Dress properly for the summer dog shows

As a dog show handler, you know that the best results often come from being well-prepared – not just when it comes to your dog, but also for yourself and your equipment. An important yet sometimes overlooked element of preparation is the clothing you wear to the show. When the outdoor season arrives, the choice of handler attire becomes even more important. Here, we'll take a look at why lighter clothing is an excellent choice for summer and provide some tips on how to keep your outfit clean and fresh throughout the season.

Reflects Heat Better

Lighter colors reflect the sun’s rays rather than absorbing them, which helps keep you cooler throughout the day. Darker clothing tends to absorb more heat, which can make you feel warmer and more uncomfortable, especially during long days at the showgrounds.

Comfort During Long Shows

During a dog show, you often stand still or move quickly in varying weather conditions. Lighter clothing, especially if made from breathable and moisture-wicking materials, helps keep you cool. It also helps you stay fresher since it doesn’t attract as much heat, making you feel more comfortable throughout the competition.

Better Visibility

Another advantage of lighter or colorful colors is that they make you more visible, both to judges and other exhibitors. In a large crowd, it can be easy to get lost if you wear dark colors or match your dog’s coat, while lighter clothes make you stand out and create a professional impression.

How to Keep Your Handler Outfit Fresh and Clean

Keeping your handler attire in top condition throughout an entire outdoor season can be a challenge, especially light-colored outfits that are exposed to both sun and rain. Here are some tips on how to keep your outfit clean and fresh all season long:

Use a Suit Cover

A simple way to protect your outfit from dirt and stains is to use a suit cover. You can "save" a lot of wear on your outfit by putting it on just before you go into the ring to show your dog and changing out of it when your breed has been judged. Often, there can be a long wait if you’ve moved on to the finals, and it’s good to change into your regular clothes and keep your outfit covered while you wait. This helps protect your clothes from stains that might come from your dog, the ground, or other surfaces.

Keep Your Outfit Clean During the Show

To avoid dirt on your clothes during a long show day, bring cleaning wipes or wet wipes designed for stain removal to quickly wipe away any spots as they occur. This is especially important if you handle your dog frequently or have treats on hand that could cause stains.

Wash Your Outfit

Eventually, it will be time to wash your outfit, and if you have a Canis Certo outfit, most of the garments can be machine-washed on a gentle cycle at 30°C. If your outfit has glued stones, we recommend hand washing. However, outfits with sequin fabric or decorative ribbons don’t need hand washing and can be machine-washed.

The best way to iron your outfit without damaging the fabric is to use a steamer instead of an iron, which could harm your attire.

Embrace Summer with Light and Colorful Outfits

So why not embrace the light, sunny feeling of summer by choosing light and colorful outfits for dog shows? With your sun-kissed skin and an outfit that reflects summer, you’ll feel confident and energetic – ready to shine both on and off the show ring. Additionally, it’s a perfect way to showcase your personal style while manifesting the joy and freedom that come with summer.