Kastel shirt reviews: How small do they run? Do I need to go up a size? Also, what’s the average pricing? Anywhere cheaper than amazon to get them ($75)?
How about the Coolibar shirts? Has anyone tried those? They are a little cheaper on amazon but I haven’t found any reviews ($55)? Fit? Quality/comfort/cooling?
I’m in SoCal and it gets pretty hot. Thanks!
I find the Kastel to be pretty true to size however, they are cut to be more figure skimming. So if you want it loose, I would go up a size. I think sometimes you can find them cheaper if you get them from somewhere online having a sale (and their coupons have no exclusions) or I’ve actually gotten deals from vendors at horseshows when I’ve gotten more than one. Last time I bought one the vendor gave my friend and I 10% off because between the two of us, we bought three shirts (I did ask for it though, the vendor did not throw it out there first).
Like KateKat said, Kastel are definitely more clingy, both in cut and material. They aren’t any tighter in the arms than other shirts I have (all are the same size). I personally like my sun shirts to fit a bit closer (don’t need excess sweaty fabric), so I stay true to size, but definitely depends on your comfort level.
Don’t know anything about the Coolibar shirts, sorry!
Coolibar is awesome and highly recommend. SO worth the price, last forever and fit great. I do usually wear a small, but ordered an xs in these shirts so they run a little large. Genuinely high quality clothing. I recommend the polos they have, I like to do schooling jumper classes in them.
Wanted to throw out there I really love the TS Icefil shirts. I just bought one a week ago, and I think its my favorite so far. They have the nice Icefil fabric, and fit me very well. They are also only $65.
Agree that Coolibar runs large. I like to wear their swim jackets over a tank for sun coverage. They frequently have discount codes that can be used directly on their website.
Just went to the Coolibar website and they are doing 20% off AND free shipping with code JUL20 - happy shopping!
ETA - just ordered 2, will report back after they’ve been put through their paces in the 95+ houston summer!
After trying every sun shirt under the sun (no pun intended), the Kastel shirts are my favorite. I am photosensitive and have to wear long sleeves all year round, they are comfortable, soft and seem to breathe better than some of the other brands. They are the only sun shirts we carry, because of their price point, durability and fit. Also, their customer service is second to none.
And a PSA, they are releasing snap collared show shirts within the next few weeks!
Kastel is my favorite sunshirt! Love the fit, fabric and comfort. As the above poster said they are a more fitted shirt. I find it to be more flattering than the boxy shaped shirts, but that also means it isn’t as forgiving if you carry weight in the stomach area. Worth a try though as they are really lovely.
If you want a looser fit I would consider the Dover coolblast shirt. It is the boxy shape so looser in the body but the fabric is nice and cool. Plus they are on sale for $49.
So I got my Coolibar shirts this week, and wore one today riding in 20000% humidity and 94 degrees - perfect test conditions. I ordered a size down from my Kastel size as recommended. Definitely fits, but slightly slim thru the arms. Sleeves aren’t too short like EIS, hallelujah! Length is great, tucked into my low rise pipers fine. Fabric feels more substantial than Kastel.
As you can imagine, I was drenched today, and the shirt dried quickly and held its shape well. It’s really flattering on and I’m super happy with the purchase. I still love Kastel and Tailored Sportsman’s silky fabric the best, but these are my second favorites, along with Bette and Court.
Oh - I also LOVE the colors! I am so sick of these sun shirts coming in pale pastel colors that show slobber marks instantly. Might as well wear white! I bought two shirts from Coolibar - one a bright coral and the other a kind of cerulean blue, and they are both vibrant and gorgeous!
Thanks everyone! I ended up getting both so I thought I’d post a review for anyone else that stumbles across this thread. I got to try both in 90+ degree CA heat (so no humidity).
I liked both shirts a lot, and both kept me cool. I got light colors in each (why??), a nice blue (with pink) and a pastel purple (with black piping, this is my favorite) in the kastel and plain light silver in the coolibar.
The Kastels definitely have a more “slim” fit. The arms were shorter, and the material thinner. They definitely snag more but the fit is a little nicer.
The coolibar - I expected a dark grey and got almost white. It has thicker material on the sides but has a nice zip pocket for cell phones. The material is more sturdy and didn’t snag. More boxy fit. Surprisingly cool for the thicker material. Not really more flattering even though more boxy fit. Longer sleeves. Almost too long and I have super long arms.
I really liked both. I think the coolibar is a little more durable, but the kastel has a little nicer fit. I like the zip pocket in the coolibar, but the trade off is more material.
Anyone have washing suggestions? Thanks!
I wash my Kastel shirts inside out and usually in a mesh sweater wash bag to help keep them from snagging on something. Hang dry since the extra sun blocking stuff in them is a treatment to the fabric.
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