Crufts

[yorkshireteapot9]

Has anyone else noticed how dated the handlers look at Crufts? All seem to wear hideous 'skirt suits' and it's been this way, for decades. Not trying to offend anyone- just an observation!

I actually hadn’t realized until you posted that it still existed! I feel like I hadn’t heard anything about it for years.

Crufts?! Yes it's still the biggest dog show in the world!
Best in show is on Ch4 on Sunday
😀

Perhaps some just take out the same suit from the back of the wardrobe each year for Crufts as spend all their time & money on the dogs 😂 I much prefer shopping for dogs fancy collars and nice coats than for myself.

They also may not have expected to win their breed classes and be shown on TV later so wore what was practical & comfortable for the day.

I did like how a ladies 60's style white boots looked with the white coat of her (I think) Coton de Tulear, was a shame her skirt suit didn't follow the same vibe.

I've noticed in recent years the horse vet trot ups in eventing competitions have become more a runway fashion feature.

YES! Cheap outdated clothing, and at least 1/4 morbidly obese.
spotted some owner wearing black leggings with oversized white paw prints, tackiness aside when she bent over the white paw prints went nearly see through.
i know it’s unkind but everyone knows it’s televised.
thankfully the younger people doing agility with their dogs were healthier looking and more suitably dressed.
in my experience those that are too big to move, don’t keep clean kennels either.
For many it’s not a money maker, and if a breeder (or the handler representing them) look like they can’t be bothered to dress appropriately for tv, the probably cut corners with their dogs as well.

For many it’s not a money maker, and if a breeder (or the handler representing them) look like they can’t be bothered to dress appropriately for tv, the probably cut corners with their dogs as well.

That is completely wrong. Lots of people don’t like how they look and don’t want to send time and money on their looks, whereas they adore their dogs and would do anything for them.

I know a young handler there this year and she looks amazing. Very smart, very together.

in my experience those that are too big to move, don’t keep clean kennels either. For many it’s not a money maker, and if a breeder (or the handler representing them) look like they can’t be bothered to dress appropriately for tv, the probably cut corners with their dogs as well.

My experience is the complete opposite.

They don't spend time or money on their own appearance because it all goes into the dogs. Most also aren't bothered about appearing on TV, they do dog shows because it's their passion and what spend all their time doing.

What a horrible thread! Different breeds tends to have different “standards” of
dress. Eg some gundog breeds tend to dress more like they’re working their dogs. Some toy breeds are very “bling”.
I am fat and disabled. I dress for comfort but try and look smart. It’s not about the TV. It’s about a day out with the dogs and seeing the very best in the breed. Nice to know I’ll be judged too. 🙄

When I showed my dog at crufts I wore a black narrow leg trouser suit with flat black comfortable shoes.
I chose black as it contrasted with my dog.
When I go again I will wear the same thing. I do know lots of people who buy new crufts outfits every year.
Showing at crufts is exhausting and for me being comfortable was as important as contrasting with my dog.
It's a very long way from the parking area to the halls and there's lot's to carry, crates bags etc. As I was on my own I didn't want to leave my dog for long enough to get changed on arrival either.

Anonanonanon1 that's a nice, smart and practical outfit. That guy on the left of your photo doesn't look impressed with your dog though 😀

What a gorgeous dog @Anonanonanon1 and I think your outfit is lovely too!

Is it partly the conventions of the show ring, which make people feel that they have to fit a particular template and not dress as they normally would?
I was at a big agricultural show last summer and it was really noticeable how each separate area of competition had its own dress codes. The cattle men had soft check shirts corduroy trousers, flat caps; the show dog people were as described on this thread , the horse people in Barbour jackets (except for the heavy horse people who I think wore some sort of white coat like they worked in a laboratory), the terrier people in camouflage anoraks, etc

Lovely picture Anon. That focus on you is fabulous. I hope you had a good day.

I used to show rabbits and we had to wear white lab-type coats. No exceptions.

I have competed in agility at a big champ show. When you queue for the loos it’s very obvious who is who. Showing - smart, conventional. Diamanté here and there. Obedience - tweed, all look similar. Ring cards on sleeves. Agility - largely covered in mud with toys hanging out of pockets 😂

As an agility judge I am supposed to dress ‘conventionally’. Yeah. Try that when running 350 dog walks. I wear what I feel is smart but practical. Usually trousers or chinos, shirt and waistcoat or smock in summer with running shoes.

Covered in mud with dog toys hanging out of pockets is the aesthetic that I go for and I'm not even a competitor let alone a judge.
I feel quite sorry for the judges in all of these sorts of events as there does seem to be a lot of pressure to be a certain way. At the big agricultural show i attended there were several judges who were Women in Hats with a sort of Linda Snell vibe. Can't remember what sort of events but was very struck by the obvious tyranny of expectation.
I think it is quite lovely really. Strange little hobby worlds with their eccentric rules. Makes me think of that lovely TV drama Detectorists. Makes me want to hug everyone involved.

It does feel bit of a time warp, particularly because the presenter (can’t remember her name) has had the same hair style since as long as I can remember

Agreed! On both counts!

Also agree @Anonanonanon1 - that your dog is stunning.

Yes this! The 'skirt suit' at Crufts is almost like some sort of uniform. I can never understand how running round in a skirt with dogs all day is practical, over wearing trousers!

Really?!!

I just had exactly the same conversation with my dh. All the women are wearing suits my nan would think twice about wearing, and unflattering ballet flats.

😂😂😂

You wear what what is practical, and what enhances the dog. Flowing skirts are distracting, I'm not a fan of suits, but they don't distract from the dog. I used to show Scottie’s, so I wore light coloured clothing, usually slim trousers. As for shoes, if you've been at hot show all day and doing a lot of walking, and running with your dog, you wouldn't be wearing stilettos!!!

Ive watched a bit of it over the weekend and thought the same thing. I wondered if it was some sort of rule or something that women must wear a skirt suit? But I see now not so it's a tad weird!

The Jack Russell that came second was robbed! (I'm sitting here with my two jacks so might be a bit biased!)

Went to gundog day on Friday and noticed there were a few trends.

Some wore tweedy-type blazer/jacket with smart, chino type trousers (men and women).

There were quite a few people wearing sparky shoes, usually loafers.

The European competitors were quite distinctive wearing skirts and boxy jackets, quite 80s looking. Also wore more colourful combinations.

Quite a few trouser suits.

Some people obviously didn’t think how their outfit would match, or not match their dog. Ie, dark trousers with black lab, whilst a stand out example for me was a lady with white jacket and skirt, with black lab. The contrast really showed the dog off well ( even if the outfit was dated as described above).

My first time at Crufts, and the different array of outfits fascinated me.