British fashion wasn’t invented overnight; it is the result of centuries of history and evolution that have shaped it into what it is today. At Hartwell, we honor British countryside fashion in its various forms, restoring its elegant and chic touch without losing its spirit.
In this article, we focus on equestrian style, one that has put British fashion on the global map. Nature meets fashion in different ways here, and we invite you to explore its various variants, changes over time, and current representations.
Equestrian Style: A Symbol of British Heritage and Tradition
Equestrian style has spent the last few centuries as a symbol of luxury and high fashion, but its history is much older than that, and only by understanding it we can grasp its representations in the present.
Before 1400 AD, horseback riding was used by merchants to reach more distant regions in a shorter period of time, and by farmers to traverse and monitor the condition of their fields.
In the 15th century, horses had their first encounter with royalty with the invention of the carriage, and they immediately caught attention for their strength and elegance. By the 16th century, they had become a hallmark of the European aristocracy and elites, who began to practice horse riding in competitions between wealthy families.
Equestrian sports saw a rise, but it was accompanied by changes in fashion, as the elegance of the sport had to be reflected in the rider’s attire. Subtle colors, shirts buttoned up to the top, warm jackets for the British winter, and tall boots were the first icons of this type of clothing, which continued its evolution beyond the sport.
Mr A C Barclay’s Bertram with Tom Osborne up, held by his trainer at Newmarket. Oil Painting featured at the National Horse Racing Museum (UK). Author: Harry Hall (c.1814-1882).
The Origins Of Equestrian Style: Classic, Functional, and Elegant
Equestrian style began as male-dominated, but by the late 1800s, women started to become protagonists in the sport. This opened the door for new garments to be included and for equestrian style to be worn by people who did not necessarily participate in the sport.
The main rules of this style were that it had to be comfortable without losing its elegance. There were certain rules that women had to follow regarding their attire in aristocracy, and these had to be respected and applied when riding horses.
In the 1900s, women wore heavy, warm jackets to ride during the cold winter and autumn months in the countryside. In some cases, jackets were designed to open like dresses from the hips down to the ankles, ensuring that women were covered according to the social norms of the time, but still able to ride a horse.
Other fashion items were added, such as top hats with shorter veils than usual, to protect from the sun without creating blind spots for the rider. They also wore gloves and leather boots in colors that complemented the rider’s outfit, as depicted in popular culture representations of the era.
Michelle Dockery as Lady Mary in the famous TV Show “Downton Abbey” setted in Yorkshire’s country estate in the 1920s.
The Role of Prints in Equestrian Fashion: More Than Just Decoration
The prints evolved in this type of fashion. Initially, jackets with check or tartan patterns were worn, which can still be found in stylish designs today. These patterns were and still are the foundation of equestrian style, although now there are other elements that represent it.
Far from sticking to the structure of checkered patterns, equestrian style welcomed prints, mainly in the late 1990s, and they began to dominate the fashion scene throughout the 2000s.
These prints often reference the world of horses, featuring chains, snaffles, or prints of rider accessories or the horses themselves.
Don’t expect to see a giant horse face printed on a t-shirt—the style still maintains its minimalist aesthetic, which has characterized it throughout history, while allowing for flashes of different colors, especially for summer garments.
How Hartwell Incorporates Equestrian Prints into Modern Country Fashion
At Hartwell, we focus on true craftsmanship, creating high-quality garments that also capture the spirit of the symbols of our countryside. Below, we’ll give you a quick overview of some of our equestrian-inspired pieces and the seasons they best suit.
Spring/Summer Equestrian Style with Light Prints
The LAYLA Accessories Luxury Cotton Shirt is a perfect example of a lighter, breathable shirt with equestrian-inspired elements ideal for spring and summer. Meanwhile, the OLIVIA Navy Snaffle Skirt showcases a sophisticated, versatile skirt adorned with snaffle print, ideal for pairing with a basic shirt or blouse, creating a polished look.
The HOLLY Blue Snaffle is a statement piece in navy and blue, and it is one of the best for making a stylish equestrian-inspired look through the spring and summer seasons.
Autumn/Winter Equestrian Elegance with Bold Prints
The LAYLA black & gold chains luxury shirt is a luxurious, bold shirt that brings a refined equestrian touch with intricate chain prints, ideal for colder months.
The ESTHER Green Snaffle Top It honours the old-time spirit of the equestrian style while bringing it to the present day. It is a functional top that brings the iconic snaffle print into a light, refreshing style for the colder months.
Timeless Equestrian Style for All Seasons
We know that you will fall in love with the LYDIA Horse Heads Luxury Viscose Shirt, as it showcases a classic equestrian print that can be worn all year round, elevating any outfit with its timeless appeal.
The LYDIA Cherry Horses Luxury Viscose Shirt isn’t left behind, featuring a playful take on equestrian motifs, perfect for adding a subtle nod to the sport no matter the weather.
A Style That Never Goes Out Of Fashion
The equestrian style continues to be a timeless symbol of British heritage, blending functionality with elegance. From its roots in aristocratic traditions to its modern-day adaptations, the equestrian look remains a staple in fashion, especially in the countryside.
Hartwell captures the essence of this style through quality craftsmanship and thoughtful design, offering pieces that seamlessly incorporate equestrian prints while catering to the changing seasons.
Whether it’s bold prints for winter or lighter designs for summer, equestrian fashion remains a sophisticated choice year-round.