Equestrian Outerwear

A waterproof, seam-sealed riding jacket with a two-way zipper and adjustable hood is the best choice for wet-weather riding, since it blocks water at the stitch line, the most common leak point on any jacket. State Line Tack's Kerrits Waterproof All Around Rain Jacket uses HydroTek fabric that is fully seam-sealed, paired with a stow-away hood and a two-way zipper with an internal storm guard. For heavier, all-day exposure, oilskin options like the Outback Trading Pak-a-Roo Duster add a windproof, breathable waxed-cotton shell that can be re-oiled annually to renew its water resistance. Riders who need hands-free coverage over a helmet often choose a poncho style, such as the HWH20 Poncho, which uses a TPU membrane and taped seams and packs into its own front pocket.

• Look for three specific features: sealed seams, a two-way zipper, and a helmet-compatible hood, rather than relying on "water-resistant" marketing language alone.

The difference comes down to coverage area and insulation level, not just style. A rain jacket (e.g., Equine Couture Element Rain Jacket) is a lightweight, unlined shell meant to block wind and water without adding warmth. A duster (e.g., Outback Trading Low Rider Duster) is a long, oilskin coat that extends coverage to the knee or below, with a saddle gusset and leg straps designed specifically for riding rather than walking. A parka (e.g., OEQ Ladies Icon Winter Parka) adds insulation, in that example, a 3000/3000 waterproof-breathable outer shell with 140g body fill and 100g sleeve fill, for cold-weather wear rather than just rain protection. Bottom line, each jacket is used for different weather:

• a rain jacket for warm-weather showers
• a duster for long hours outdoors in changing weather
• a parka when the priority is retaining body heat in winter conditions

Oilskin is heavyweight cotton canvas (commonly 10 – 12 oz) treated with a wax or oil coating that makes it waterproof and windproof while remaining breathable, and it's used in coats, vests, and chaps such as the Outback Trading Gidley Jacket and Sawbuck Vest. Because the fabric's waterproofing comes from an applied coating rather than a laminate, it cannot go in a washing machine. Manufacturer care instructions specify cleaning with a dry brush to remove dirt, spot-cleaning with water only (a 1/3 vinegar-to-water mix removes sweat and odor), air-drying, and re-oiling the coat once a year with a duck-back wax to maintain waterproofing. Oilskin needs annual re-oiling and hand cleaning, never a washing machine, to preserve its waterproofing over time.

For summer showing, look for a stretch mesh or vented shell under 3 oz that prioritizes airflow over insulation, since competition jackets are worn over a show shirt in warm arena conditions. The AA Ladies Motion Lite Jacket, for example, is made from a 78% nylon/22% spandex breathable mesh with no lining, designed for a close, "second-skin" competition fit. The Dublin Ladies Hanna II Mesh Show Jacket adds a double-vented back and princess-seam construction for the same warm-weather breathability. Riders should also confirm the jacket is machine washable, since show jackets see frequent wear between classes. A true summer show jacket has no lining, uses mesh or stretch fabric, and includes back venting, three features that distinguish it from a general all-weather riding jacket.

An insulated vest keeps the core warm using the same fill weight as a comparable jacket, but it leaves the arms unprotected, so it works best as a mid-layer or for moderate cold rather than as a stand-alone cold-weather garment. For example, the Romfh Ladies Classic Barn Vest uses 160 grams of poly fill with a knit brushed interior for cold-weather insulation, and the Outback Trading Grand Prix Quilted Vest adds a DWR (durable water repellent) finish so it also blocks light rain and wind. Riders in freezing conditions typically layer a vest under or over a shell jacket rather than relying on the vest alone. Vests match jackets on core insulation but should be treated as a layering piece, not full cold-weather protection, since the arms stay exposed.

Equestrian outerwear on State Line Tack ranges from about $19 for a basic quilted vest up to roughly $374 for a fully insulated, waterproof parka, with the spread driven mainly by three factors: waterproof rating, insulation fill, and specialty materials like oilskin or down. Entry-level pieces (such as clearance vests or lightweight windbreakers) typically use single-layer polyester with a water-repellent finish rather than seam-taping. Mid-range jackets (roughly $70–$150) commonly add seam-sealing and technical fabrics. Premium pieces above $200, like insulated oilskin dusters and down parkas, combine a fully waterproof shell with heavier insulation (100g–140g fill) and reinforced hardware such as brass zippers and Nubuck leather trim.