How to Choose Your Competition Stock Tie? The Complete Guide
At Sellerie Bucéphale, the lavallière is one of those small details that make all the difference when entering the arena. Discreet or striking, it dresses the competition shirt collar and marks the rider’s elegance. In this complete guide, we help you distinguish between lavallière and stock tie, choose the right material, fastening, and color according to your discipline and level.
Lavallière or stock tie: don’t confuse them
Both are worn at the collar, but they are two distinct pieces:
- The lavallière (or tie): a strip of fabric that is wrapped around the collar and tied by hand at the front. Traditional look, custom fit, but requires a bit of practice on competition mornings.
- The stock tie (plastron): a wider and more enveloping piece that covers more of the neckline. Many modern models are ready-to-wear, fastened with Velcro or a clip: quick to put on and provides consistent hold.
Tip: with some brands like Anky, the "C-Wear Sophisticated" and "C-Wear Symphony" models are ready-to-wear stock ties, while the tie-on models remain classic lavallières.
Where does the stock tie come from and when should it be worn?
Contrary to popular belief, the stock tie (bib) is not primarily a dressage piece. Historically, it comes from field disciplines — fox hunting, eventing, and show jumping (CSO) — where it had a practical function: a long strip of fabric around the neck could, if needed, serve as a scarf or an emergency bandage for the rider or horse.
Today, this utilitarian role has disappeared: lavallière and bib mainly serve an aesthetic and regulatory function. They neatly finish the neckline, add a touch of elegance, and can hold a decorative pin. They are worn in dressage, show jumping, and eventing, as well as at award ceremonies and for photos, rather than for daily training at home.
Color: white, color, or rhinestones?
Good news: when it comes to color, you have free rein.
- White remains a timeless classic and always elegant: a safe choice that goes with everything.
- Colors and rhinestones are worn without issue: it’s an opportunity to add a touch of personality and refine your appearance. You can even see lavallières in blue/white/red (for example from Lamantia Couture).
- The good style reflex: match the color to your outfit — jacket, helmet, and saddle pad — for a coherent and polished look.
In practice, choose what you like and what flatters you. If you are aiming for a specific championship, a final glance at the attire appendix of the FFE (national competitions) or FEI (international competitions) rules will confirm any event-specific requirements.
Selection criteria
Not all lavallières and bibs are equal depending on the use. Here are the main points to consider.
| Criterion | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Type | Tie-on lavallière (traditional look, fine adjustment) or ready-to-wear bib (quick, consistent hold). Choose based on your comfort and morning time. |
| Material | Choose a fabric that feels pleasant against the neck, stays in place well, and smooths out easily. Some technical materials remain crisp all day. |
| Shape | Thin tie band, wrap-around bib, or structured collar: the shape influences the look and ease of putting it on. |
| Attachment | Hand-tied, velcro, or clip. Velcro/clip is faster on competition mornings; the knot offers a more traditional look. |
| Colors | Classic and timeless white, or color and rhinestones without worry to stand out. Match the color to your outfit (jacket, helmet, saddle pad). |
| Care | In contact with the collar, the piece gets dirty quickly and must stay spotless. Check the washing advice (see below). |
Our tie-yourself lavallières
Models to tie yourself, from the simplest to the most elegant, for a traditional look and custom fit.
Our ready-to-wear stock ties
Wrap-around stock ties, slip-on and quick to fasten — ideal for a stress-free competition morning.
Prices and availability are given as an indication and may change. Find up-to-date information on each product page.
Also browse our brands: Anky BR Pikeur LeMieux The whole shop
How to tie a stock tie?
For a tie model, the method is simple once the motion is mastered:
- Pass the fabric band around the collar, keeping the two ends roughly equal in length in front.
- Cross the ends over each other in front of the throat.
- Pass one under the other to start the knot, then flatten the whole so it stays neat and well centered.
- Secure with a pin (stock pin) placed horizontally: it keeps the ends flat and adds a decorative touch.
For a velcro or clip stock tie, position it around the collar and simply close the fastening system. Whatever the model, the key is that it stays well fitted and centered throughout the event. Try it at home before the big day.
How to care for it?
- Wash at 30°C, separately from other laundry: white easily yellows when in contact with colors.
- Apply a stain remover on the collar, the area most exposed to sweat and makeup.
- Prefer flat drying to preserve shape and avoid deformation.
- For models with rhinestones: hand wash or use a laundry bag, and never tumble dry — heat loosens the stones.
Frequently Asked Questions
Stock tie or plastron: what’s the difference?
The stock tie (or lavallière) is a strip of fabric that you tie yourself around the collar for a traditional look. The plastron (stock tie) is a wider, more enveloping piece, often ready-to-wear with a Velcro or clip fastening. At Anky, the “C-Wear Sophisticated” and “C-Wear Symphony” models are examples of plastrons.
What color should I choose for a competition?
White remains a timeless classic, but color and rhinestones are perfectly acceptable: it’s a chance to add a touch of personality. There are even blue/white/red stock ties. The best approach: match the color to your outfit (jacket, helmet, saddle pad) for a cohesive look. If you are aiming for a specific championship, a quick look at the FFE (national) or FEI (international) dress code annex will confirm any event-specific requirements.
Is the plastron only for dressage?
No. Historically, the stock tie comes more from show jumping, eventing, and hunting, where it had a practical function (scarf or makeshift bandage). Today its role is aesthetic and regulatory, and it is worn equally in dressage, show jumping, and eventing.
How to tie a stock tie?
Pass the band around the collar, cross the ends in front, pass one under the other, flatten the whole so it stays neat and centered, then secure with a stock pin placed horizontally. Practicing at home before the competition makes the process easier on the day.
How to care for your stock tie or plastron?
Wash separately at 30°C (white yellows when in contact with colors), apply a stain remover on the collar, and dry flat. For models with rhinestones: hand wash or use a laundry bag, and never use a tumble dryer, as it may cause the stones to come off.
Unsure about the ideal model for your discipline and level? We are here to advise you.
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