Pikeur Jacket Sizing and Type

[bort84]

Okay, I know I just posted a thread on dressage apparel, but I’m interested in getting specifics on Pikeur jackets. I know I should just go try one on in the store, but I always feel SO bad going in and not buying anything especially when it’s pricey stuff. The sales ladies always look so happy to help… (I may try to do it anyway, but just in case) And no WAY am I shelling out 500 bucks for a jacket right now, haha. Just can’t afford it. So I will probably be doing online shopping. I have no qualms taking the jacket to a tailor, as that’s usually the easiest way to get the perfect fit in my experience.

So I think I really like the Pikeur Epsom model:http://www.amirashop.co.uk/acatalog/Pikeur_Epsom.html

How does everyone feel about that one? (Also, for the record, this place has RIDICULOUSLY low priced Pikeur stuff! It’s like ebay prices!!! Spread the word! Well maybe not too quickly, I’d hate for stuff to go up before I buy my jacket, haha.)

Sooo, I’m 5’8" and slightly long waisted, but I have very narrow shoulders and am little up top (32-34B… did I just put that in print for the world to see? oy, haha). So for my suit jackets for work, I have jackets anywhere from a 0-4, but I think a 2 is probably a good estimate for U.S. sizes.

Anybody with Pikeur jackets have any sizing help?

And sorry again about the multiple apparel posts for those that think it’s overkill; y’all are just so helpful on here!

[Dussel]

Hi,
Go and try some on. It is no big deal to them if you do. Just tell them you are not sure what you want. Everyone has to try on some different brands before you know what one will fit you right. Then you can find a used one on ebay or even ewarmbloods cheap. Their are always pikeus on ebay. But you need to know the size. Also the model you are buying.
Dussel

[Ambrey]

I thought dressage coats were generally longer, with one vent in back.

[bort84]

Yeah, I’ve come to the just go try it on conclusion. Still, does anyone have any preferences of Pikeur styles? I like the Epsom, but does it look too short? First dressage show clothes purchases, haha.

[FancyFree]

I have the Pikeur Diana. Do go try them on. The Diana runs a bit small in my experience.

http://mandmtackshop.stores.yahoo.net/pididrco.html

[tikidoc]

I have a Diana as well, and I thought it was pretty true to size. I got mine on eBay, used a couple times, for about $100.

[FancyFree]

The size I regularly take was a little tight in the shoulders and a little short on the arms. So I went up a size and had it tailored. But I’m 5’10" so things are often short on me.

[OneFineMess]

Someday I’ll buy myself a new jacket. I’m large busted and petite and only about 5’3". I find the longer type jacket makes me look like a giant on my smallish 16.1 wb/tb. Of all the professional pics from last season my horse looked great, but overwhelmed by my jacket and I. The short pikeur jackets on that first link seem to look like like what I want. Does anyone have anything to say about the difference between the poly/wool and heavy wool?

[bort84]

Ooh, good question. I love wool, but I will also be showing around Houston… It gets freaking hot down here!

And I’m tall on a short horse, so maybe a slightly shorter coat would be the way to go… Hmm, something to think about.

[In_The_Ribbons]

You can email Amira with your sizing questions. They’re pretty good at replying.

Epsom is made for someone who is short. Even their longs are not long enough. If you’re 5’8, it’ll probably be too short for you. Besides, it’s double vented, so it’s more of a European style show jumping jacket, rather than a dressage coat.

I’d recommend to go with Diana instead. I normally wear a size 2-4 US, and I went with their 36 -
UK10 - US8 - F38 - I40 size. It’s a little too big for me, but it can be easily tailored.

Normally, their labels have a few international sizes listed. I would go 2-3 sizes up compared to your regular US size, as they run small.

[bort84]

Ah, okay. Good advice! Amira has ludicrously cheap coats. Is this too good to be true??? Haha. And I will email them for some more measurement specifics = )

[LD1129]

I have this coat too I love it! I had to try on, mine is a size 16 and I am a 10 :eek:

[QUOTE=FancyFree;3825768]
I have the Pikeur Diana. Do go try them on. The Diana runs a bit small in my experience.

http://mandmtackshop.stores.yahoo.net/pididrco.html[/QUOTE]

[Ambrey]

The pikeurs are available in either wool or washable fabric, and I think the Diana is available in a “light.”

[Pony_Fixer]

Everyone loves the Diana. I think, IIRC, it is the most popular show coat in the US.

I was this close to buying one. I walked into EuroAmerican and told them I wanted one. The saleswoman looked at me and said–no. She suggested I try the Cavallo (v. similar cut I think), which is what I did buy. Same price. My body type is pretty average, I think, so I don’t know why the saleswoman thought I would (rightly) look better in the Cavallo. I am 5’6" average torso, size 8, medium rib cage/chest.

Do yourself a favor and try on several style AND brands to see what you like, then start looking online. That’s my plan for shadbelly shopping this year!!

[FancyFree]

[QUOTE=LD1129;3826083]
I have this coat too I love it! I had to try on, mine is a size 16 and I am a 10 :eek:[/QUOTE]

Hahaha that’s what mine is as well. Horrifying isn’t it? :lol:

[bort84]

Well, I would definitely like to try these coats on, but I’m having a little trouble locating a Houston area tack store that carries these brands… Grr. Maybe at an upcoming show or something…

I really do like the slightly shorter one (the Epsom). Would that look silly in the dressage ring? Something about the seam around the waist on the others bugs me a bit and seems like it could add to tailoring difficulties… Perhaps I will feel differently when I try some on though.

Really I’m not going to be showing til probably April, so I’ve got some time to watch and decide, haha. I just got so excited at the thought of buying horsie things… My real world wardrobe could probably use some of this budget. Ooooh well. Story of my life.

[bort84]

Okay, so after some more internet looking, I’ve discovered that the website that said the Epsom had a single vent was wrong… So it might be not quite right for dressage. I do like the Ascona model, but does anyone have an opinion on an all polyester jacket? I like to stick with wool, but this poly looks pretty nice and I guess it’s washable. The Doreen is a nice model too, and I can get in in wool.

So does anyone have any experience with the all poly? Does it look about the same as wool? And is it noticeably cooler?

[FancyFree]

If I weren’t such a fabric snob, I’d go with the poly. Mine is wool and it can be very hot. I’m in California. I’d leave it off as much as possible. Being cooler and able to wash it instead of dry clean would definitely be a plus.

I like the look and feel of the wool version though. Suffer for beauty I guess.

ETA: Is the poly version lined?

[bort84]

Hmm, not sure about the lining. Seems like it should be. I’m kind of a fabric snob too… That’s why I wanted to see if anyone had really liked the poly, haha. I am in Houston though, so it gets stupid hot and humid here. Too bad they don’t make a slightly lighter weight wool that isn’t mixed with other fabric…

I have this fabulous jacket from J-Crew and it’s 100% wool, but it’s lighter weight and so soft and nice and still has a good drape. Too bad they don’t make riding jackets… Haha, maybe I’ll mention it to them. Seems like something they’d be into.

[europa]

Amira is great and dirt cheap. I bought my eskadrons for my horse at a fraction of the price.