Winter Riding Jackets for the NOT Skinny NOT Tall Body?!?

[chicamux]

I have cross-posted this from the Trailing Riding forum because I know that fox hunters also do winter riding in casual riding clothes. Many of my endurance riding buds also hunt…

All my life I have had to deal with the #&!#%$ fashion industry that makes stylish clothing for the “ideal” body type. I am short and stocky! I am a pretty typical middle-aged woman of 62, weight 155 lbs and just a bit shorter at 5’3".

Thank you Mother for forcing me to learn to sew as I have altered the sleeves and legs on lot’s of clothing and made quite a few clothing items for myself. And why or why did I get your family’s SHORT genes instead of the TALL genes from Dad’s side.

But come ON! Is it too much to hope that I could go out and find a functionable winter/waterproof jacket for trail riding? Does anyone who is built like me have a jacket that you could recommend that is not horribly fitted and does not have tight sleeves? I gave away the Mountain Horse jacket that I got several years ago because I couldn’t stand those tight zippered sleeves. I cannot tolerate snug sleeves. I have muscular arms and big wrists.

I want a waterproof jacket with the 2-way YKK zipper and a vented back. It doesn’t have to be tremendously insulated, I do not get cold easily, I am self-insulated. I’d like to have room under a jacket for more layers than my birthday suit! I can shorten some types of sleeves or just live with long ones but I want roomy sleeves.

Anyone? DH asked me to tell him what I want for Christmas. Any suggestions for LOOSER fitting jackets?

chicamuxen

[Larbear]

Does it have to be made specifically for riding? I wear this for riding in the winter (it’s the Rugged Ridge Parka):
http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/83558?feat=593-GN1&page=rugged-ridge-parka

It has a two way zipper and is pretty warm but very light. I got a men’s and sized up so I could fit additional layers if needed (I ride at night and have no indoor). It has the elasticy tie inside at the waist so you can cinch it up some to cut down on the bulk when not wearing extra layers.

The hood is actually big enough that I can I ride with it over my helmet which is a huge plus when it’s cold and windy or snowing. I love this jacket!!

[chicamux]

I have been eyeballing that jacket because llbean.com has it in petite sizes.

Did you order on-line or try the jackets in a store? I usually find that men’s jackets and shirts do not have room for the bigger hips of women. I see you got a men’s jacket. Did you try on a women’s jacket in this model?

chicamuxen

[Obsidian_Fire]

I like my Riding Sport from Dover… had it 6 years now still going strong.

[Larbear]

[QUOTE=chicamux;7880788]
I have been eyeballing that jacket because llbean.com has it in petite sizes.

Did you order on-line or try the jackets in a store? I usually find that men’s jackets and shirts do not have room for the bigger hips of women. I see you got a men’s jacket. Did you try on a women’s jacket in this model?

chicamuxen[/QUOTE]

I did try the men’s on in the store and also the women’s and then went home to mull it all over. I decided on the men’s (and bought online later) because it had a bit more room I thought. I don’t like snug but found that if I draw the elastic at the waist it worked fine for when I didn’t need the extra room for layers.

My riding during the winter varies from ‘road work’ around the barn during crappy footing nights (so just walking) to full on trot and canter work. I find this coat to be great for all of those. I have the LLBEAN primaloft liner too and it fits great under the Rugged Ridge as well…it gets pretty cold at night when all you can do is walk.

Edited to add that I’ve been riding with this jacket for about 3 winters now (or is it 4?). I have bad zipper karma and ran into problems with the zipper on this jacket but LLBEAN is great and stand behind their products. I brought my jacket back and they replaced it. My sister has the same jacket as me and has never had a problem with the zipper and hers is still going strong.

[pook]

I agree on the LLBean jacket- good enough for The Weather Channel guys, it’s good enough for me !

[wateryglen]

Another vote for mens coats…just try them on and be willing to accept some compromise in looks for utility, warmth & practicality. They run larger in the sleeves & shoulders. Sleeves are always too long so have them shortened. Good luck!

[peedin]

My favorite riding coat came from Lands’ End. It’s their longer Squall Coat. I’m sure it comes in petite, just order up a size. I’m 5’5’ and your weight and the large (14-16) fits great with layers. The only thing is the current model does not have a double zip. I agree with the poster who said men’s jackets are too broad in the shoulders and too tight in the waist. I have a men’s down jacket that I bought in an emergency and that is exactly the problem. So don’t get a men’s. Get a women’s petite and order one size up.

[chicamux]

Well, I finally made a decision and ordered a jacket. I went thru my existing jackets and realized that I do still own an extremely warm and waterproof Harry Hall jacket. It works for very cold weather, moderate activity. It was a freeby that I got when purchasing a new horse blanket at an expo. Weirdly it is a pull-over Anorak style jacket. That is a very irritating style but since we have very little truly cold weather hear this will work for the occasional ride

This lead me to decide to purchase a mid-weight jacket with emphasis on waterproof and a design with back vents. I really wanted one loose enough for layers so I decided to try the TuffRider Weston jacket. I can always return it if sizing or fit isn’t good. What does amaze me is the goofy inconsistancy of sizing charts or lack of them. Of course almost nothing is made in this country.

Thanks for all of the suggestions.

chicamuxen