Pikeur Jacket Sizing and Type

[bort84]

Okay, I know I just posted a thread on dressage apparel, but I'm interested in getting specifics on Pikeur jackets. I know I should just go try one on in the store, but I always feel SO bad going in and not buying anything especially when it's pricey stuff. The sales ladies always look so happy to help... (I may try to do it anyway, but just in case) And no WAY am I shelling out 500 bucks for a jacket right now, haha. Just can't afford it. So I will probably be doing online shopping. I have no qualms taking the jacket to a tailor, as that's usually the easiest way to get the perfect fit in my experience.

So I think I really like the Pikeur Epsom model:http://www.amirashop.co.uk/acatalog/Pikeur_Epsom.html

How does everyone feel about that one? (Also, for the record, this place has RIDICULOUSLY low priced Pikeur stuff! It's like ebay prices!!! Spread the word! Well maybe not too quickly, I'd hate for stuff to go up before I buy my jacket, haha.)

Sooo, I'm 5'8" and slightly long waisted, but I have very narrow shoulders and am little up top (32-34B... did I just put that in print for the world to see? oy, haha). So for my suit jackets for work, I have jackets anywhere from a 0-4, but I think a 2 is probably a good estimate for U.S. sizes.

Anybody with Pikeur jackets have any sizing help?

And sorry again about the multiple apparel posts for those that think it's overkill; y'all are just so helpful on here!

[Dussel]

Hi,
Go and try some on. It is no big deal to them if you do. Just tell them you are not sure what you want. Everyone has to try on some different brands before you know what one will fit you right. Then you can find a used one on ebay or even ewarmbloods cheap. Their are always pikeus on ebay. But you need to know the size. Also the model you are buying.
Dussel

[Ambrey]

I thought dressage coats were generally longer, with one vent in back.

[bort84]

Yeah, I've come to the just go try it on conclusion. Still, does anyone have any preferences of Pikeur styles? I like the Epsom, but does it look too short? First dressage show clothes purchases, haha.

[FancyFree]

I have the Pikeur Diana. Do go try them on. The Diana runs a bit small in my experience.

http://mandmtackshop.stores.yahoo.net/pididrco.html

[tikidoc]

I have a Diana as well, and I thought it was pretty true to size. I got mine on eBay, used a couple times, for about $100.

[FancyFree]

The size I regularly take was a little tight in the shoulders and a little short on the arms. So I went up a size and had it tailored. But I'm 5'10" so things are often short on me.

[OneFineMess]

Someday I'll buy myself a new jacket. I'm large busted and petite and only about 5'3". I find the longer type jacket makes me look like a giant on my smallish 16.1 wb/tb. Of all the professional pics from last season my horse looked great, but overwhelmed by my jacket and I. The short pikeur jackets on that first link seem to look like like what I want. Does anyone have anything to say about the difference between the poly/wool and heavy wool?

[bort84]

Ooh, good question. I love wool, but I will also be showing around Houston... It gets freaking hot down here!

And I'm tall on a short horse, so maybe a slightly shorter coat would be the way to go... Hmm, something to think about.

[In_The_Ribbons]

You can email Amira with your sizing questions. They're pretty good at replying.

Epsom is made for someone who is short. Even their longs are not long enough. If you're 5'8, it'll probably be too short for you. Besides, it's double vented, so it's more of a European style show jumping jacket, rather than a dressage coat.

I'd recommend to go with Diana instead. I normally wear a size 2-4 US, and I went with their 36 -
UK10 - US8 - F38 - I40 size. It's a little too big for me, but it can be easily tailored.

Normally, their labels have a few international sizes listed. I would go 2-3 sizes up compared to your regular US size, as they run small.

[bort84]

Ah, okay. Good advice! Amira has ludicrously cheap coats. Is this too good to be true??? Haha. And I will email them for some more measurement specifics = )

[LD1129]

I have this coat too I love it! I had to try on, mine is a size 16 and I am a 10 :eek:

I have the Pikeur Diana. Do go try them on. The Diana runs a bit small in my experience.

http://mandmtackshop.stores.yahoo.net/pididrco.html

[Ambrey]

The pikeurs are available in either wool or washable fabric, and I think the Diana is available in a "light."

[Pony Fixer]

Everyone loves the Diana. I think, IIRC, it is the most popular show coat in the US.

I was *this close* to buying one. I walked into EuroAmerican and told them I wanted one. The saleswoman looked at me and said--no. She suggested I try the Cavallo (v. similar cut I think), which is what I did buy. Same price. My body type is pretty average, I think, so I don't know why the saleswoman thought I would (rightly) look better in the Cavallo. I am 5'6" average torso, size 8, medium rib cage/chest.

Do yourself a favor and try on several style AND brands to see what you like, then start looking online. That's my plan for shadbelly shopping this year!!

[FancyFree]

I have this coat too I love it! I had to try on, mine is a size 16 and I am a 10 :eek:

Hahaha that's what mine is as well. Horrifying isn't it? :lol:

[bort84]

Well, I would definitely like to try these coats on, but I'm having a little trouble locating a Houston area tack store that carries these brands... Grr. Maybe at an upcoming show or something...

I really do like the slightly shorter one (the Epsom). Would that look silly in the dressage ring? Something about the seam around the waist on the others bugs me a bit and seems like it could add to tailoring difficulties... Perhaps I will feel differently when I try some on though.

