on October 20, 2026
Short answer: On hot competition days, the jackets that stay most comfortable are those that let air and moisture vapour pass through the whole garment, not only at the underarms. A fully perforated technical stretch shell ventilates across the back, chest and sleeves; mesh panels help locally; lightweight wool blends manage moisture; softshell suits cool, windy mornings rather than heat.
Why show jackets feel hot
A show jacket is a closed, fitted layer worn over a collared shirt during warm-up, the course walk and the round itself. Riding is physical work, and the body sheds heat mainly by evaporating sweat. When the jacket fabric blocks water vapour, humidity builds up between shirt and jacket and evaporation slows down. That is the clammy feeling riders describe after the second round on a July afternoon.
Textile laboratories measure this with the RET value (resistance to evaporative heat transfer) under ISO 11092, the "skin model" test used by the Hohenstein Institute. The lower the number, the more breathable the fabric. The commonly cited scale reads: RET 0–6 very good, 6–13 good, 13–20 satisfactory, 20–30 unsatisfactory and above 30 not breathable. Few show jacket labels publish an RET value, so in practice riders judge breathability by construction.
The four main constructions
1. Fully perforated technical stretch shell
The whole outer fabric carries small, regular perforations. Air and vapour can escape anywhere the jacket touches the body, which matters because riders sweat across the back and shoulders as much as under the arms. The stretch shell follows the rider's position over fences and in sitting trot without pulling at the buttons. The trade-off: in cold or wet weather, a perforated jacket gives less wind protection, so it is a spring-to-autumn jacket.
2. Solid technical fabric with mesh panels
A smooth technical shell with mesh inserts placed at the underarms, side panels or back yoke. It looks identical to a classic jacket from the front and ventilates well where the panels are. Areas without mesh behave like any solid fabric, so comfort depends on how much of the jacket the panels cover.
3. Lightweight wool or wool blend
The traditional choice. Wool absorbs water vapour inside the fibre: according to The Woolmark Company, it can take up to 35% of its own weight in moisture vapour before it feels wet. A light, open weave is comfortable over a wide temperature range. Wool usually has less stretch than technical fabrics, creases more easily in a horsebox, and often needs dry cleaning.
4. Softshell
A dense, often brushed-back technical fabric that resists wind and light showers. It is warm and practical for early-season shows, indoor arenas in winter and cool mornings. On a 28°C day it is usually the warmest of the four.
Comparison table
| Construction | Airflow | Freedom of movement | Weather protection | Typical care | Suits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fully perforated technical stretch shell | Across the whole jacket | High (stretch shell) | Low wind protection | Usually washable at low temperature | Hot and humid show days, long show days with several rounds |
| Solid technical fabric + mesh panels | Local, at the panels | Medium to high | Medium | Usually washable | Warm days, riders who want a solid surface everywhere |
| Lightweight wool / wool blend | Moderate, depends on weave | Low to medium | Medium | Often dry clean | Mild weather, traditional dressage turnout |
| Softshell | Low | Medium to high | High (wind, light rain) | Usually washable | Cool or windy days, winter indoor shows |
The table describes typical constructions. Individual jackets vary, so check the product description and care label.
What to look for when you buy
- Where the ventilation is. Full-surface perforation ventilates the back and shoulders; panels ventilate only where they are placed.
- Stretch. A stretch shell lets you fold over a fence or sit deep without the front gaping at the buttons.
- Lining. A full lining adds a second layer of fabric. Lightly lined or unlined jackets are cooler.
- Colour. Black and navy are accepted in the widest range of classes (see our guide on how to choose a competition show jacket).
- Pockets that close. Zip pockets keep a phone or stable key secure during warm-up.
- Care. A jacket you can wash at home at a low temperature between shows is easier to keep fresh in summer.
When you can ride without a jacket
Rules allow for extreme heat. Under the FEI Jumping Rules (2024 edition, Art. 256.1.3), "in very warm weather, the Ground Jury may allow Athletes to ride without a jacket". In US dressage, the USEF rule DR120.2 (Dressage Equipment Booklet, 2024) lets competition management waive jackets for national classes in high heat and humidity, provided riders wear a collared shirt with sleeves. Waivers are announced on the day, so a breathable jacket remains the default plan.
Our option: Brilliance
Brilliance is a black competition jacket with a fully perforated, breathable stretch shell, a button front and two zip pockets. It is built for show jumping and also suits lower-level dressage tests. At €270 it sits under a typical €300 summer show-jacket budget; check the product page for your local price and current sizes. Black pairs with white, beige or grey breeches, such as the breeches and riding leggings in our collection. Shipping is free on every order, with nothing to pay on delivery in the US, EU, UK and nine other countries.
Caring for a breathable jacket
- Air the jacket on a hanger after every round, inside out if possible, before it goes into a garment bag.
- Follow the care label. For Brilliance, the product page specifies a gentle wash at up to 30°C, air drying, no tumble drying, no bleach and no dry cleaning.
- Remove arena dust with a soft brush or lint roller once the jacket is dry.
- Avoid fabric softener on technical fabrics: it can coat the fibres and the perforations.
- Dry flat or on a wide hanger away from direct heat.
FAQ
Are perforated show jackets allowed in competition?
The FEI Jumping Rules (2024, Art. 256) regulate jacket colour and buttons ("competition jackets may be any colour and must have outward facing buttons"), not fabric. The dress rules we reviewed do not mention perforation. Always check your national federation's rule book and the show schedule.
Is a perforated jacket see-through?
Perforations are small and regular. Under a jacket you wear a show shirt, so the shirt colour sits behind the shell. A white shirt under a black perforated jacket reads as a classic turnout from the stands.
Which fabric is coolest for summer shows?
Constructions that ventilate across the whole surface, such as a fully perforated technical shell, let the most air and vapour out. Mesh panels help in the areas they cover; softshell is the warmest option.
Can I wear the same jacket for dressage and show jumping?
Yes, if the colour and cut fit both rule books. A plain black jacket is accepted in both disciplines at most national levels; higher dressage levels may require a tailcoat or specific colours.