The shirt
Photo by Hugo Silva Photography
Hello again! I hope you are all doing well and that my last post was of some use.
Let’s move on to the shirt.
Unquestionably white, the shirt for the Portuguese Riding Costume (PRC) also has a few specifications.
Generally speaking, there are two basic models for the shirt.
The most common is the one worn by male riders. It has a small pointed collar that can be attached to the neckband by tabs; ties or bow ties are not acceptable. Instead it is fastened by a double set of buttons, very similar to cufflinks, but with adornments on both ends . Both sides of the neckband have buttonholes. On the front opening the placket can be decorated with small ruffles, pleats, or lace. It is also very common to see a plain shirt, with no adornments, especially on Working Equitation competitors.
The sleeves should be large and a bit wide. They can have a simple or a double cuff, fastened by cufflinks with the same adornments as worn on the collar. These cufflinks should be made of metal, ivory, or bone - plastic is not an option.
The other basic model for the shirt has what I like to call a more romantic look. This blouse has a small collar adorned with a jabot of lace or cotton. The collar is embellished with a brooch or a satin bow. For the classic look this satin bow is black, but the color can be in accordance with the rest of the outfit.
Victorian style blouse with handmade lace
The sleeves can be plain, like on the model described above, or victorian style. The cuffs must be simple, with buttons. The use of cufflinks is reserved for the masculine outfit (which is also worn by ladies, as stated earlier).
There are many variations for these shirts in terms of decorations - ribs, pleats, ruffles, lace - and there can be a mix of both models. It all depends on the personal taste of the rider, the style of the outfit, and the event on which it will be worn.
A final tip: although the pants or breeches have a high waist, this shirt should be longer than a regular shirt in order to remain in place when riding. To help with this, the pants or breeches can have a little flap on the inside, with a buttonhole, and the shirt a little button to fasten. This way the shirt will not “ride up” and you can keep a tidy look - which is advisable.
I hope this can be useful. If you have questions, comments, or suggestions, I would love to hear them! Thanks for taking the time to read through, and "see" you soon!
> Text revised by Peter Cann <
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