I live in a remote area, so I have not tried on a Shadbelly. My short coat is so old, tags are gone…and it has no stretch whatsoever!
What to look for in a good tailcoat? Where to buy? Is it too expensive to return if it doesn’t fit? Colors or black? 
I am rather flat-chested, should I look at men’s coats? or is there a female style that won’t look like deflated airbags on me :disgust:
As with many things, a higher price seems to mean better quality and fit. I think if I were you, and truly could not go any place and try on different styles and brands, I would contact a consignment store specific to dressage and ask them to send you a few coats based on your measurements (shoulder to shoulder, bust, waist, hip, shoulder to sleeve, back of neck to waist). Try them on and see if any work for you. If one does, great; send the others back. If not make note of style and size that does works best, and pursue that option if it is “good enough.” What you will pay in postage you will save in gas driving to various stores to look at coats, even if you lived in a big horse area. A second option is to look into having one made --there are patterns available and it seems in some remote areas, many women sew. Don’t pay for it (entirely) until the job is done --some seamstresses take forever to finish a project. Last idea would be to go to a (bigger?) show and ask to try on coats of riders your size. It’s not an odd request --Wow, I saw you in the ring --you have a beautiful horse and look so nice --what kind of coat are you using? Does it fit well? I’m looking for one --would it be possible to try yours on to have an idea of fit?" --worst they can say is no --but since you have already told them their horse was great --they know you are intelligent and kind. Oh, and I’m sure you know there are two different Shadbelly coats --(I didn’t when I bought my first one) hunter and dressage --make sure you buy the one you want.
psst - just saw a crazy good clearance sale on English Riding Apparel FB group from a brick and mortar store. The poster was offering sizing/fit advice in the comments - she might be able to help answer some questions
I.do.not.need.a.new.coat.
I.do.not.need.a.new.coat.
I.do.not.need.a.new.coat.
I.do.not.need.a.new.coat.
Sizing will more than likely be a crap shoot, unless you can get actual measurements from the company/seller rather than just “6L”. I have a coat that I wear a 14 in, one that’s a 12, I tried on one brand that I’d have needed a 2 or smaller, my hunt coat is I think either a 4 or a 6. Hunt coat is closest to regular American street size.
Color depends a little on your horse. Black or navy with canary points is always going to be classic and in style enough to wear. Get colors if you want/are able to spend a little more. Though it’s very easy to replace points or make them interchangeable, so you can always change those later.
I’m super flat-chested as well, I often wear a regular padded bra under my sports bra to fill out my coats, or I have a fancy sports bra from Victoria’s Secret that’s padded and push-up. (I do realize it’s ridiculous and vain but it’s easier than getting the coat taken in.) I wouldn’t go to a mens’ coat though–it’s likely to be too broad in the shoulders and the right shape in the waist.
There is a great consignment store in Wellington. I don’t remember the name but they always have several tailcoats for sale.
Also flat. My Pikeur works well.
I bought my Pikeur shadbelly on Amira Equi because the price was incredible (about half of Dover or other US stores). The downside is that they ship from the UK so returns are expensive. I measured myself carefully and it worked out fine although now about 10 year later the shadbelly is a bit loose on me. Overall I was really happy with the purchase and returned to Amira Equi when I recently needed a new show coat for lower levels. It is also a gorgeous Pikeur that I got for an excellent price. I am not the type to spend top dollar on clothes so I would probably not have bought the brand otherwise.
They currently have Pikeur and Cavallo shadbellies: http://www.amirashop.co.uk/acatalog/Ladies-Dressage-Coats-Shadbelly.html
Ditto on sesporthorse and Jo. She has great technical fabrics and wonderful colors.
The German brands tend to run a bit slimmer, which if you are a beanpole might be a good choice. I got a great deal on mine (Cavallo - navy with canary points)
I can second Amira Equi. Take good measurements and find the coat that will work best. Then tailor where you need to. My Pikeur shadbelly was less than 500US even with shipping from the U.K. I’m not in the position to buy new coats every time a new fad emerges, so I bought a traditional navy coat and had the sewn-in vest points removed. Bought a few pairs of reversible points in fabulous fabrics that I change around for each class.
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