Say yes to the dress, and no to the jelly roll.
Seriously, help me get a couple staples, looking for tops that would be appropriate for clinics in warmer weather that don’t require tucking in and/or won’t showcase my adult-ammie-with-a-desk-job-and-a-donut-habit physique.
I think the secret to flattering the desk job and tacos lifestyle is in the breeches.
I had some nice polo shirts by Joules (don’t know if they are still around) that hung slightly below the waist. They were not meant to be tucked in and they gave a very neat appearance and were made out of a nice fabric with some stretch to it. I know LL Bean polos come in different types, some are more fitted and others are not, and they mention the length and shape in their description so you might find something there. I have always had Ralph Lauren polos that weren’t too long or too boxy so they look very neat without being tucked in. The most important feature is that they not be too long or too boxy, you might be surprised at how attractive a more fitted shirt looks on you.
What about something like this? Too warm?
I’m a big fan of wearing a lightweight vest over a sunshirt or polo to camouflage the muffin top!
I am 100% also a fan of a vest. Still neat and tidy without everyone seeing me tuck a polo in with my “I had two babies” body 
I do that now but if it’s above about 55 I sweat like crazy in anything more than a tee. What lightweight vests do you like?
Too umm fitted 
Yes to a nice vest, or (if it is cold enough) a light sweater over a collared shirt.
You might want to stay away from tech fabrics, too. I don’t like tech fabrics because my body chemistry somehow makes them immediately smell horrible, and cotton or cotton-blend stuff doesn’t tend to cling as much, anyway, so I think cotton shirts end up looking nicer.
Arista makes beautiful lightweight vests!
Ohhhh ok yeah these are gorgeous. Price is a little scary but they look nice. Do you have one? How is sizing ?
I don’t have one, but my mom has had one for years - it has held up really well. I would say Arista tends to be pretty true to size.
Arista sizing is notoriously tiny. Nice products, but size up!
It’s been years since I’ve purchased, so good to know sizing has changed!
I’m another fan of using vests. I need pockets as well and found this vest from Deluth Trading. It’s nylon and I wear it over sunshirts in the heat of the summer.
https://www.duluthtrading.com/womens-heirloom-gardening-vest-14752.html
Not a big selection of colour but the plum works for me. Also nice is that the collar is higher to cover the back of my neck to protect from the sun.
My best solution to this has been FITS breeches. Expensive, but the only brand that I’ve found that helps camouflage . . . my day job.
Can you guys explain? I mean my only self-conscious area is my torso. I currently wear StickySeat and Horze “tights” (fullseat breeches, but when I shop I look for tights because I want pull-on).
I was going to say, given the price on that Arista 
you’re much, much better off going with an actual outdoor gear brand if you want a vest. Even something quite nice and warm, like a down vest from Patagonia, is less than that!
My down vest for winter was from Land’s End. My fleece vest is Patagonia. I also have a Marmot softshell. I’ve been very happy with all of them. I rarely ride in a full jacket, unless it’s below freezing. I love the convenience of vests, because they all have pockets big enough for a cell phone and some treats.
Yeah but I I don’t want down or warm, it’s between 50-90* here most of the time when I ride, and I get hot easily.
I found out by accident years ago that a light wrap back brace really helps cover some of that problem area.
This is the one I have used
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Mueller-Adjustable-Back-Brace-Black-One-Size-Fits-Most/10533469
Hmm. For me it’s well fitting higher rise pants that conceal the tummy and waist rolls. I like Ovation Slim Secrets and Hadleys, but they aren’t pull on. My other problem area is that flabby flesh in my back below my shoulder blades, for that the right bra and a fabric that is thick enough to not cling are important.
For tops themselves I find it’s a matter of getting the right cut to suit one’s shape. So for my body (curvy) the most flattering tops will be fitted enough to nip in below the chest and not hang straight down which makes my torso look like a log. Not a good look!
I like ladies golf and tennis tops. I seem to have better luck getting a good fit in a nice fabric w out breaking the bank.
I’m not wearing a vest to ride in FL summers no matter how flattering that might be. So I’m with you there.
By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. You may also receive promotional emails from The Chronicle of the Horse. You can opt out at any time.
For Customers
Company
Terms of Use
