Product Review: Kerrits Competitors Koat

I found myself very happy with the freedom of movement that I felt, thanks to the four-way stretch properties of the fabric (of the Competitor Koat). Photo by Lorraine Peachey.

There’s a special section in my closet that is reserved for occasion garments. When I pull aside all of my everyday wear and dig to the back, I find it. The section that houses those pieces that are just a little extra. Extra stylish. Extra professional. Extra glamorous. Basically a selection of clothes for when I need to dress up.

Back in this “reserved” section of my closet, there are also a number of subsections, if you will. Because I am such an organization freak, I separate my pieces by the type of occasion they would be worn for. A section of jackets and business suits for important work meetings or an interview. Another segment containing my fancy dresses for when the occasion calls for one.

And all the way in the back, there is another section specifically set aside for my horse show apparel. Such is the closet of a horse girl. My competition jackets and shirts all hang out together back there, and dream of being pulled out in order to witness an awesome ride from me, which is followed by a ribbon. At least that’s how it works in my mind!

I was also happy to find that the sleeves (of the Competitors Koat) are long enough for my arms (with a 5’9” frame, sometimes finding sleeves that are long enough for my arms can be challenging). Photo by Lorraine Peachey.

One of the competition jackets that I’m happy to have become acquainted with recently is the Competitors Koat from Kerrits. The Competitors Koat is designed with Dynamic Extreme fabric, which boasts a number of features. The woven fabric includes a four-way stretch that allows freedom of movement, and has great shape retention.

The benefits don’t stop there though. The Dynamic Extreme fabric has a durable and abrasion resistant surface, and it is also water and stain resistant. It has a twill backing that wicks away moisture, and dries quickly. But perhaps it’s most convenient property is the fact that it is machine washable.

The Competitors Koat itself is both lightweight and breathable, which can help to keep rides on warmer days a little more comfortable. And looking to the design, the classic show coat styling provides a contoured fit to help flatter the figure.

Another feature that is pretty nifty is the front closure. To the eye, one sees a lovely 3-snap closure that provides a clean and crisp look that is ready to head into the ring. But underneath the snap closures is a hidden zipper, which lies nice and flat so that it can function “behind the scenes.”

the zipper holds the front of the jacket nicely together, so that there is not tension on the buttons of the Competitors Koat. Photo by Lorraine Peachey.

When I pulled on the Competitors Koat for the first time, my initial impression was one of freedom. And by that I mean freedom of movement. The four-way stretch fabric makes the jacket feel…well, stretchy! It felt really good, that I couldn’t stop moving all around and reaching out with arms. I probably looked like I was stretching for a workout (so it was just a wee bit silly, I suppose).

After getting over my initial obsession with the stretchy fabric, I checked myself out in the mirror. And I liked what I saw…which was a fit that flattered my curves, without being too tight or too loose. Plus, I was also happy to find that the sleeves are long enough for my arms (with a 5’9” frame, sometimes finding sleeves that are long enough for my arms can be challenging).

I’d also like to call attention to the pretty awesome hidden zipper, which is a feature that could be easily overlooked. While it might seem like something small, I feel like it can be an important feature for some of us gals. For me personally, I find that the zip-up before the button-up makes the jacket fit feel a little more secure.

A problem that I don’t personally have, but do hear about from others is button gaping. Depending on your build and body type, gaping buttons on button-up shirts and/or jackets can be a source of angst for some gals. Unfortunately, I am not of the build to speak to this particular issue. Though I can say that from my perspective, the zipper holds the front of the jacket nicely together, so that there is not tension on the buttons.

The Competitors Koat itself is both lightweight and breathable, which can help to keep rides on warmer days a little more comfortable. Photo by Lorraine Peachey.

While the Competitors Koat fits well and flatters, I was also very interested to see just how it performs in the saddle. Again, I found myself very happy with the freedom of movement that I felt, thanks to the four-way stretch properties of the fabric. I also like the way that the back flap has been designed to accommodate sitting in the saddle.

Even when I pull the Competitors Koat on during days that are warmer…which so far this season in PA means temperatures in the mid-to-upper 80s…I find that the breathable fabric helps to keep me from getting too warm. I also find that I appreciate the moisture wicking and fast-drying properties of the fabric as well, because both features also help to keep me more comfortable.

I’ve been happy to see the durability of the fabric as well, as it still looks great even after use. No signs of scuffs or signs of use even after wear. And I also do like the two large slanted pockets that zip shut on the front of the jacket as well…they are quite large, and I’ve found that I can even fit my large smartphone in it’s case in, without it being obvious that I’m carrying it.

The Competitors Koat from Kerrits is available in a number of colors, including Shale, Indigo, Navy, Black, and Black-White (which I’ve been wearing, and is pictured above). And this competition jacket retails for a very affordable $129.00, and you can find it here.

Go Fits that Flatter & Fabrics made for Performance . Go Kerrits. Go Eventing.