Welcome to EN's Product Review Just for Men's Series! There has been a gap in the world of equine fashion, and that gap is great apparel products for the guys. As an equestrian myself, I love giving new gear a try, especially when its just for men. Follow along as I search for and try out the featured products in a personal quest for great apparel. In this series I will make no recommendations, but I do hope you will enjoy reading about my journey and personal experiences as I try new products that can only be found in the men's section.
The Quarter Zip Mock from Noble Outfitters has made its way into my cold weather gear on a regular basis. Photo By Lorraine Peachey
Not only do I ride, but I manage and work on a farm as well, and I often find myself taking a break during the day to make sure my horses get worked. That being said, I need clothing that can often do double duty for both working and riding.
I like clothing that is durable enough to handle the hard work of an active farm but has a great appearance to it so I can look my best in the saddle, too. This is much easier to do in summer, but the cold of winter often calls for layering and makes the task a bit harder.
I usually wear a long sleeve technical sport shirt as a base layer, followed by a polo or short sleeve shirt to keep the bulk down in my arms. The next layer is to me the most important: a sweatshirt that is again low on bulk but is the layer most responsible for my warmth, and Noble Outfitters is my go-to for this all important layer.
The Quarter Zip Mock has become a constant in my cold weather clothing, not to mention that it is as functional as it is stylish. When I first picked up the Quarter Zip Mock, my first thought was “will this actually keep me warm?” due to its lightweight feel. But after wearing it for the first time on a cold morning in the barn, my fear of being a bit chilly was hushed by the warmth this shirt provides.
The back of this piece offers a locker loop that is secured with rivets featuring the Noble Outfitters Logo. Photo by Lorraine Peachey.
The Soft Grid Fleece offers something I have not experienced with other shirts I’ve worn before. It makes this performance piece extremely soft to the touch and is kind of like wearing a teddy bear hug all around your upper body, minus the extra bulk and added weight of actually wearing teddy bears all around your upper body.
One thing I’ve come to expect is when I’m working in the barn mucking stalls, I am bound to get warm enough that I start removing layers. The quarter zip makes this piece super easy to pull over your head.
When you get too warm and remove a layer, you also have the ability to hang up the Quarter Zip Mock on a hook outside a stall thanks to the locker loop on the back. This locker loop is secured with rivets, which helps prevent the loop from being easily ripped off. When you have to run to catch a horse and snatch the shirt off of the hook in the process, it’s nice to know the loop will still be there when you go to hang it up again.
The left chest pocket is big enough for a pair of sunglasses or a large phone. Photo by Lorraine Peachey.
Another feature that makes the Quarter Zip Mock even more functional is the left front chest pocket. This pocket is what makes this piece stand apart from the rest. It is big enough for a large cell phone or pair of sunglasses but is perfect to hold your horse’s favorite treats as well.
The Noble Outfitters Quarter Zip Mock now plays an integral part in my cold weather gear. The lack of bulk makes it easy to work in and wear, but doesn’t stop it from providing the warmth that is needed from a piece like this.
The Men’s Performance Quarter Zip Mock retails for $79.95 and can be purchased here. The sizes range from Small through 2XL and are available in three great colors: Charcoal (pictured), True Navy and Woods Heather.
Go Cold Weather Layering. Go Noble Outfitters. Go Eventing.
