How do you fit a riding (equestrian) coat?

Question

I'm going to try out for my school's equestrian team, and the coat I have is too big. Where do I take my measurements, and what size would I need?

Answer 1

I agree that getting your coat you have tailored. Thats what I had done with one i ordered from Dover.

Why are you from? I have a really good seamstress that did mine and also makes custom show clothes, she is extremely reasonable too!

Answer 2

If you already have a quality jacket, ask around for a local tailor that does equestrian show clothes.  Since the jacket is too large the alterations should be fairly straight forward in comparison to one that is too small, then you can only let out so far.  

If you can not find someone that does show clothes, find a regular tailor, ask at a mens formal wear store for a reference.  They may be able to give you an estimate of the cost to alter your jacket so you don't have any suprises.  Make sure they understand the need for extra sleeve length and room in the shoulders and arms, as fitting show clothes is very different than a regular mens suit, but they should be able to accomidate.      

If you are still growing at all, ask them to limit how much they actually cut out of the jacket, so if you need to let it out in the future they can.

If you are set on a new coat, then key measurements would be chest measurement at largest point, Waist, hips, shoulders from armpit to armpit, sleeve length bent, bicep measurement, and possibly back length.  Most catalogs only go off of chest measurements, however if you call some catalogs customer service lines they can or will find out the other measurements for you.  These are also the key measurements when the tailor alters you jacket.  

Good Luck!

Answer 3

Get an estimate for alterations from a tailor shop or your dry cleaners. Then check out the price of a few coats that fit you correctly and compare. You may be better off buying something off the rack. Make sure you  put yourself into your jumping position when you go for fittings to insure you have enough movement and length thru the arm/sleeve area Your main sizing points will be around your chest ,arm length, and across the back from shoulder to shoulder

Answer 4

Your best bet is to go get fitted at a tack shop. All coats fit a little differently, so trying one on is the easiest way to size yourself in a certain brand.  

Answer 5

even though dover is quite expenisve, they have wonderful staff to help you with all the aspects of fitting a coat.

Answer 6

go to a local tack store OR you can go to www.doversaddlery.com and click on the customer service button in the left corner-ish of the page(upper)and they can help you

good luck!