Where to buy formal Livery coat + boots

[horsegal301]

Hi all!

Looking for recommendations on where we can find the coat and boots for a formal livery turnout… for someone who isn’t a stick. My husband is a tall, stocky man with some wicked tree trunks for calves.

I’ve seen some coats go though at Martin’s, but they’re always for very thin people. I can sew, but I’m not sure I want to sew the coat, so wondering what my true potential options are. I would also hate to have to have some ridiculously priced custom boots made for him to wear 1-2x per year.

[goodhors]

You might contact Terry Pickett thru the Carriage Association about the clothing. He is an expert about anything with livery and who makes it properly. The CAA should have a phone number. Livery coats are NOT cheap, and need to be the correct cut. Cut and buttons are different for Coachman and grooms! Boots will need brown tops, are lower cut than riding boots. Maybe some off-the-shelf black tall boots that fit husband, could then be cut down and brown tops added, for a less expensive option than customs. Riding boots now are way too tall for wearing seated in a carriage, cut into the back of your knees. Terry would know if that (slightly cheaper) option is acceptable.

[DiamondJubilee]

We had our livery jacket made about 20 years ago now (House of Antonio in Toronto) and used a custom tailor who has made lots of livery jackets so did know what he was doing. It was over $1200 back then and I hate to think what they could cost now. He knew the style, amounts of buttons needed and colours according to our turnout, so we do know its correct and it was fitted and sized to me since I was the groom.

We also bought a pair of dress boots that fit and had brown toppers made and sewn to the boots. Sometimes you can find the boots used and jackets as well, but just need an expert to make sure its correct for your turnout since the little details matter. Especially for pleasure shows.

Terry Pickett would be a great source as he is the turnout guy!

[Equibrit]

https://hartlandcarriages.co.uk/driving-clothing/

[Willesdon]

@Equibrit … and now I have a strong desire to have a jacket with frogging down the front. And I don’t even drive.