Really I'm not going to be showing til probably April, so I've got some time to watch and decide, haha. I just got so excited at the thought of buying horsie things... My real world wardrobe could probably use some of this budget. Ooooh well. Story of my life.

[bort84]

Okay, so after some more internet looking, I've discovered that the website that said the Epsom had a single vent was wrong... So it might be not quite right for dressage. I do like the Ascona model, but does anyone have an opinion on an all polyester jacket? I like to stick with wool, but this poly looks pretty nice and I guess it's washable. The Doreen is a nice model too, and I can get in in wool.

So does anyone have any experience with the all poly? Does it look about the same as wool? And is it noticeably cooler?

[FancyFree]

If I weren't such a fabric snob, I'd go with the poly. Mine is wool and it can be very hot. I'm in California. I'd leave it off as much as possible. Being cooler and able to wash it instead of dry clean would definitely be a plus.

I like the look and feel of the wool version though. Suffer for beauty I guess.

ETA: Is the poly version lined?

[bort84]

Hmm, not sure about the lining. Seems like it should be. I'm kind of a fabric snob too... That's why I wanted to see if anyone had really liked the poly, haha. I am in Houston though, so it gets stupid hot and humid here. Too bad they don't make a slightly lighter weight wool that isn't mixed with other fabric...

I have this fabulous jacket from J-Crew and it's 100% wool, but it's lighter weight and so soft and nice and still has a good drape. Too bad they don't make riding jackets... Haha, maybe I'll mention it to them. Seems like something they'd be into.

[europa]

Amira is great and dirt cheap. I bought my eskadrons for my horse at a fraction of the price.

[HMM]

Not sure if anyone has mentioned this, but if you end up ordering from Amira and the jacket isn't one they have in stock, you will have to wait to get it. I ordered my Pikeur December 22 and sent them an e-mail on January 19 asking about the status of my order. Amira said the jacket was being manufactured by Pikeur and was expected to arrive next month. I am hoping to get it before my first show at the end of March. I guess that is what I get for having to order a short for the length.

[ToN Farm]

The prices of those Pikeur short coats and shadbellies are half the price that the American stores charge. For example, the Pikeur shad runs around $900 here in the US and you can get it from Amira for $400. That is a huge difference. Is it really the same coat?

[Calif. native]

Pikeur makes a number of different coat fabrics; the ones we often use here in SoCal is called the lightweight wool and it has a Teflon finish (the one I want to sell is that one). I personally prefer the look of the lightweight all wool better (I am REALLY picky about how stuff looks), but it is a bit warmer.

The Doreen is the prettiest model on; it is not cut as narrow as the Diana, an older style. Pikeur got their start by being a custom made riding wear company, so their tailoring is beautiful on short coats. I personally prefer the Kentucky tail coats (which I do not haveb YET!) as they make Midnight as well as navy which I don't want. Dover stocks both Diana and Doreen; you can have them send sizes and then pay shipping; it's better than being stuck with something you THOUGHT would fit but doesn't. Also, some of the big mobile tack stores that come to shows carry show coats; if you call them ahead of time and ask them to bring some coats for you to try on, they most likely will if they are in stock.

I got my friend a really good deal on a washable Diana at World Cup '05 from a vendor there; she isn't tall and it fit her like a glove...

I also get almost all my stuff direct from Germany; it takes a while, but I semi-custom order things and they are really great!

[Equus_girl]

Are there any updates on how long it takes to receive an order from Amira?

[Beau Peep]

Just got mine today, and I ordered 2 weeks ago. I live on the east coast.

[Cooper]

The Doreen is lovely, a very elegant tailored look. I typically wear an 8, and I wear the 12L in the Pikeur Coats.

Dressage extensions has the Doreen on sale right now, which is still in the $400 range.

[dressageUK]

the ascona is the epsom jacket in a washable fabric. The Epsom is a very popular dressage jacket in the UK, it's perfect for curvy ladies as it has a really flattering hour glass shape. It's also good for the busty amongst us! The Diana is also a really beautiful cut but better suited for the taller & more straight up & down person.

[cute_lil_fancy_pants_pony]

Hey, I bought a Doreen from Amira. I am a size 0-2, I went with a size 8 long. I am 5'8.5", 34" chest, 26" waist, I am very long waisted. I think my coat fits pretty well, I maybe would like it slightly smaller but I don't think they make a 6 in a long.

If I could go back I think I would get a custom coat from www.delfinasaddlery.com. They don't have dressage short coats listed on their website yet, but I emailed them and they said they were going to update that portion of their site within the next week, with fabrics and buttons they have available, and pictures of their coats on actual models. A friend of mine has one I absolutely drool over. Their website just shows their coats laying flat on the ground and doesn't do them justice. I think I want one of the gray ones! :-)

[dressageUK]

Not sure if anyone has mentioned this, but if you end up ordering from Amira and the jacket isn't one they have in stock, you will have to wait to get it. I ordered my Pikeur December 22 and sent them an e-mail on January 19 asking about the status of my order. Amira said the jacket was being manufactured by Pikeur and was expected to arrive next month. I am hoping to get it before my first show at the end of March. I guess that is what I get for having to order a short for the length.

Yeah, Pikeur manufactures in batches. So they have an 8-10 week production cycle before they come back to a certain product line, hence why it can be a long wait for non-stock items.

(spot the dressage shopaholic :lol:)