Going to be doing some online shopping, looking for the best schooling clothes for indoor season (cheaper the better) especially breeches that are flattering/concealing , long sleeve shirts, vests etc. TIA
Though not CHEAP cheap, Kerrits is always a go-to for schooling wear for me. They’re not big-name expensive, and they have a lot of super cute options, in my opinion.
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Depends what cuts fit you. I do look for sales but I don’t cheap out on my everyday riding clothes. I found I was wearing through the actual fake suede seats on my Greenhawk breeches in under a year, upgraded to Pikeur and Cavallo when I found styles that fit me on discount, lasting for years.
I would say however that for fall/winter tops, vests, hoodies, you can get way better colors, styles, variety and prices in the general outdoor store market versus equestrian brands.
Where I live it’s cool enough that I use fleece lined/brushed inner side breeches from October through April. With microfiber or fleece long underwear when it’s really cold.
Check out FB groups like English Tack Trader and English Riding Apparel for deals on used things that are basically new, ebay can be good also. Dick’s and Academy Sports have non-equestrian brands that serve the same purpose. And I love the inexpensive Columbia fleece vests - they don’t totally attract every shaving in the barn, and are very comfortable to ride in.
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Uniqlo’s ultralight down vest! Washable, packable, slim profile fits under a jacket on cold days or for barn chores, provides plenty of warmth on its own, short enough that it doesn’t interfere with the saddle.
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I’m Kerrits all the way. Not super expensive, they fit me well, and they come in fabrics that are suitable for every season from sweltering heat to frozen toes.
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I just wear sun shirts as my base layer year round and layer on top as needed - Kastel has a lot on sale for $35 right now: https://kasteldenmark.com/collections/solids-1
Maybe I’m just used to the sunshirts but a thicker/heavier sleeve feels kind of claustrophobic to me now!
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I think breeches tend to be a very personal thing because everyone likes different rises, fabrics, etc. That being said, I pretty much live in Ariat Tri-Factors. They’re comfortable, wear like iron, and feel like leggings. I tried more popular brands like Equiline and Pikeur, but they didn’t hold up to daily use riding 4-6 horses a day. I do also have a couple pair of samshields that I like too and bought on discount overseas so they’re roughly the same cost as the Ariats. I would not spend the $300 that they normally retail for.
In cold weather, I use a lot of wool base layers. Meriwool makes a bunch of affordable base layer shirts that I buy on Amazon. It’s breathable and warm at the same time. I usually layer with the quarter zip sweaters from Essex Classics. Over the last few years, they’ve put a bunch on sale, so I’ve bought a bunch for 50% off or more.
For vests, Lemieux and Pikeur make nice puffy vests for really cold weather. Otherwise, I have a few no name quilted vests I got years ago on Amazon. I can’t seem to find the exact ones anymore, but it’s worth hunting around for ones that may fit you, as they cost under $20 but look like dupes of $100+ vests.
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I like to get my sun shirts on eBay. Khul and SanSoleil are good brands to look for. Same styles as the equestrian marketed ones, but sold for tennis and golf. That way you can get different patterns than everyone else has, and more variety.
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Count me in as a Kerrits gal as well. My Kerrits fleece lined tights are unbelievably comfortable and I’ve got one of their winter jackets that is also really comfy, warm yet not bulky. I’ve gotten tons of compliments on it when I’ve worn it out running errands or gym. Added bonus ! The pseudo fleece shirts are great too.
Edited to change Katerina to Kerrits. Thanks iphone for your AI edits fail. LOL
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Ororo heated vests are very popular here. I haven’t tried one yet, but I did ask for one for my birthday, so I’ll probably join the club soon.
With respect to breeches, personally, I don’t bother to buy winter versions. Silk long underwear is great for this. You’d be amazed how insulating silk is, given how thin it is! I’ve had a pair from REI for going on 10 years.
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Check Thred Up! You can find sun shirts and brand name vests at a fraction of the cost. Sometimes sun shirts are listed as golf shirts. I scored a clearance lightweight Barbour vest for $12. However, you can’t return the clearance merchandise.
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The majority of my cold weather riding tops/jackets are actually outdoor They have the breathability and warmth, but I’ve found the price point to be friendlier. I have gotten Columbia outlet items and they have lasted for years, between that and REI Black Friday sales (their version of it) or garage sales, I’ve gotten some fabulous deals.
For winter breeches, I’ve gone Kerrits. They’ve held up great and are functional. My ancient pairs I wouldn’t call super stylish but they have lasted forever.
Literally a gamechanger. I have one for cold mornings in Florida! It’s amazing. 3 different heat settings. I have the fleece version but have seen the quilted one quite a bit and probably better with shavings and lint.
New believer in the Free Ride Equestrian tights. I have the full seat and they are SO comfortable. I wear them riding and to run errands or just to railbird at shows.
As someone else mentioned, the Ororo heated vests or jackets.
I’m slightly obsessed with the rust mock turtleneck mesh shirts right now. Debating if I need one since I like the lightweight material for layering and the autumnal color!
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I LOVE Free Ride breeches. They are so comfortable, and not terribly expensive either.
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I’m another Kerrits fan. Sometimes their colors are a little too much for my conservative hunter princess self but their tights are so comfy. I love their fleece lined winter tights the most. I also love that a lot of their tights have pockets, and the pockets are roomy and easily accessible.
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I love the Free Ride zip up breeches, literally just got 3 pair for under $230. They are the most comfortable riding pants ever. Yesterday, I threw on a pair of Strucks which I do love, but it was a hot day and they just felt so bulky, couldn’t wait to get the Free Rides back on!
Free Rides, and they make a winter breech. They are my go to once it hits 50s and below. If you are going to be spending a lot of time outside in under 30 degree weather, you’ll want another layer underneath.
From Ororo? Or from Free Ride? I am intrigued!
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