I usually enjoy reading shopping guides and looking at new products, but no matter now nice it is and how technical the fabrics are, it just seems ridiculous to consider paying $50 for what is essentially a t-shirt or $90 for a pair of schooling breeches. It's even sillier to consider buying new schooling or even show clothes if you old stuff is at all usable given how bad the economy is right now. I realize shopping guides are just advertisements disguised as articles, but when I look at the prices on some of that stuff, I see it in terms of bags of feed or hay bales and I'm no longer interested.
I agree with some of the other posters about the prices of some of the items. $90 is way too much to pay just for "pre-show cover up pants". It would be great to see more items priced for the average horse owner. Most of us are regular people with regular jobs and just can't afford this stuff.
Actually, those technical fabrics do make a huge difference in hot weather. I like them for running and cycling in the summer, too. Obviously, they won't make you a better rider, but they will make you a more comfortable rider. I only wish I could wear them at shows. The key is to bargain shop. Eventually these things go on sale. I just got some nice winter riding clothes dirt cheap because they're out of season, but I'll be ready for next year.
I totally agree with all of you too. I'm a (fashion) designer, I know the fabric & trim wholesale markets, I know what's entailed in the fit & contruction and I know these prices are really jacked up! It's almost insulting to the most of us. That's why I am developing an (equestrian) line of clothes for us regular casual horsey folks w/the right prices mind. The website name is: mydivinequine.com. Keep yours eyes & ears open for this one. Sure to fit, sure to please fashion and function!