A Size Guide to Women’s Waterproof Riding Coats and Jackets

A good waterproof riding jacket should do more than simply keep the rain off. It needs to feel comfortable when you’re moving around the yard, allow you to ride without restriction, and leave enough room for the layers you rely on when the temperature drops.

That makes choosing the right size particularly important.

A jacket that feels fine while standing still can become restrictive once you’re in the saddle, while going too large can leave you with excess fabric that bunches around the body or gets in the way while riding.

In this guide, we’ll explain how to correctly measure yourself for a women’s waterproof riding jacket, what to consider when choosing between sizes, and how your jacket should fit when you’re actually riding.

Why Does the Correct Waterproof Riding Jacket Size Matter?

Unlike an everyday coat, an equestrian waterproof needs to work with you through a wide range of movements.

You need enough freedom through your shoulders and arms to hold the reins comfortably,  as well as bend and reach around the yard, while the body of the jacket needs to sit properly whether you’re standing or in a riding position.

The right fit can also help you make better use of the jacket’s practical features. Adjustable cuffs, riding vents, two-way zips, and shaped hems are all designed to make equestrian outerwear more comfortable and functional, but they work best when the jacket itself fits properly.

At Treehouse Sporting Colours, our women’s waterproof riding collection includes different lengths and styles designed specifically for riding, from shorter jackets to longer coats, so fit can vary depending on the type of garment you choose.

How to Measure for a Women’s Waterproof Riding Jacket

Before choosing a size, take the below simple body measurements using a soft tape measure. Try to stand naturally while measuring and avoid pulling the tape too tightly. If possible, ask somebody to help, particularly when measuring your sleeve or back length.

Bust or Chest Measurement

Measure around the fullest part of your bust, keeping the tape level around your body and underneath your arms.

This is usually one of the most important measurements when choosing a jacket because it determines how comfortably the coat will fasten across your upper body.

Make sure you can breathe naturally and avoid pulling the tape tight against your body.

Waist Measurement

Measure around your natural waistline, usually the narrowest part of your torso.

Not every waterproof jacket will be closely fitted at the waist, but this measurement can still help when comparing your proportions against a manufacturer’s size chart.

Hip Measurement

Measure around the fullest part of your hips.

This becomes particularly important when buying a longer waterproof riding coat that extends over the hips or thighs. You want enough space for the coat to fall comfortably without pulling when you walk, bend, or sit in the saddle.

Sleeve Length

Measure from the top of your shoulder down your arm towards your wrist.

Keep your arm slightly bent rather than completely straight. This better reflects the position of your arms when holding the reins and helps you judge whether the sleeves will still provide enough coverage while riding.

Back and Overall Length

The ideal jacket length is partly down to personal preference and the type of waterproof you’re buying.

A shorter jacket should finish comfortably without riding up excessively when seated. For longer coats, consider where the hem will sit around your legs and saddle.

If a product provides an actual garment length, compare this against a coat you already own and like the fit of.

How to Choose the Right Size

Once you have your measurements, you should compare them with the individual sizing information provided for the jacket you’re considering.

It’s important not to assume that you will wear exactly the same size across every equestrian clothing brand.

A size 12 from one manufacturer may fit differently from a size 12 elsewhere, and some jackets have a naturally fitted silhouette while others are deliberately cut with more room for layering.

The style of the jacket matters too.

A lightweight waterproof shell may be designed to sit fairly close to the body, whereas a winter riding coat may provide more room for base layers, fleeces, and other clothing underneath.

Where a specific product size chart is available, use that rather than relying entirely on your usual high-street clothing size.

How Should a Women’s Waterproof Riding Jacket Fit?

Once you have your jacket, you shouldn’t just check how it looks while standing in front of a mirror, you should move around in it too.

A properly fitting riding jacket should allow you to reach forwards, bend your elbows, and move your shoulders without feeling as though the fabric is pulling against you.

Check the Shoulders

The shoulder seams should fit comfortably around your natural shoulders.

If the jacket pulls tightly across your upper back when you reach forwards, it may be too small. If the shoulders drop significantly beyond your natural shoulder line, the jacket may be larger than you need.

Check the Chest and Body

You should be able to fasten the jacket comfortably without the zip or fabric pulling. At the same time, you don’t want a large amount of loose material gathering around your body.

Try the jacket with the clothing you expect to wear underneath it rather than testing it over unusually light clothing.

