Best-- CHEAP-- sweat-wicking polos/tops for lessons

[Moss]

I am starting dressage lessons again, and I would like appropriate turn out for lessons. I have all of the appropriate attire I need in terms of riding-- breeches, gloves, boots, etc,-- but I realized that when I ride on my own, I just throw on a raggedy old t-shirt.

I am looking for cheap sweat-wicking tops, polos, and/or sleeveless polos. By cheap, I don’t need name brand, and I buy second hand and used a lot, so I will go to our local thrift store to look, too. I just wanted to ask COTHERs if they know of any places I can look. I would like material that is sweat-wicking because I sweat a lot and I don’t tolerate heat well.

[PonyPenny]

San Soleil has sleeveless sweat wicking sun shirts and polos. I get mine off EBay. Check in the golf and tennis sections.

[Ziggy793]

Agree with above- best source is clearance golf tops from Dicks etc.

I have also had good luck with 2nd Swing for cheap, nice tops (I like the Puma sleeveless).
https://www.2ndswing.com/

[LilRanger]

I suggest, of you live where it isn’t too humid, old cotton polo shirts. For me, cotton is the best at cooking you off when it gets wet. It uses your heart to du, so the more you sweat, the less hot I am! Madness! Plus it doesn’t hold smells very well.

[K_VanOlst]

Seconding (thirding?) the suggest for golf polos. They’re basically the same as the equestrian ones, just not with the “horse” markup!

[Moss]

Thank you all for the suggestions!

[luvmyhackney]

I buy lands end long sleeve swim tops to ride in. Plus 32 degrees polos are cheap and lightweight.

Cheap, SPF 50, and if get them wet they cool you right down.

[sparkygrace]

Check out Poshmark and Mercari for Ibkul, San Soleil, and other SPF sun tops. Many have mesh inserts for ventilation. I wear them all summer because I have to reduce my sun exposure. Buying them used has been very economical.

[2tempe]

Personal fan (in florida) of good old cotton T’s or Polo’s. I sweat, they get wet/damp, they breath. We are blessed with a covered arena which limits my sun exposure, so I dont worry about that part.

[ThreeFigs]

I’m a big fan of JC Penney’s tank tops for riding (also in Florida). St. John’s Bay Tanks are CHEAP and washable and wear like iron.

Penney’s have short sleeved and sleeveless polos, too – same brand name, and CHEAP!

[Baybaybay765]

Another for golf tops. Tj Max/Marshalls/similar stores are usually my go to for them

[GraceLikeRain]

Poshmark for used Sun shirts. I don’t mess around with Sun exposure and find cotton wet and gross when sweaty.

[Jodyml813]

I really like the Columbia polo shirts and short sleeve shirts. They’ve got SPF, moisture wicking, dry fast and it helps that I have an outlet nearby. And no matter how hard I try I cannot stain them!

[twostinkydogs]

I’ve been searching for the same thing. I have determined that a cotton/nylon mix is prefect for the airy feeling of cotton but the moisture management of nylon. I live in a very humid area and have found polyester feels more stuffy to me than nylon, even when mixed with cotton. I’ve had some luck with Riding Sport tops from Dover and they are reasonably priced, but I can’t ever find them on eBay. I prefer Ikbul fabric over San Soleil, but it’s not very durable. I haven’t had much luck with other golf shirts - Nike, UA - the ones that feel breathable tend to cling to all my bumps. I do like the older Ariat Heat Series sunshirts that I can find on eBay, that fabric feels cooler than the Sunstopper shirts I’ve bought in the past 2 years.

[fivestrideline]

@twostinkydogs

I do like the older Ariat Heat Series sunshirts that I can find on eBay, that fabric feels cooler than the Sunstopper shirts I’ve bought in the past 2 years.

Honestly the Ariat series shirts are the best on the equestrian market for summer. The fabric feels heavier on the hanger but it does NOT cling, dries fast, and keeps the sun off. I like the sunstoppers, but I agree the old Heat Series were great. Look on eBay and marketplace for deals, or sales at retailers.

Costco and 32 Degrees are great discount brands for this type of stuff - they don’t hold up as well but $6 for a baselayer is hard to pass up

[Moss]

I might get one or two super nice ones in my matching colors, and then several cheaper ones from Dick’s or a sport’s store. That’s how I bought my breeches; I have several really nice pairs and then several cheap pairs.

I really appreciate the help. I never used to sweat like I do now. It must be a middle aged lady thing.

[MissusS]

@twostinkydogs

I haven’t had much luck with other golf shirts - Nike, UA - the ones that feel breathable tend to cling to all my bumps. I do like the older Ariat Heat Series sunshirts that I can find on eBay, that fabric feels cooler than the Sunstopper shirts I’ve bought in the past 2 years.

I love my older Ariat Heat Series sunshirts, for the same reasons you shared. Plus they look a bit sharper because the fabric is somehow slightly heavier yet infinitely more comfortable.

I will say, I have a few under armour HeatGear long sleeve shirts that I love and would wear every day - around the house, walking the dogs, hiking, riding… they are very comfy. The material is very lightweight and has those little ventilation holes all over. I do size up because the fabric tends to cling (technically I’m a M but always buy L in athletic tops, with the exception of the older style Ariat Heat Series). The other downside to the under armour is the fabric is not UPF.

I always wear long sleeves when outdoors and find these two styles of tops just as cooling compared to short sleeve or sleeveless.