Riding Vests: Light warmth and full freedom of movement for men
A gilet warms your core and leaves your arms free for subtle rein aids. Here you will find men's riding vests for schooling, yard work and hacking.
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ELT Maine Softshell-Mix Gilet, Men – Windproof & Breathable, M
Sale price: €46.66 Regular price: €69.95 (33.3% saved)
Riding Vests: the practical mid layer for riders
Men's riding vests are ideal when a jacket is too warm and a shirt alone is too cold. They keep your chest, stomach and back warm while leaving your shoulders free. In the range you will find a hybrid gilet with quilted panels and stretchy sides as well as a softshell mix gilet that blocks the wind. Both have a sporty cut and go well with breeches and a polo shirt for everyday riding.
Hybrid or softshell
A hybrid gilet combines light padding at the front and back with stretchy panels at the sides. That way it keeps you warm and adapts to every movement, including mounting and lungeing. A softshell gilet is windproof, water repellent and breathable. It is particularly useful on windy days in the outdoor arena or out on a hack. Both gilets combine well with a fleece or a jacket, so you can build your outfit around the weather of the day.
What to look out for
A riding vest should be a little longer at the back so there is no gap above the waistband when you sit. Make sure it is snug enough not to flap but leaves room for a second layer. Zipped pockets keep your phone, keys and treats safe. If you wear a body protector, it is best to try the gilet on over it straight away to check the fit. Pick a colour that does not show every bit of dust and hay.
Frequently asked questions
Is a gilet really warm enough for riding?
In spring and autumn temperatures it is often enough, because you warm up while riding anyway. Your arms move a lot and feel the cold less than your core. On cold days, wear a long sleeved base layer or a fleece underneath.
Can I wear a riding vest in everyday life?
Yes, most gilets have a sporty cut that also works with jeans and casual clothes. Many riders wear their gilet straight from the yard into everyday life. That makes it a very versatile piece of clothing.
How do I wash a hybrid gilet?
Close all zips and wash it at a low temperature on a gentle cycle. Fabric softener clogs the fibres and reduces breathability. Let the gilet dry naturally in the air afterwards.
Riding vests for men
When temperatures change from day to day, a gilet is the most flexible piece of clothing at the yard. It keeps your core warm and gives your arms full freedom for rein contact, lungeing and yard work. A hybrid gilet with quilted panels and stretch inserts keeps you warm and adapts to every movement. A softshell mix gilet blocks the wind and is pleasant on fresh days in the outdoor arena. Both combine easily with a base layer, a fleece or a jacket. Make sure the gilet is long enough at the back so no cold gap appears when you sit, and that it fits comfortably over a body protector. Handy zipped pockets keep small items safe. That way you are comfortably dressed from spring to autumn, whether in the arena, out hacking or doing all the jobs around the yard.