Beacon Hill vs RJ ratcatcher

[jen-s]

Ok, so I'm returning to showing after several years off and I just pulled out my trusty Beacon Hill ratcatcher. Still looks brand new, but is a bit snug in the bust (although everything is when you have my bust line). I've been debating a new shirt anyway because I really want something in pink, but my local tack shops don't carry sizes in busty.:( I was hoping that someone would know how the RJs fit compared to the Beacon Hills. My current BH is a 44 was hoping to find out what that might compare to in an RJ. TIA for any suggestions!

[PoochPaddock]

Ok, so I'm returning to showing after several years off and I just pulled out my trusty Beacon Hill ratcatcher. Still looks brand new, but is a bit snug in the bust (although everything is when you have my bust line). I've been debating a new shirt anyway because I really want something in pink, but my local tack shops don't carry sizes in busty.:( I was hoping that someone would know how the RJs fit compared to the Beacon Hills. My current BH is a 44 was hoping to find out what that might compare to in an RJ. TIA for any suggestions!

In my experience, the RJ's DEFINITELY have more room in the bust than Beacon Hill shirts. I also like the Ariat's and the PaleHorseDesigns Full Cut.

[superpony123]

ugh, i HATE rj's. its a good company, but they dont fit me. ever. at all. the shirts, maybe they have less buttons or something, but i found that the buttons actually POPPED OPEN particularly around the bust--which was extremely weird because that shirt was not tight at all, it was fairly loose. very weird. even without the buttons opening, there were large gaps inbetween each button that would kinda billow open on a windy day. i still cant figure out how this happened because the shirt was not tight on me. it was really loose.

i love how beacon hills fit. i wear beacons, TS, and essex shirts. they have more buttons (less space between each button + more secure).

i couldn't do much to judge on what fits best for someone very busty--because i'm really not (okay, i am somewhat, but when i ride i wear a sports bra--and i can almost look like ive got nothing !)

[iridehorses]

ugh, i HATE rj's. its a good company, but they dont fit me. ever. at all. the shirts, maybe they have less buttons or something, but i found that the buttons actually POPPED OPEN particularly around the bust--which was extremely weird because that shirt was not tight at all, it was fairly loose. very weird. even without the buttons opening, there were large gaps inbetween each button that would kinda billow open on a windy day. i still cant figure out how this happened because the shirt was not tight on me. it was really loose.

i love how beacon hills fit. i wear beacons, TS, and essex shirts. they have more buttons (less space between each button + more secure).

i couldn't do much to judge on what fits best for someone very busty--because i'm really not (okay, i am somewhat, but when i ride i wear a sports bra--and i can almost look like ive got nothing !)

im the exact same. and the rjs never fit
agreed that beacon hill, tailoreds, and essex shirts are the best!
i love coolmax shirts too, i will never buy one thats not coolmax

[jen-s]

Thanks for the suggestions. Especially about the buttons on RJs being farther apart. I'll be wearing an extra sturdy bra and a sports bra so that will help strap the girls down, but there's only so much squishing that can be done and I don't want to be providing a peep show!

Can someone give me an idea of how the sizes run between different brands? For example, if you take a 38 in a Beacon Hill, then do you take a 36 in an RJ? I picked those two sizes at random, but I just wanted to get an idea before I start the order online, try on, and ship back routine.

[superpony123]

Can someone give me an idea of how the sizes run between different brands? For example, if you take a 38 in a Beacon Hill, then do you take a 36 in an RJ? I picked those two sizes at random, but I just wanted to get an idea before I start the order online, try on, and ship back routine.

are there no nearby tack shops? i really reccomend trying them on. personally, i find that they both fit me in about the same size. i wear a 16 in TS, RJ, Beacon Hill, and Essex. the RJ's just had a different body shape, i guess. but in general i could wear a 16 in all of those (am selling the 1 RJ shirt i got at some point because i cant stand wearing it. i think i only have like 3 times.). but i'd still say trying on and then ordering is easiest---but if there aren't any tack shops near you, i would say order 3 sizes of each shirt (one size being the size you normally wear, the other sizes being one size bigger and one smaller than the norm size, just to make sure atleast one of them will fit !) and return the ones that dont fit. :yes:

[jen-s]

Yes, there are several tack shops around, but none of them carry shirts in larger sizes. My BH is a 44, which I believe is that line's largest size. So, I know I'm going to have to look for another manufacturer. Since the shirts will be a special order, some of the stores will not allow returns, so I'll be internet/catalog shopping and want to minimize shipping fees and time lost.

[hunterhorse22]

I love my RJ shirts. I've found that they are a little roomier than some of my others. I also think the sleeves are just a tad bit longer than my BH and PaleHorse shirts, which is great because I have long, monkey arms! I don't have any suggestions as to how you could manage to try one on before purchase, but Robin Petix at the Collection Online Store has some amazing deals right now on RJ shirts! You can find them here http://www.thecollectiononlinestore.com/ladiesshirts.html
Sale shirts are not returnable, but she has some of the shirt styles up to size 50 in stock. She offers free shipping which is super fast too! She's also great to deal with. I'm sure she could make a few size suggestions for you if you tell her what you have now.

[Chancensassy]

Amen - she is great. I am very busty, RJ shirts are a measurement, they are fitted thru the waist so even though I order 48, and am shortwaisted, there isn't volumes of shirt to tuck in.

[J. Turner]

I'm a 46 and I was disappointed to find out that Essex/Beacon Hill doesn't make a 46 ... anyone else know othewise?

[ridingtime]

I love the RJ shirts....so much more affordable and if you buy the right size there are no gap. They have the nicest coolmax shirts for under $75 which Essex does not have. Give them a try also keep in mind companies change their fit often and make adjustments. :eek:

[J. Turner]

I actually found a cheapie shirt at our local jack-of-all-trades-master-of-none tack shop. But it was 100% cotton a white on white pattern and comfy ... for 29.95!

[jen-s]

Thanks for all of the help. I tried a new tack shop on Saturday but their largest size was a 38. :cry: I'm going to try the shop in the area with the largest selection on Tuesday and will hopefully have better luck. This shop is super willing to special order, etc, but one of the employees made a very insensitive comment to a friend that was shopping with me, so I haven't been back. I'm going to send Robin an email as well and see what help she can lend. Thanks fabulous COTHers!

[Chancensassy]

She will help you and the sale started today.