How to Dress for Showmanship:

Collared shirt

The collared shirt is the backbone of your show attire. Make sure that your shirt has been ironed and is tucked in.

Some people say that a polo shirt doesn’t count as collared. In my opinion, polo’s are fine for preview shows because of the heat. For girls, polo’s are sometimes your only short sleeved option because its so hard to find short sleeved button-up shirts.

If you’re in an air conditioned barn or at a national show you should probably wear a more traditional button-up shirt.

Jeans

You should show in your nicest blue jeans.

Dark wash, not faded or worn out jeans with no holes in them.

It is also important that your jeans ride high enough to keep your shirt tucked-in and backside covered. No matter what species you are showing you will need to bend over or stretch so if your jeans are already riding low you’re going to be showing the judge more than your animal.

Generally, a boot cut works better just because you don’t want your animal treading on a dangling pant leg.

Boots

You can do everything else right but without the boots you won’t look like you belong in the show ring.

Leave your rubber boots and muck boots out of the show ring. Leather boots (whether slip on or lace up) are much more professional.

Never tuck your jeans into your boots.  You’re showing livestock, not riding a bull.

Belt

A belt is a necessity, plain and simple.

Today, rhinestone belts are very popular, especially for ladies.

As a beginning showman, however, don’t feel like you need to spend $150 on a belt! A plain leather belt works just fine.

Things you should NEVER wear/have in showmanship:

Hat

Never wear a hat in showmanship.

Some cattle folks will say that a cowboy hat is acceptable, but I wouldn’t advise a beginning showman to risk it.

Don’t take a ball cap off right before going into the ring! You’ll have hat hair or a ring around your head.

Chewing Gum

Gum just looks unprofessional, plain and simple.

Just because you’re showing a cow doesn’t mean you should be chewing like one while you do it!

Cell Phone

No cell phones are allowed in any show ring whatsoever. It is best to leave them out of sight and out of mind.

Lamar Show and Auction:

Official dress is required at the Lamar FFA Show and Auction while showing your animal. Females may wear boots and black pants instead of heels and skirts while showing their animal.