Grand Prix Techlite vs Softshell Fabric

[ammyforlife]

I am looking for a hot-weather show jacket and through work I have the opportunity to get a GP jacket for a really good price. I like the idea of the techlite fabric, I just not sure how flattering it is. Also, I would like to get a jacket that I can use in both the hunters and jumpers, and I’m not sure if the techlite looks formal enough? It just looks so breathable though.

I haven’t ever seen a GP softshell in person though, so I’m not sure how they compare. I have a couple other softshells that I like, but they are all pretty warm, but I’m not sure about the GP ones?

So those of you who have one or both of the fabrics, what do you think of them? Would you pick one or the other? Pros and cons?

Also, for sizing I am between a 10R and 12R in the old RJ Prestige Wool show jackets and generally between M and L in some other jackets (Asmar, Kerrits, AA Motionlite, etc) and I was thinking of ordering a 16R, but I’m on the fence about sizing. I would rather order it a little roomy than too tight though.

Thanks!

[atl_hunter]

@ammyforlife

I am looking for a hot-weather show jacket and through work I have the opportunity to get a GP jacket for a really good price. I like the idea of the techlite fabric, I just not sure how flattering it is. Also, I would like to get a jacket that I can use in both the hunters and jumpers, and I’m not sure if the techlite looks formal enough? It just looks so breathable though.

Thanks!

I have three Grand Prix Techlites and the Grand Prix Madelyn 2 (which is Jersey). The Techlites are awesome! My trainer shows in them in performance hunters and the juniors ride in them, too. They are super flattering as well. We are in Atlanta so they are very lightweight and perfect for hot days. These don’t have a lot of stretch in them but they are really great. I had to size up for the right bust fit. I have the black, hunter and navy. My trainer has the black and navy. Mine are the Rylie models. The zipper in the front prevents gaps and the 4 buttons help to give the illusion of a more elongated torso. I’m short so I find this is much more flattering than the 3 button coats. Also, since it doesn’t have slash pockets, it’s less material over my hips (which don’t really need emphasizing).

The Madelyn is really gorgeous, has a same-color satin trim for a really finished look, and has more stretch. I have this in navy and wish I also had hunter.

I have a GP Softshell that has a mesh lining. This is the more conservative 3 button coat. (MY GOD, I SOUND LIKE A COAT HOARDER), It was more expensive than the Rylie’s and I was able to custom order this one with an “endowed” cut for more chest coverage. And even though I spent a bit, my go-to is still the Rylie for summer and Madelyn for winter.

[Dubarry]

I recently purchased the Madelyn and I’m absolutely in love with it. As a curvier adult amateur, I found this hides and forgives a bit better than some other coats, which is what I wanted. I also have the GP techlite Quinn and it seems very lightweight, no liner - which is great for hot days but not as forgiving if you are “fluffy” like me It also seems to be a straighter cut to me. I found the Madelyn to run in my typical and I ordered one size up for the techlite. Both have zippers and 4 buttons I believe, which is flattering. I hope this helps!

[Dewey]

I love my techlite coat. It’s the classic hunter-style one in navy stripe. It looks and feels great–so light and stretchy.

As for size, I can only tell you my experience. My techlite is 10 size numbers bigger than my RJ softshells.

[atl_hunter]

@Dubarry

I recently purchased the Madelyn and I’m absolutely in love with it. As a curvier adult amateur, I found this hides and forgives a bit better than some other coats, which is what I wanted. I also have the GP techlite Quinn and it seems very lightweight, no liner - which is great for hot days but not as forgiving if you are “fluffy” like me It also seems to be a straighter cut to me. I found the Madelyn to run in my typical and I ordered one size up for the techlite. Both have zippers and 4 buttons I believe, which is flattering. I hope this helps!

I had the same with sizing - my Madelyn is normal and my Techlites are 1 size up. The techlites just don’t stretch as much.

LOVE my Madelyn!!

[ammyforlife]

All the responses have been really helpful! I think that I’m leaning towards the Rylie Techlite, I’m just trying to decide on colour and size. I measure between the 14 and 16, but now I’m debating whether I should order the 18, or if that’s even going to be too small. Ugh, I really, really wish sizing was universal!

[Dewey]

Maybe someone else will chime in about their experience with the sizing.

[Roo]

I love the Grand Prix TechLite fabric. I have two of the classic TechLite coats with the four button fronts. They’re perfect for Eq, jumpers or hunters. You just can’t go wrong. Beautiful tailoring and the fabric is very light weight. I wear a 12 slim in my Grand Prix coats and a size 4 in RJ coats.

[lcbaker]

I have two Grand Prix coats, the TechLite Quinn and a more traditional 3 button soft shell. The TechLite is definitely less forgiving and seems to run a bit smaller. I have a 16 in both and while they both fit, I think the soft shell is more flattering. I’m also between a 10-12 in RJs. The RJs don’t fit me well at all and both styles of the Grand Prix fit much better than the RJs.

[ammyforlife]

@lcbaker

I have two Grand Prix coats, the TechLite Quinn and a more traditional 3 button soft shell. The TechLite is definitely less forgiving and seems to run a bit smaller. I have a 16 in both and while they both fit, I think the soft shell is more flattering. I’m also between a 10-12 in RJs. The RJs don’t fit me well at all and both styles of the Grand Prix fit much better than the RJs.

Thank you! This helps a lot. I think that I am going to order the 16 and cross my fingers that it works. I’m still on the fence on whether I want to order navy or grey with the black collar. So many decisions!

[IPEsq]

I think the classic TechLite in 3 or 4 button runs similar in sizing to the old style GP coats, but the more jumper style cuts run smaller. I haven’t tried on a jersey one yet but it’s on my wish list. I have to wear a tall as it is, so the jumper cuts (Rylie, Quinn, etc.) are not really something I’m able to wear anyway.

[HappyAmmy]

If you are looking for lightweight but high quality, the Alessandro Albansese Motionlite jacket comes in beautiful colors and great craftsmanship. Cost is around $260.

[ammyforlife]

@HappyAmmy

If you are looking for lightweight but high quality, the Alessandro Albansese Motionlite jacket comes in beautiful colors and great craftsmanship. Cost is around $260.

As much as I love the AA Motionlite jackets, I’m really between sizes in them. The medium does up, but it just looks too tight, while the large is too big and I’m not sure about tailoring for that fabric.

For anyone wondering, I went for the 16R in the navy Rylie Techlite. we’ll see what the fit’s like when it comes in a couple weeks.