Alix Pearson- Show Attire

Showing Attire

This might not seem like a very big deal, what to wear when you are about to go out into the show ring, but it is a very big deal. There are three differe

nt categories for dress code in the showing industry: 4-H, FFA, and open shows. When you are showing in a 4-H show or competition, you are under a certain dress code. You are to wear a white, yellow, grey, or green shirt with a 4-H emblem on the shirt. For the bottoms, dark blue or black jeans with no holes or rips and close-toe protective shoes. This for when you are showing pigs, goats, sheep, and beef. While showing in 4-H you are helping promote the 4-H brand. It is the job as showers to help best represent the clubs you are in while participating. If you aren't following the dress code, there is a chance for lower placement or even not being aloud to show. When people think of the FFA dress code they think of the black bottoms and blue jackets with a yellow FFA emblem on it. And that is the case for almost every FFA event. But while you are showing, you don't need the blue jacket. You are required to wear as a contestant a white shirt, it can either be plain are the FFA emblem on it. Black or dark wash jeans with no damage to them and closed- toe protective shoes. Just like with 4-H, you are representing someone bigger then just yourself and family livestock. It best to look presentable and well dressed even if you know you are going to get hot, dirty, and sweaty as the day goes one. In a lot of states, at least for sure the state of North Dakota, they take the 4-H and FFA dress code very seriously. They don’t like to make exceptions for any of if except for maybe the jeans. But other than that, if a showman isn’t wearing something right, they have no problem kicking the person out. That is why I have come to love the open shows. Because I can wear almost anything I want…..pretty much my shirt and accessories. But still it is better than nothing. I get to go show in something I am comfortable in.

Now onto the open show dress attire. Pretty much anything can go, but as a person you know not to wear shorts, short shirts, or sandals in the show ring. You always want to look your best to help make your animal look their best and so the judge and other competitors take you seriously. It's a professional affair. Each parent has some kind of rule what you can wear and not wear, but typically a shower either boy or girl, man or woman wears a button up shirts short or long sleeves, nice dark wash jeans with no damage, rips, holes or stains paired with a sparkly or beaded belt with a belt buckle. And shoes can range from boots to Sperry "boat shoes." My typical show day outfit is a plain, colored dress shirt, with dark wash jeans, belt with a belt buckle and my Justin boots. There is a certain show day outfit fade going around. Ralph Lauren Polo shirts, BKE or Miss Me jeans and Sperry shoes. Nothing wrong with it, just like everyday fashion, this changes too. The important thing to remember is no matter what show you are showing in, always remember to look your best and be presentable, there is a chance you might go further, especially when competing in a showmanship contest!! :)

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