jackets. |
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Revolutionizing the riding shirt
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R.J. Classics transformed the traditional cotton riding shirt by integrating stretch, wicking fabrics that offered superior comfort and freedom of movement—keeping riders cool and ready to perform. |
Breeches built to perform
| With Jennifer’s expertise, R.J. Classics created the performance-ready, flattering breeches that riders deserve—crafted for durability and comfort in the saddle and a polished look in the ring. |
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Elevated riding apparel for men
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R.J. Classics brought the same trusted fit, performance, and style to their men’s line, offering male riders sophisticated, high-quality jackets, shirts, and breeches. |
A tailored fit for plus-size riders
| Every rider deserves equestrian apparel that fits perfectly. That’s why R.J. Classics designed a full line of plus-size show coats and breeches—to deliver confidence and comfort to riders of all sizes. |
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Classic style, modern performance
At its core, R.J. remains classic—never chasing fleeting trends but thoughtfully evolving with the sport. Over the years, that’s meant refining silhouettes to feel both polished and modern and transitioning from woven, bold plaids to subtle, printed patterns and sophisticated solids.
When R.J. first introduced its riding jackets, the industry standard was stiff, dry-clean-only wool. But Bobbie recognized early on that because riding is a sport, riders need clothing that moves with them. She sought out performance fabrics that provided flexibility without sacrificing the elegance of traditional show attire.
Today, R.J. Classics continues to move forward, never straying from the brand’s signature style. R.J. apparel is crafted from easy-care, lightweight athletic knits that offer stretch, breathability, and sun protection—helping riders feel comfortable, confident, and ready to perform at their best.
Signature touches
Every R.J. Classics piece starts with a time-honored silhouette. The original coat patterns, developed with Bobbie’s pattern maker, remain the foundation of every jacket today—a signature fit that has set the brand apart for decades. From there, each garment is meticulously tailored to complement the fabric, adjusting fit, length, and structure to ensure both comfort and style.
But it’s the details that truly define an R.J. Classics piece. Subtle yet sophisticated, every design element is intentional—balancing tradition with just the right amount of flair. From thoughtfully placed stitching and elegant pocket trims to unique lapel cuts and hidden pattern show shirt collars, each detail elevates the style without distracting from the polished look expected in the show ring. And with innovative features like removable sleeve cuffs and discreet back number holes, R.J. proves that function and fashion can go hand in hand.
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From one generation to the next
R.J. Classics is the trusted brand it is today because of a family’s shared passion for English riding. Jennifer started riding at eight years old, and her first lessons quickly developed into a lifelong love.
“It became a massive part of my childhood, and the strongest memories that I have growing up all involved riding,” she reflects. She loved every part of it—caring for the horses, spending time at the barn, and the thrill of competing.
Bobbie was amazed at Jennifer’s ability to perform under pressure and excel in the ring. Riding shaped her confidence, work ethic, and sense of responsibility. But Bobbie wasn’t just a spectator. Inspired by Jennifer’s lessons, she decided to saddle up herself, turning what started as her daughter’s love for horses into a passion for riding they shared.
For Jennifer, joining the family business was always in the back of her mind. With her creativity, interest in fashion, and deep connection to the equestrian world, her place at R.J. Classics felt natural. She began her career in the fashion industry before ultimately joining her mom, becoming a part of what she describes as a “really cool story” of evolution and growth.
“It’s been really meaningful to reflect on how our mom started the business and the fact that both of us have come into the business and eventually taken it over.”
Michelle followed a different path to R.J. Classics. She didn’t grow up riding and pursued degrees in Finance and Accounting before working at an investment bank. It was through conversations with her mom about work that she started to picture herself joining the brand.
Though the equestrian world felt somewhat distant to Michelle, that changed when her own daughter started riding. “When my daughter rode, it was nice to experience the love of riding through her eyes—it was fun!” Supporting her daughter in the sport gave her an even deeper appreciation for R.J. Classics, bringing her connection to the brand full circle.
“It makes me very proud.”
When Michelle and Jennifer joined R.J. Classics, they didn’t just continue the family legacy—they strengthened it. With distinct yet complementary skill sets, the sisters have built a working relationship rooted in trust, respect, and a shared vision for the brand’s future.
Jennifer, with her keen eye for design and years of experience as a rider, ensures that every piece stays true to the brand’s commitment to fit, style, and performance. Michelle, with her sharp business acumen, keeps R.J. running smoothly, making strategic decisions that allow the brand to grow while remaining rooted in its identity. Their ability to balance each other has been a driving force behind R.J. Classics’ continued success.
For Bobbie, watching her daughters step into the business was deeply meaningful.
“One of the nicest memories was when my daughters joined the business,” she says. “They brought fresh ideas and change to R.J. that I think was necessary, so that was special to me.”
While Michelle and Jennifer introduced new ideas to the brand, they also carried forward the values and lessons their mom instilled in them. Bobbie taught her daughters that success isn’t just about selling great products—it’s about staying true to your values. From the start, R.J. Classics has offered riders choices that grow with them, from value-driven to aspirational-based price points, without ever compromising on quality.
The sisters also credit their mom with teaching them the importance of relationships, especially with the retailers who have been part of R.J. Classics’ journey since the beginning. More than business partners, these retailers are a part of the R.J. family, and Bobbie always put their best interests first—a principle Michelle and Jennifer uphold to this day.
She reminded them that business isn’t always black and white. The right decision isn’t always the easiest one, but it should always feel fair and make sense in the bigger picture. And most importantly, she encouraged them to take chances. Some ideas stick, some don’t—but that’s part of innovation.
R.J. Classics continues to evolve, from modernizing fabrics and fits to launching new products. In celebration of 25 years of community, craftsmanship, and innovation, the brand introduced the sleek and versatile Bobbie Belt—a perfect nod to the woman who started it all.
From our family to yours—thank you.
The story of R.J. Classics is rooted in family, tradition, and a drive to move the sport forward—but its meaning comes from the people who have made the brand part of their own riding experience.
“All the time, riders tell us that we were their first show coat,” Jennifer says. “It’s a sweet connection to be part of their riding journey for so many years and to have the support of not only the riders but also our retail partners, who have played such a huge role in growing our brand.”
For every ride, every milestone, and every moment in the saddle, R.J. Classics is honored to be part of your journey.
Whether you’re stepping into the show ring for the first time or working towards new heights, we’re here to outfit you with timeless style, flawless fit, and uncompromising quality—so you can ride with confidence.