Fine Form

23rd November 2017

The days of your riding shirt riding up are over, thanks to a revolutionary new design from Italy. By Charlotte Hogarth-Jones 

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Practical, elegant, and beautifully crafted, equestrian clothing has always made an impact beyond the gallops. From the medieval squire’s leather riding boot, with its straps and buckles, to the generous jodhpurs repurposed by Coco Chanel in the 1920s, so many design classics have their roots in horseriding – the perfect example of sporting function producing beautiful form. And of course you only have to look at the likes of Ralph Lauren, Hermès and Tory Burch to know that designers continue to seek inspiration from the showjumping arena. 

So many design classics have their roots in horseriding – the perfect example of sporting function producing beautiful form

Indeed, there’s an argument to say that today’s contemporary competition outfit – white or tan breeches, white shirt, jacket, gloves and boots – can’t be improved upon. Devotees of a bold new bodysuit, however, disagree. Made by Italian brand Miasuki Cavallerizza e Cavaliere, the Moonlight Sleeveless Bodysuit was created by the brand’s founder, Mia S Lei, and has become an instant hit with young female riders in Europe. A keen rider herself, Lei became frustrated with her shirts riding up and moving around during competitions, so she set about finding a design solution.

Made up of 28 different panels of fabric, the garment is a triumph of engineering. A kind of equestrian onesie, it’s made from a heat-bonded, four-way stretch fabric, as opposed to a typical bi-weave, meaning that the material moves easily in all directions – ideal for showjumping.

Wearers also wax lyrical about the suit’s flattering and supportive panelled design, which creates a far sleeker, and more sculpted silhouette than the traditional shirt. Designed and produced in Milan, the bodysuit adheres to competition rules and is only available in white. A sporting design classic in the making.

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