Check Your Arm Movement

Stretch your arms forwards as though you are holding the reins. Your sleeves should continue to provide adequate wrist coverage and you shouldn’t feel significant tightness across your shoulders or elbows.

Try reaching upwards, bending your arms, and moving around as you would while completing normal yard jobs.

Sit in a Riding Position

This is one of the most important checks.

Sit on a saddle if you have access to one, or recreate your riding position on a chair. Check how the jacket falls around the waist, hips, and thighs, and whether anything suddenly feels tight or restrictive.

A jacket can fit perfectly while standing but behave very differently once your hips and knees are flexed.

How Should a Long Waterproof Riding Coat Fit?

Long waterproof coats require a few additional checks.

You need enough room around your hips and thighs to sit comfortably, particularly when the coat is zipped up.

Many long equestrian coats use riding vents, side openings, or two-way zips to allow the lower section of the coat to sit around the saddle rather than underneath the rider.

When trying one on, open any riding vents as intended and sit in a riding position. The coat should provide useful coverage without restricting your legs or creating a large amount of fabric around the saddle.

What Should You Do if You’re Between Sizes?

Being between sizes is common, particularly when your bust, waist, and hip measurements don’t all correspond to the same size on a chart.

Start with whichever measurement is most important for the particular style.

For a fitted short jacket, your bust and shoulder fit may be the biggest consideration. For a longer coat, you will also need to make sure there is adequate room around your hips when seated.

Then you should think about layering. If you intend to wear several layers underneath throughout winter, the larger size could provide more versatility. If the jacket is mainly for warmer weather and already has a generous cut, the smaller option may work better.

Most importantly, never choose a size that restricts your movement simply because it creates a more fitted appearance.

Our Tips for Getting the Best Waterproof Riding Jacket Fit

Before removing labels and deciding that your new waterproof is right for you, we recommend completing the below quick fit check:

1. Try it on over your usual riding clothing

2. Fasten all zips and closures

3. Reach both arms forwards into a riding position

4. Bend your elbows and move your shoulders

5. Sit down and check the fit across your waist and hips

6. If it’s a long coat, open the riding vents or lower zip as intended

7. Check that the sleeves still cover your wrists

8. Try it over your usual winter layers if you plan to use it year-round

9. If applicable, check the fit over your body protector

10. Make sure you feel comfortable rather than simply judging the jacket by how it looks while standing

A good riding waterproof should give you enough room to move and layer without feeling excessively loose or bulky.

Find the Right Women’s Waterproof Riding Jacket at Treehouse

The right size jacket can make a significant difference to how comfortable and practical your waterproof feels in everyday use.

By taking a few measurements before ordering and checking your jacket in an actual riding position, you can choose a fit that works both on and off your horse. 

At Treehouse Sporting Colours, we stock a wide range of women’s waterproof riding jackets and coats, with options to suit everything from everyday yard duties and hacking to competition and professional riding.

Be sure to explore our full collection today, or contact our team if you need some extra help deciding which size or style is right for you.

Women’s Waterproof Riding Jacket Sizing FAQs

 

Should I size up in a waterproof riding jacket?

Not necessarily. Your waterproof riding jacket should allow enough room for comfortable movement and the layers you usually wear underneath, without feeling excessively loose. If you plan to wear thicker fleeces or mid layers during winter, sizing up may be helpful if you’re between sizes. However, always check the individual brand’s size guide, as the fit can vary between styles.

Can you wear a waterproof jacket over a body protector?

Yes, provided there is enough room for the body protector without the jacket becoming tight or restricting your movement. Try both together and make sure you can still fasten the jacket, move your arms comfortably, and maintain a natural riding position.

How can I tell if my waterproof jacket is too small?

Your jacket may be too small if it feels tight across your chest, shoulders, or back, particularly when you reach your arms forwards into a riding position. Other signs include the zip pulling when fastened, sleeves riding noticeably up your arms, or the jacket becoming restrictive around your hips when seated. You should be able to move naturally and comfortably while riding.

How can I tell if my waterproof jacket is too big?

A waterproof riding jacket may be too big if there is excessive fabric around your body, the shoulders sit noticeably beyond your natural shoulder line, or the sleeves extend too far over your hands. A jacket that feels bulky or bunches around you when seated may also be too large. Some riding coats are intentionally designed with a relaxed fit, so consider the intended style before choosing a smaller size.