What do you guys wear in the summer? I’ve been looking into EIS Ice-Fil, TS, and Cool Blast, but are they really worth the money? What is everyone’s experience with them? I do eventing, so I would also be using the shirt for xc. Has anyone tried the long sleeve Under Armour shirts in the summer? Thanks in advance!
I like the rise of more technical fabrics made to move in, in equestrian apparel. However, IME, the cooling shirts only work to cool you if you’re active somewhere that the humidity is low enough that the moisture (ie, sweat) being wicked has someone to evaporate to; I’ve worn them hiking in the desert and loved them, but find zero cooling value in them here in humid Virginia. They do usually have some kind of SPF built into the fabric, though, so as a sun protectant they do have value to me.
I find the ones targeted specifically at equestrians to be ridiculously overpriced. The only “equestrian brand” ones I have are two from Noble Outfitters, because TOTD had them for $12. Otherwise, I can buy two of the BeanSport Quarter Zips for what one of the TS shirts cost. I really like the Columbia OmniWick shirts I have, and frequently wear a plain white one to show dressage, where I have a stock tied over the zipper. I live three seasons of the year in Patagonia’s Capilene3 zip-necks (including one for XC/SJ); if they made a Cap1 in a zip neck, I’d probably never wear anything else to ride. If you want a technical fabric wicking/sun shirt, I think you’re much better off going with an outdoor wear company, as they’re really making to people who intend to wear them to do things outside, rather than just look stylish, and are often significantly less expensive than the “equestrian” brands.
I have this shirt (bought on clearance) http://www.romfh.com/romfh-pirouette-show-shirtlong-sleeve-468449 and I really like it. It’s got great ventilation under your arms, and yet (in blue at least) it’s opaque and looks good.
For a more all-purpose shirt, I like the Ex-Officio shirts in a pattern. They’re great outside but also look presentable for times when that’s needed, and they have pockets that are handy for trail riding.
[QUOTE=JenEM;8067545]
I However, IME, the cooling shirts only work to cool you if you’re active somewhere that the humidity is low enough that the moisture (ie, sweat) being wicked has someone to evaporate to.[/QUOTE]
Thank you! I’ll look into those! I live in Alabama, so its ungodly humid. I usually go to shows in GA, TN, and KY, so it’s ALWAYS humid.
Thanks! I have a short sleeve ROMFH and it’s super nice, but I didn’t know if the long sleeve shirts keep you cool in 100*+ weather.
[QUOTE=RideASelle;8067563]
Thanks! I have a short sleeve ROMFH and it’s super nice, but I didn’t know if the long sleeve shirts keep you cool in 100*+ weather.[/QUOTE]
It is not so humid here, but yes, I will wear this in 100+ weather rather than a short sleeve shirt.
Asics cool mesh. Spf 35 or something; seems to wick pretty well.
I don’t like to spend a lot of money on my riding clothes so I buy the Champion Duo Dry breathable T’s on sale at Target. Also I’ve found lots of nicer more expensive shirts at the thrift store for $4 or so.
[QUOTE=pony baloney;8067686]
I don’t like to spend a lot of money on my riding clothes so I buy the Champion Duo Dry breathable T’s on sale at Target…[/QUOTE]
Came here to make the same suggestion! They go on sale often & are even cheaper.
Cotton polo shirts, the heftier the better. The new synthetic materials all feel too light and clingy- which makes me sweat more!
[QUOTE=RideASelle;8067563]
Thanks! I have a short sleeve ROMFH and it’s super nice, but I didn’t know if the long sleeve shirts keep you cool in 100*+ weather.[/QUOTE]
Yes, they do. I live in my EIS shirts summer and fall, whether or not I’m riding. I’ll have a bit of a “hand tan” at the end of the season, the only place where my shirts don’t cover.
I really like the UnderArmour sunshirts. I’ve comfortably ridden in them in 95+ degrees with a safety vest. I don’t live in a very humid part of the US, but they are a lot less gross than cotton when you get sweaty. The fabric is pretty soft.
Thanks everyone! I ordered an Under Armour shirt to try it out and picked up a summer shirt from Target as well. I have a four day clinic this weekend, so we shall see how it goes!
On my last trip to Florida, I bought a bunch of technical golf shirts – polo, lightweight, breathable, and lots of stretch through the shoulders. I paid under $20/shirt at Marshalls or some such place. I only wish they were long sleeve…
Yeah, I have a golf shop nearby and thought of going there to browse.
Target and marshall’s and walmart for me - the technical fabrics in golf polos and athletic t’s and tanks… cheaper and the same fabrics.
SOmeone really wears cotton?? Oh my, you must live in a very dry climate. Cotton gets wet and stays wet. Yuck.
Kerrits long sleeve shirts are my favourites. But they are pricey.
You can get just the sleeves to wear with a polo which makes it much cooler!
http://kerrits.com/womens/rider-accessories/ice-fil-sleeves
Edited to add, instead of Kerrits you can just get them really cheap elsewhere. Like this.
I will echo what another poster said about humidity. These shirts are absolutely great for when you’re going to be in the sun all day (i.e. at a horse show) because keeping the sun off of your skin really does keep you cooler. They also work if you are in a drier climate. If you’re riding and working up a sweat in humid weather, however, even the nicest ones feel like you’re wearing a plastic garbage bag.
I wear mine constantly even in humid conditions since I have a lot of skin cancer in the family but there are days when I’m significantly warmer than if I’d just worn a plain cotton polo.
I shop the outlet and buy Under Armour - we have an outlet close to us and I shop online as well. Their heat gear shirts are usually around $25 on clearance.
I have a few short sleeve and a few long sleeve. I really like the long sleeve for cross country schooling. They really do wick the moisture away, even in a high humidity area like the one I’m in.
I got poison ivy one summer and any short sleeved shirt resulted in really itchy forearms as the day went on. Since the long sleeve under armour wicks moisture away, I could ride and work all day without the itch factor. It also means I do not need to worry about sunscreen as much.
Also, I have a really bright orange shirt that keep telling my trainer I wear schooling so she can find me after I fall off. Also, she cannot deny she knows me when I ride horribly. I almost bought some clearance bright orange breeches at one point to complete the cross country schooling outfit.
I also have under armour cold gear as well and love it.
In my quest for budget sun shirts I came across “NOZONE” shirts on Amazon. They have great reviews and are in the $40 range so I just ordered a couple. I will report back!
