Non-skin tight XC top recommendations

[HelenBack]

Is it possible to get a XC top that is not skin tight anymore? I've tried the Shires and Woof ones and just find them so tight around my arms and shoulders and stomach and it's not comfortable. They usually ride up to above my stomach too where I would prefer something to smooth over it. I know there are probably more important things to think about when riding XC but I'm a real fidget with my clothes at the best of times!

I'm by no means fat but I do have quite muscly arms and shoulders so things can tend to be quite tight there anyway. At the age of 50 I do also have a rounder belly than in the past!

I don't want fancy patterns or stars or hearts on my sleeves but do still fancy a splash of a solid colour and if I can get a silk to go with then so much the better.

If anyone has any recommendations then please hit me with them!

Thanks.

 

[Flying_Form]

I find ariat sun stopper base layers a bit better, particularly on the arms but for the stomach area they are a bit tight! The only brand (which isn’t horsey if you’re okay with that) I’ve noticed that stands up against all the wear and tear of equestrian wearers, and has base layers that don’t stick to every roll and bump on your body is regatta - particularly their dare2be collections. If you are getting one I’m not talking about fleece half zips, they have their own range of workout base layers that I often use for riding because I can tuck them into breeches and they look tidy and comfortable. Just size up with regatta because they aren’t very generous!!

Don’t even bother with LeMieux. I don’t even have much of a belly, and I find myself constantly adjusting myself wearing one of their base layers because it clings to everything!! Also if you have to size up for LeMieux like me because you have bigger boobs - their base layers will be stuck to you at the top, and hanging half way down your knees at the bottom not the most proportionate.

 

[Vodkagirly]

I like the ariat base layers but just bought some from Matalan.co.uk which were much cheaper.

 

[lizziebell]

I just buy a size or 2 bigger.

 

[ycbm]

Go back to what we used to wear, rugby shirts.
.

 

[DeliaRides]

Yes rugby shirts. GG Gear do XC sets that include rugby shirts and hat silk for about £50 which is probably about the same as a 'branded' rugby shirt alone.

 

[DeliaRides]

Sorry just realised you said no stars etc. which GG Gear do have, but have a look you might see something plain enough.

 

[Tiddlypom]

Ariat sunstoppers fit this chunky build rider very well, and don’t ride up. I don’t sweat up under a BP either, they are extremely comfortable to wear.

They come in a variety of colours, too, and discontinued designs are readily available at around half price from Hope Valley saddlery et al. I’m a tall size 12/14, and the L fits me well.

 

[HelenBack]

Thanks for all the recommendations and I'm glad to know I'm not the only one who doesn't find the sausage in a skin look comfortable or flattering! I think I've narrowed it down to either a rugby shirt or the Ariat Sunstopper. Hope Valley have some of the Sunstoppers in the sale in some nice colours and I've been fancying one for a while so this could be my excuse to buy one.

Otherwise it will be back to a rugby shirt. Do those of you who wear them nowadays find them a bit too warm in the summer weather or are they okay? Not that we're having much of a summer this year! It looks like the GG ones have the stars etc added to order so I suspect I could ask them just to send me a plain one.

I have to disagree that you're a chunky build by the way Tiddlypom, you look very slim to me!

 

[Squeak]

I also struggle with the skin tight xc shirts. They look great on stick thin teenagers but I don't think they look flattering on me and when I'm eventing, I really don't enjoy having to put on something that tight when I'm already hot. I've got an Ariat show shirt that I really like so I might see if I can find one of their tops and dye it the colour I need. Possibly a plain long sleeved t shirt would also work.

 

[PinkvSantaboots]

Go back to what we used to wear, rugby shirts.
.

Was gonna say a long sleeve rugby or polo top.

 

[PinkvSantaboots]

If I get I get a size up of base layer they are loose.

 

[HelenBack]

I also struggle with the skin tight xc shirts. They look great on stick thin teenagers but I don't think they look flattering on me and when I'm eventing, I really don't enjoy having to put on something that tight when I'm already hot. I've got an Ariat show shirt that I really like so I might see if I can find one of their tops and dye it the colour I need. Possibly a plain long sleeved t shirt would also work.

Yes I know what you mean about having to change into them when you're already hot. I'm usually on my own too so tend to change with my lorry door open so I can keep an eye on my horse. I'm sure that's not a nice sight for anybody who happens to be in the general area!

If I get I get a size up of base layer they are loose.

Honestly I think I could go three sizes up in the Woof one and it would still be too tight. It's also too long in the body for my liking in the current size so I think it and me just aren't a good mix!

 

[LEC]

Tbh you can’t see the flab anyway as under a body protector. Treehouse sporting colours so some competition shirts which are not base layers. More like an airtex.

Racesafe Event Shirt & Cap

Each shirt manufactured by Racesafe is individually designed and customised to be individual. Choose the shirt and the option to have a matching Racesafe lycra cap with or without a pom. If you would like a silk cap please order this separatly from the hat silks page. Sport-tec fabric is 100%

www.treehouseonline.co.uk

 

[Kunoichi73]

Your other option would be a non-horse brand baselayer. Discount sites like https://www.sportsshoes.com/ and https://www.sportpursuit.com/ often have very good reductions on them.

 

[Nicnac]

The newer rugby shirts aren't that heavy cotton anymore which we used to wilt under but are far lighter and breathable.

 

[little_critter]

I’m trying to sell a rather nice, hardly used rugby shirt xc top (and silk) at the moment and have had zero interest

 

[Bobthecob15]

Go back to what we used to wear, rugby shirts.
.

Yes I was about to say rugby shirts! There are plenty around if you wanted to try them

 

[HelenBack]

I’m trying to sell a rather nice, hardly used rugby shirt xc top (and silk) at the moment and have had zero interest

You can PM me details if you like. I'd be interested if I like the colours and the size is right.

 

[little_critter]

It’s relatively small but I’ll pm you on the off chance.

 

[PinkvSantaboots]

Yes I know what you mean about having to change into them when you're already hot. I'm usually on my own too so tend to change with my lorry door open so I can keep an eye on my horse. I'm sure that's not a nice sight for anybody who happens to be in the general area!



Honestly I think I could go three sizes up in the Woof one and it would still be too tight. It's also too long in the body for my liking in the current size so I think it and me just aren't a good mix!

I've got some dark horse ones and I bought a tight one but my oh bought the size up and it it is quite loose, the quality are good as well and I buy the riding tights and the silicone ones and I love them.

 

[PinkvSantaboots]

darkhorseequestrian.co.uk

darkhorseequestrian.co.uk

darkhorseequestrian.co.uk

 

[YourValentine]

I use a cotton shirt. If you shop around you can get them in most solid colours these days and not as warm as a rugby top on hot days.

 

[flat3]

I have 4/5 of these in different colours. I wear them for everyday riding and also as XC colours. I'm a 12 with a tummy and I find them flattering - no cling!

 

[Lyle]

I've used to use roll neck skivvies, either stand alone or with a coloured polo top over top. Gave 2 different blocks of colours that way