I’ve just recently switched back to Dressage, and am looking for a show coat.
The only problem is, is that I am really only finding shorter style coats now. Is that what the style has changed to?
There are a couple coats from Pikeur that I am looking at (Sarissa, Klea, Saphira) but don’t have anywhere local to try them on.
So what has the style started to trend toward and what are your favorite brands?
Thanks!
Shorter coats are the trend and IMO it’s a good thing because the long frock coats are really not flattering and tend to make everyone look top heavy. I have a Sarissa II in navy, and the horseware coat in navy, burgundy, and dark teal. I enjoy a little color in my life.
I went to a dressage show last season and the only ones wearing really long frock coats were older ladies. It looked really dated. Those Pikeurs are nice coats. I’m very short waisted so I went rogue and got a 3-button coat from a French company called Horse Pilot. If Pikeur and Kingsland can have one in their lineup, it can’t be too far out, right?
Mine is by FITS. It is stretchy and lightweight, I really like it. I’m 5’2" and had the sleeves shortened but no other alterations. [ATTACH=JSON]{“data-align”:“none”,“data-size”:“medium”,“data-attachmentid”:10053153}[/ATTACH]
Is anyone wearing the cheap and cheerful Kerrits Competiton coats? I love how stretchy it is.
I just got a Pikeur Radina from Calevo and I love it. It has sort of a tuxedo style collar. I am going to change out the buttons, which are these sort of faux rhinestone things, but otherwise it’s lovely. I wish it came in brown.
My other coat is a Pikeur Diana in navy, and I agree that the longer coats look dated right now, and it also is sort of overwhelming on my petite mare (I also got her a shaped pad because the big white square covered her up too much). Also, I had trouble when I finally showed in it last fall because I’m showing lower levels and posting, so the longer tails get stuck between my butt and the saddle, which is not exactly optimal, or really elegant-looking. I am hanging on to it though, because I think it will look nice if I ever get to the point of showing my larger horse at a level where we’re sitting all the trot work.
I am considering one in the Storm color but am waiting for a sale.
I showed last season in a longer frock type (RJ Classics). It’s a bit big so while I looked okay because I’m tall, it could have been more streamlined. I found an Equiline at deep discount and made the plunge. It’s shorter without being jumper short and fits much nicer. I’m looking forward to seeing photos from this show season to see the difference.
I do think fit trumps fashion.
@MysticOakRanch Love that purple coat! Too bad it would clash with my orange mares. I suppose their collective gingerness saves me money avoiding a whole range of matchy stuff though. We are limited to the blue, green, black and brown sections of the color wheel.
I live in NC and wear the Kerrits Competition coats (I’m wearing one in my avatar pic). They are lightweight and excellent at wicking moisture, which is a much more required apparel feature here in hot and sticky NC than would be where you live, OP! I didn’t know they made cheerful colors.
Back in the day when I showed I wore my black hunt jacket with colors. Also wore my Bowler which was accepted in the rule book. That was long before people were wearing helmets. No one commented.
and this helps someone who is showing today…how?
I have a very short torso and most coats are too long. They bunch up and look horrid. I have a Pikeur Skarrlett that I had tailored (they added a seam across the back and took out some fabric). I also have a FairPlay jacket in grey that I LOVE… I bought it from this company, and had no problems with fit or anything else… http://www.horse-security.com/epages/es773397.sf/en_GB/?ObjectPath=/Shops/es773397/Categories/Rider/"Show%20Jackets"
I wore my Kerrits last year and I plan on wearing it this year as well. I wish they’d make a 4 button option though.
Pikeur Saphira, love it. Before that Pikeur Diana. Prefer the Saphira, the shorter coats are way more flattering especially if you’re short waisted like me!
Plus its machine washable! No more whiffy jacket!
I wear the Kerrits coat, in black with the white piping. I LOVE it. Easy to care for, so incredibly comfy to wear, the hidden-zipper-and-snaps design rocks because my busty shape has buttons gapping, no matter the fit, and it’s flattering on my plush figure. I was just at a rated show this weekend and saw about 5-6 other people in the same coat (in the black, grey, and navy colors). Looks like they are gaining in popularity!
I wear this one in the french blue! I love how light it is and the zipper makes it stay good and flat. Also the color is great with my big grey horse! [ATTACH=JSON]{“data-align”:“none”,“data-size”:“medium”,“data-attachmentid”:10054225}[/ATTACH]
I have one that I need taken in significantly before I can show in it. Much to my surprise when trying it on before my show last weekend :eek:.
I have the gray one, and the only thing I don’t love is the white piping. I’m just not a fan of different colored piping on jackets. Still contemplating a way to dye it
I must be the only one who prefers the frock coats. The short coats make the trunk look like it has extra junk 
while the frock coats tend to give a longer more elegant look and cover up more of the caboose and big white thighs.
I’m getting old. Sigh.
Hmmm. Silver sharpie? Or fabric spray? Just put masking tape around the edges to keep from spraying the fabric. But don’t quote me if you ruin your jacket
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