Custom coats?

[Raine]

I’m ready to give up on finding an off-the-rack coat that fits well. I’m old, high-waisted, “chunky” but not really busty. The coats I’ve tried look awful on me. If they fit through the middle, the shoulders and bust are too big. I’ve got a couple of coats that work OK because I am currently in jumper-land and am just not letting myself be bothered with looking fab. And I don’t usually wear a coat unless it’s a classic or zone finals or something. But I’m probably going back to hunter-land in the next year with my young horse and do want just one coat that fits and looks polished.

Chatted with another “mature” rider who got a custom coat from Charles Ancona for around $1200. It’s a nice coat and they did pretty well on fit. I’d love not to pay quite so much, but will do what I have to do to have one decent navy coat.

Any other ideas/recommendations for custom coats besides Charles Ancona?

[Foxglove]

Not sure where you are located, but in my area there are shops that do alterations --like prom dresses that are too big or too small, wedding dresses, etc. The alterations shop where I am also does alterations on coats, suits, and pants. You might call around --and see. A tailor shop could definitely work on fit --if you find one that does, I think I’d take my current coat in and show them what I wanted done. See if they will give you a price. Maybe even have it done, if it’s reasonable and you are happy with the fit, . NEXT buy the nicest coat you can afford, then take that one in and have it altered too.

I had my (fox hunting Melton) hunt coat altered when I grew older and more pear shaped --as I recall, it was about $50 to remove the sleeves, narrow the fit of the bust, and fit the coat to my new shape. Since then I’ve had other coats and suits altered --nothing to that extreme, but lengthened, shortened, and taken in.

[rockonxox]

I agree with Foxglove. I have gotten coats from the tack store sidewalk sales (where I can try them and they are in nice condition but not full price). They are usually a touch big or with too long of sleeves so that they can be taken in, and take them to a seamstress in town. Much much much less expensive than a full custom coat, and I am not going to be annoyed if it gets ripped dirty or change sizes. There are a lot of options out here to get clothing nipped and tucked and all of them do a pretty good job. I like to take something I don’t care that much about in first (ie: I’ve taken in some old jeans or a dress that needs hemmed or taken in) to give a trial run. Now I have full on committed to my current seamstress with more expensive items. I’d definitely check around and see if anyone would recommend a seamstress/tailor to you. I’d personally recommend getting something that fits too big versus too small in problem areas.

[BITSA]

get something you like and get it tailored. Honestly. I LOVE my Animo and you can do some customization. I know GPA has a lot of options as does Equiline, but Equiline is $$$ too.

[sandsarita]

If you are wanting to go custom I love the coats by winning couture in Texas. The lady who owns it shows currently and is picky on fit. She will be making mine and made my trainers. She can go very basic to kinda out there. She Does the standard hunt coats and also shad belly’s for the hunters. Another friend got hers through boo yah but I’m not as big of a fan but they do cost less and lots of people love them.

[Ladylexie]

I have a custom coat from bleau. It is beautiful at about $1800. Only bummer is I have to get a bra to squash my boobs.

[lmlacross]

Flying Changes or Lotus Romeo. Both lovely with scads of options for customization.

[BITSA]

@lmlacross

Flying Changes or Lotus Romeo. Both lovely with scads of options for customization.

oh I really want a Lotus Romeo!