the big test
PK Sportswear – Macho Sweater
The company says: A perfect everyday sweater, which combines a high quality cotton blend material for ultimate comfort with stylish design touches. The unique butterfly embroidery on the front catches the eye, as well as the contrasting drawstrings and applique patch with a PK design on the back. The bottom and sleeves’ hem have a special ‘cut and chive’ rib knit which provides a comfortable stretch. Melange Pearl. Sizes: XS/34 to XXL/44. RRP: £57.00
www.zebraproducts.co.uk
Our tester, Terri Graham, says: This hooded sweater, in a muted grey marl colour, is a very attractive functional item of clothing. It has an unusual, very pretty, butterfly design stitched in white on the front and two angled pockets with zips. The draw string of the hood is in contrasting red adding a splash of colour and to the back left just above the waistband is a neat square patch sewn onto the hoodie, which has a red butterfly and logo. Unusual seaming on the cuffs and waistband creates an inset overlay look. The finish is very good, it washed well and kept the shape and is refreshingly different to many of the designs out there. It is light to middle weight and a really nice item of clothing.
Mark Todd – Ladies Jana Hoodie
The company says: From the Italian Collection, this comfortable cotton hoodie has a front zip fastening, zipped pockets - big enough to take your smart phone - a cosy fleece lining and the famous Mark Todd signature. Navy, Burgundy, Grey. Sizes: XS- XL. RRP: £49.99. Stockists –
www.wefi.co.uk
Our tester, Rachel Thomas, says: I LOVE this!! It’s very smart and every time I have worn it someone has commented on how lovely it is. The cut of it is really nice, it’s fitted but not at all tight or restrictive, which was a pleasant surprise, making it extremely comfortable for working and riding in. It’s breathable and I love the fact that the zip doesn’t stop where it normally does, it comes up nice and high so on a cold day you can keep your neck warm. I also like the double zip, so when riding you can loosen the bottom off which keeps it looking nice and means it doesn’t ride up and the nice deep, zipped pockets are a huge bonus for keeping things safely in your pockets when working/riding.
SSG – Rancher (Unlined) Gloves
The company says: Deerskin outers are perfect for riding and working on the yard. There are no finger seams on the palm side therefore giving a more comfortable feel. An elasticated wrist to keep the warm air out and cool air in. Natural, Black, Acorn. Sizes: 6-12. RRP: £44.00. Stockists –
www.mackey.ie
Ariat – Ideal Windbreaker
The company says: Made from a lightweight nylon shell, filled with light polyfill. Ideal for the active wearer, the jacket is wind and water resistant and features jersey insets, which offer better movement and breathability, as well as the company’s Moisture Movement Technology™ which pulls moisture to the outside of the garment so it evaporates quickly. Packable into an integrated stowaway pocket. Black, Navy Stripe, Oatmeal, Peach, Chambray Blue. Sizes: XS – XXL. RRP: £59.99
www.ariat.com
Out tester, Caroline Powell, says: Never Judge a Jacket on the Hanger! My first reaction was that this would be a one wear wonder, but now I actually find myself planning it in to the clothing structure of my day! When the jacket arrived I thought that it would be one of those items of clothing that I would wear once and then it would lie around in a pile. It was soft, silky and very lightweight and so something I would flick past if I saw it on the hanger in a shop. But how wrong was I!! I rather hesitantly put it on for the first day of testing. It went on about layer 3 of 5 and gradually as the day wore on and the layers came off as the weather remained windy, overcast and dull and cold, I started to realise I was the most comfortable I had been for a long time. It got to 3pm and I became aware that I didn’t have that wet backed feeling, that in fact I had put a good day’s graft in and still felt quite fresh. The lightweight nylon shell is wind and water resistant, and the up-to-date Moisture Movement Technology keeps the moisture away. Who could ask for more? A perfect jacket for this time of year. Actually in Britain, a perfect jacket all year around!!
www.theequinesite.co.uk
Our tester, Rob Williams, says: I have to say that these are just the most comfortable gloves ever. They feel lovely and soft and the elasticated wrist makes putting them on, or taking them off, really easy. I’ve worn these in all weathers and they maintain their good rein grip which is so important. Amazingly they are machine washable, which is a real bonus, and they haven’t shrunk or become stiff when dry, which is a usual problem. And they don’t make your palm sweat either. Fabulous gloves and I can see me buying more, and possibly other styles too!
Equetech – Reversible Micro Gilet
The company says: Hot Pink on one side and smart Navy on the other giving you the choice to be bright or conservative! An ideal lightweight training gilet with micro-down filling featuring a stylish quilted design, two-way zip for riding and two front zip pockets with a snaffle zip puller. Machine washable. Navy/Coral. Sizes: XS-XXL (junior sizes available) RRP: £62.50
www.equetech.com
Our tester, Pippa Hahn, says: This gilet is smart, comfortable and has an eye-catching appearance. It is very warm but has a lightweight but non-bulky feel when worn. Being reversible enabled me to wear it while on the yard, but turn it to the reverse colourway when nipping to the shops etc. The two-way zip is a real boon when riding too. The navy side features zips in a warm copper colour with fun snaffle-shaped pulls and the pockets have a zips on this side too and are a good shape so items don’t fall out. It washes well and dries quickly. I’ve worn it almost every day of the test period and it seems well made and durable.
Equine Page 25
VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
RECOMMENDED
HIGHLY
VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
RECOMMENDED HIGHLY
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