You’ve heard the phrase, “You never get a second chance to make a first impression” right? In the show ring, truer words were never said. You need to dress for show ring success.
It’s hard enough to win without putting up your own obstacles to overcome with your judge. When you walk in that show ring, every detail adds up to your overall presence and style.
I’ve seen everything from girls in crop tops to boys with untucked shirts and from tennis shoes to rubber boots. Girls with obnoxious sweaters and huge jewelry to dirty clothes and paint from fitting on their faces.
With the exception of the crop top, depending on where we may cross paths… you could see me in any of the above. However, the show ring is not the place for it.
Be Clear on The Objective
You are in the show ring to show your stock. You are an accessory and a guide, but not the star of the show. This is why it does not matter how good you look in a backdrop picture.
I don’t care if you are cross-eyed in the picture as long as your lamb is stuck. Nor do I care if you are grinning like a goofball as long as your calf takes a picture that I want to run in an ad. Livestock people are weird that way.
You are there to sell your judge on the idea that you are leading the best animal that is going to walk through the gate that day.
Dress for Show Ring Success
Another famous saying is, “the clothes make the man.” Again, true in the show ring. To start with, you need to look like you showed up to win in order to be able to win. Your look should be professional and low maintenance. So let’s explore what that looks like in practical terms.
Your Judge
Consider your judge. With very few exceptions, your judge is likely no kind of fashionista in the show ring. If he’s a guy…he’s probably not outside of the ring either. For the most part, you are showing to stockmen and women.
The show ring is not the place to show off the latest fashion trends.
Of all of the shows I’ve watched over the years, there is only one time I remember a judge that went out on a limb. She had her hair in a messy bun (like just rolled out of bed messy) with Aztec print palazzo pants. This was not a look that inspired respect, rather it inspired pajama party day at school.
Other than that memorable exception, your judge is showing up to do a professional job and expects the same of you as the showman.
Girls
Go with a classy look. When the weather is warmer, a button up top is always a safe bet. If you have a body type that you don’t feel comfortable in a button up, opt for a style that is clean, classy and not distracting.
Prints are fine, but loud prints should be avoided. When it is cold, a sweater is a safe choice.
Never choose anything that is high maintenance to wear. Tops or sweaters that want to fall off of your shoulders, or are flowy or too long are very poor choices for the show ring. Also, something that is flowy can get caught on stuff. Never wear anything that shows you mid-drift. On show day, go with something classic that fits closer to your body without being too tight.
I pretty much always wear clothes from Blush Out West. I like big turquoise jewelry and flowy, feminine tops, it all makes up a look I love outside of the show ring. However, if I tried to show in many of the tops I like to wear every day, I’d have my show stick caught up in my clothes and look like an idiot. Or, your steer is eating your shirt. Not a good plan in the ring.
So, I may run the risk of fitting in this, but I’m not the showman. I won’t argue with you when you tell me that’s not too smart either way!
Colors
Keep in mind that colors can be complimentary or distracting. One of my favorite looks lately was a brunette gal with a yellow shirt and dark trouser jeans showing a black calf. Slick. Conversely, I wouldn’t pair a yellow shirt with a Hereford heifer.
Boys
Button up collared shirt…always. Unless you have a uniform that dictates otherwise. The color should compliment you and your animal and be a nice, non-distracting color. Go for clean, nice jeans…not high waters.
Hats
I wouldn’t recommend a ball cap in the show ring. You’ll see them all of the time at county fair open shows, but they are generally fairly relaxed at those shows.
If you are going to wear a cowboy hat, wear it correctly. Wear a felt when you should and a straw or palm when you should and make sure it has a good shape. One time, Kyle Colyer called it the code of the West. Around the middle of September to the first of October when the leaves start turning, guys will start wearing a felt hat. In the Spring, around Easter guys will break out the straw or palm hat. A bad hat is a bad deal under the wrong guy.
Starched and Pressed
I don’t iron…unless I’ve forgotten to pick the boys’ clothes up from the cleaners and it’s a “Hail Mary” situation. Conversely, my brother irons everything he owns.
I know I don’t do as good of a job as Dana at the cleaners so I don’t bother. Its less than a cup of Starbucks to have your outfit professionally starched. Just do it!
And if you are going to ignore this advice and tackle it yourself, make sure you do a good enough job that the starch can last all day. Again, the objective is to dress for show ring success.
Hair
I used to only say to the girls to get it out of their face, but the boys have started needing the same recommendation in recent years with their hairstyles. You have too many things to worry about without brushing or flipping your hair out of your eyes in the show ring. I love pretty braids or other sorts classy of updos. Pinterest is full of easy tutorials.
Even if you have to get your hair done while fitting…
Boys, get it cut or glue it down. Keep your hair from being a distraction in the show ring. Also, hat head is not a good look either.
When you set out to dress for show ring success, keep it professional. You can make the style your own but within parameters.
Footwear
Always opt for clean leather footwear. I prefer boots because squished toes are painful. No matter what you choose, avoid tennis shoes, rubber boots and flip flops!
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What is your favorite show ring look? Post pictures below…
