Affordable Tailcoats??

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pottypony1

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looking into getting a tailcoat for this season... however I will only be doing maybe 3 cic/cci*'s (hopefully!) So need one that isn't going to cost an absolute fortune.. or somewhere I can hire one reasonably cheap?? I'm in need of a black size 8!!
 
eBay! I got mine for about than £30. Yes it is a little old and was a few sizes too big but I just took it to a local seamstress and for £26 she took it all apart and made it fit me so I ended up with essentially a tailor made tailcoat for £56. Bargain! I just couldn't justify spending £400 on something I would wear 3 times a year for 5 mins a time. I think it looks pretty good for what I paid.
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That looks great! I had the same feelings on the money D: I have been scowering ebay for one but can't find one that cheap... however hadn't thought about the tailoring idea... will need to get searching again... and for a seamstress!! Thank you so much!
 
I did spend quite a few weeks on the search but it was worth it. It is an old Mears tailcoat so very well made.
I was also close to making my own (I may still have a crack at some point with the help of my mum). If you are handy with a needle and thread or know somebody who is that is willing to do it free or on the cheap that may be worth a shot. It is easy to buy the patterns online for about £20 and the material shouldn't cost too much so long as you don't go for something super fancy.
Eventing is an expensive business so I am always looking for ways to make it more affordable for these 'luxury' items. Its weird that I spare no expense on my horses gear yet I am so tight fisted about my own. My only ever splurge where I have paid full price has been on my Samshield helmet and even then I was close to crying as I handed over my card! Everything else has either been a gift, on sale with a big discount or sourced second hand.
 
Llee94 said:
I did spend quite a few weeks on the search but it was worth it. It is an old Mears tailcoat so very well made.
I was also close to making my own (I may still have a crack at some point with the help of my mum). If you are handy with a needle and thread or know somebody who is that is willing to do it free or on the cheap that may be worth a shot. It is easy to buy the patterns online for about £20 and the material shouldn't cost too much so long as you don't go for something super fancy.
Eventing is an expensive business so I am always looking for ways to make it more affordable for these 'luxury' items. Its weird that I spare no expense on my horses gear yet I am so tight fisted about my own. My only ever splurge where I have paid full price has been on my Samshield helmet and even then I was close to crying as I handed over my card! Everything else has either been a gift, on sale with a big discount or sourced second hand.
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Haha I am exactly the same! Horse has more than he could ever need, but hardly ever buy anything for myself unless it is on sale! Looking for a new hat just now too and do love the samshields but I really don't think i can bring myself to do it :( Gutted my GH Conquest doesn't meet the new standards! I'll keep searching and look for some crafty friends too ;) thank you!
 
I can't recommend the samshield enough. And although expensive was well worth the money. It is the only vented hat I have worn that I can actually feel the wind coming through to cool my head and it is so comfy I forget I am wearing it. I justified the cost as I wear it at every comp for dressage and showjumping so it gets a lot of use.
Good luck with your tailcoat quest!
 
Having the same issues here. Although mine is for dressage rather than eventing but don't want to spend a fortune as not sure how many Advanceds we will actually do! My issue is the only seem to make tailcoat for skinny minnies! I've been scouring eBay but can't find anything over size 14 and I have really broad shoulders so know that won't fit. Don't want to buy something off ebay that turns out too small as they're not cheap even on there. Also having the hat issue. Gutted my lovely Conquest is no longer allowed. Loathe to spend a fortune on a hat as too good at falling off on my head.
 
they used to pop up quite regularly on the BD classifieds page before the ads stopped being free for members. I got mine off there (it had a bit of interesting history as I later discovered, previous owner had ridden in it at olympics and WEG ;) )

May be worth popping a wanted ad on BD FB group etc?? People might have things lingering in their closets...
 
star said:
Having the same issues here. Although mine is for dressage rather than eventing but don't want to spend a fortune as not sure how many Advanceds we will actually do! My issue is the only seem to make tailcoat for skinny minnies! I've been scouring eBay but can't find anything over size 14 and I have really broad shoulders so know that won't fit. Don't want to buy something off ebay that turns out too small as they're not cheap even on there. Also having the hat issue. Gutted my lovely Conquest is no longer allowed. Loathe to spend a fortune on a hat as too good at falling off on my head.
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I've actually had the total opposite problem, all I'm finding are larger ones... perhaps we need to switch websites!! There's a few on ebay on sale just now that only had bigger sizes left, worth another look? I'm gutted about the conquest too... thankfully I tend to be good at landing on my feet, however I still don't think i can bring myself to spend the money on a super duper one :(
 
milliepops said:
they used to pop up quite regularly on the BD classifieds page before the ads stopped being free for members. I got mine off there (it had a bit of interesting history as I later discovered, previous owner had ridden in it at olympics and WEG ;) )

May be worth popping a wanted ad on BD FB group etc?? People might have things lingering in their closets...
Click to expand...

Think I might need to give that a go... will wait until all christmas presents are bought and I have the money stocked up and then just do that! Thankyou
 
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