Indecent Exposure

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102 – August, 2026

By Lisa Dubé Forman

The show ring is a fashion runway today: women in their trusty two-piece skirt suits, men in suits or sharp blazers, and many women wearing flat (!) shoes. Yet beyond personal style, the fundamental challenge is assembling a wardrobe that meets both the functional demands and modern trends of the dog show environment–the operative word being “functional.” Tracking down that magical, pocket-equipped outfit that nails every dog show style requirement is a true quest. Flipping through magazines, scrolling endlessly online, or treasure-hunting in thrift shops, and on consignment apps are also favorite ways to score hidden gems– sites such as ThredUp, Poshmark, and eBay come to mind. After more than forty years, believe me, I’ve explored every avenue. For those just starting out or looking to expand their show wardrobe, I’ve included some of my favorite tried-and-true sources on these pages. With a little patience, you can build a wardrobe to suit any show ring.

The go-to look for women these days is the two-piece skirt set, but let’s be honest: many women’s skirt suits are wardrobe malfunctions just waiting to happen. I say this with empathy, not judgment. From my ringside vantage point, I’ve seen my share of breed judging–and far too many times a mentor and I had to look away or even swivel in our seats as a knee-length skirt revealed far more than anyone bargained for when its wearer bent over. Yes, we’re talking full accidental exposure—underwear and all. This isn’t a rare mishap; it’s practically a ringside tradition.

I have no desire to embarrass anyone by pointing this out in person. If I did, I’d practically spend the entire show doing nothing else. It happens that often. Across every ring, from tiny terriers to towering giants, the spectacle repeats itself. Envision a woman exhibitor wrestling to move a giant breed’s left rear leg, bent over with her backside sky-high, straining to reposition what feels like a cement pillar. You think your skirt has you covered, but trust me, it doesn’t!

Often, these skirt suits are paired with pantyhose. Ah, yes, the ridiculous pantyhose. Wrestling with pantyhose is a true test of patience when you’re hot and sweaty in the restroom; it’s so much fun. If it is an outdoor show, it means Porta Potties baking in the sun, air thick with heat, and less-than-pleasant aromas. Indoor shows are an improvement, but the restrooms are so cramped you have to shimmy sideways just to open the door, which always swings inward. There’s barely room to bend, let alone wrangle pantyhose or the notorious Spanx back into submission.

Click here to read the complete article
102 – August, 2026

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Posted by AnthonyA on Aug 9 2026. Filed under Current Articles, Featured. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.