Riding habit facts for kids
A riding habit is a special outfit that women wore when they rode horses. Think of it like a fancy uniform for horseback riding! It usually included a jacket, a long skirt, a shirt, and a hat. Riders also wore boots, a necktie, and gloves. People started wearing riding habits in the 1700s. These outfits were designed to be practical for riding while still looking stylish.
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What is a Riding Habit?
A riding habit is a suit of clothing made just for women who ride horses. It was not just any dress; it was a complete look. The main parts were a fitted jacket, a long skirt, a shirt, and a hat. These clothes were made to be comfortable and safe for riding.
Parts of the Outfit
The jacket of a riding habit often looked a bit like a man's coat. It was usually tailored to fit well. The skirt was long, often reaching the ground, but it was designed to be worn while riding. Sometimes, it had special features to make it easier to sit on a horse. Underneath, women wore a shirt, often with a high collar. A necktie added a touch of elegance.
Accessories for Riders
To complete the look, women wore boots that protected their feet and legs. Gloves were also important for holding the reins. A hat, often a top hat or a similar style, finished the outfit. These accessories were not just for looks; they helped the rider stay safe and comfortable.
A Brief History of Riding Habits
Riding habits first became popular in the 18th century, which is the 1700s. Before that, women might just wear their regular clothes to ride. But as horseback riding became more common for women, special clothing was needed.
Early Designs
In the 1700s, riding habits often looked like men's hunting clothes. They had tailored jackets and sometimes even waistcoats, which are like vests. This style showed that women could be active and strong, just like men.
Changes Over Time
Over the years, riding habits changed with fashion. In the 1800s, the skirts became fuller or had different shapes. Sleeves might be puffed up, following the styles of the day. By the late 1800s, some habits had very long, flowing skirts. These were sometimes called "safety skirts" because they were designed to prevent the rider from getting tangled if they fell.
Why Were They Worn?
Riding habits were worn for several reasons. First, they were practical. They protected the rider from the weather and helped them sit comfortably on the horse. Second, they were a sign of status and fashion. Wearing a well-made riding habit showed that a woman was wealthy and followed the latest trends. They also allowed women to participate in outdoor activities that were often seen as masculine.
Images for kids
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Riding habit, 1801
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Riding habit (c. 1885–1895), Jacoba de Jonge Collection in MoMu, Antwerp
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Woman's redingote, c. 1790. Silk and cotton satin and plain weave. Los Angeles County Museum of Art
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Woman's redingote, c. 1790
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Redingote à la Hussar, 1817
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Redingote of 1887
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'Redingote polonaise' (left) from a McCall advertisement, 1914
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Madame La Comtesse de Saint Géran in a riding habit with a masculine-styled jacket and waistcoat, c. 1680
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Marie Adélaïde de Savoie, Duchesse de Bourgogne in a scarlet riding habit, with male cuffs, gold trim, buttons, early 18th Century
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Lady Worsley in a riding habit with a cutaway coat and waistcoat, and military details from the uniform of her husband's regiment, then in America fighting the rebels, 1776.
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Button-front redingote of 1790, worn with a tall hat.
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Fashion plate of 1799.
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1830s habits show the popular full sleeves of the day.
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1850s habit, worn with fashionable ringlets under a top hat.
