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What to Wear

at a Jr. Livestock Show

The Basics:

The show is the final highlight of the entire livestock project. What kids wear in the show ring helps boost their confidence if they feel sharp and like they are dressing "up" for the occasion. You've both (parents and exhibitors) worked hard, so set them up to look good to show off their hard work. It doesn't need to be expensive, but should be clean and pressed.

 

Jr. livestock exhibitors wear the following in the show ring:

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  • ​White, collared, button/snap up shirt. Long sleeved is best.

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  • Nice, dark blue or black pants.

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  • 4-H patch on the left, upper sleeve.

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  • Belt

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  • Closed toe shoes

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Tips:

Your child will wear their show clothes every time they go in the ring. This will be the (1) market class, (2) showmanship, and (3) the sale ring. It's helpful to have a back up white shirt in case one gets dirty. Kids should wear regular clothes to feed, bath, etc. Then change into show clothes to help keep them clean for the show ring.

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The belt should be nice, but not crazy bling. Think business class rather than barrel racer bling.​

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Shoes should also NOT be a distracting color or style. They should be comfortable and easy to walk in on an uneven surface. A lot of people think of cowboy boots for the show. Those are fine if you have them, but not a requirement. In fact, most people who show regionally in larger stock shows don't wear cowboy boots. They wear a leather or Canvas Ariat or Twisted X shoe. A moccasin style shoe is what's "in" right now for livestock shows.

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The 4-H patch can be purchased for a couple of dollars from your local 4-H extension office. If you are in Southern Utah, the Iron County or Washington County office has them.

For Girls:

  • Young girls can wear a bow in their hair if they'd like. There's lots of cute 4-H bows while they are small. Go to Etsy and search "4-H hair bow" to see lots of examples and options. (Completely optional)

  • All hair should be tied back. It shouldn't be in their face and shouldn't be where they would mess with it pushing it over their shoulder. 

  • For hair styles, think something nice... a little step above a plain ponytail. A french braid, a topsytail, bubble braid, bun, etc.

  • Small earrings or a simple necklace are an option if desired.​

  • Some white shirts are real thin and you might want a white tank top underneath. It also helps with easy changing in and out of the show shirt to keep it clean.

For Boys:

  • A tie is an option if you'd like. I've seen the very littlest boys in a green bow tie who look mighty cute. As they get older, a regular tie in black or green can add a level of class to their showmanship. 

  • I discourage wearing a cowboy hat in the ring. Some judges won't mind it, but others will and you just don't know.

  • Hair should be professional without the need for flipping their hair or messing with it.

  • An undershirt under the white shirt looks sharp and professional and makes for easy changing in and out of the show shirt to keep it clean.

For FFA Members:

  • FFA members will follow all these basic guidelines except wear the FFA jacket and scarf or tie instead of the 4-H patch. Sometimes they will wear just the FFA patch. Refer to your ag teacher for details of what's acceptable in your area.

Links

Here are some links to a few things I have used that might help you out.

Here are some links to a few things I have used that might help you out.

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