Product Review: Kerrits Twist of Bit Riding Shirt

Welcome to EN’s Product Review series! Who doesn’t love shopping, especially when the object of your search is new gear for yourself or your horse? As an enthusiast of all products equine, I LOVE trying out new gear. Please join me as I narrate my personal journey of trying out all of the products featured. While I will make no recommendations, I hope you have fun reading about my many adventures of trying new products, and that hearing about my personal experiences helps you on your own quest for new gear. Go Shopping.

The quarter zip of the Twist of Bit shirt allows for a range of styling options, as well as a way to help get some extra ventilation. Photo by Lorraine Peachey. The quarter zip of the Twist of Bit shirt allows for a range of styling options, as well as a way to help get some extra ventilation. Photo by Lorraine Peachey.

It seems like change is a never ending presence in life. Even now, I see the leaving turning vibrant colors to mark the transition into autumn and before I know it, they’ll fall to the ground to leave the trees bare for when the snow arrives.

But I’m getting ahead of myself here, because I LOVE Fall. I mean, what other time of the year do I have an excuse to indulge in pumpkin spice flavored, well, everything? Since the weather is becoming chilly, I’ve been working on changing over my wardrobe too.

As someone who seems to be eternally cold, some planning is involved when outfitting myself to go for a ride. It’s a balancing act between dressing warm enough, but not bundling up so much that I overheat once I’ve really started riding.

With the arrival of Fall, I turn to performance tops that I can layer in order to remain comfortable while riding in cooler temperatures. And so far this season, I’ve been wearing the Kerrits Twist of Bit Riding Shirt as one of my core base layers.

Not only does the extra bit of stretch from the black panels feel comfortable in areas I need it; it also lends a flattering and slimming appearance. Photo by Lorraine Peachey.

Not only does the extra bit of stretch from the black panels feel comfortable in areas I need it; it also lends a flattering and slimming appearance. Photo by Lorraine Peachey.

The Twist of Bit top is made of a four-way stretch microfiber fabric, which feels really smooth and soft to the touch. From the first time that I tried it on, I noticed that the fabric feels stretchy enough to conform to my upper body.

I really find that I like the bold print, which combines interesting geometric shapes and patterns with subtle equestrian designs. In the pattern, I can find horse heads, bits and horseshoes, mixed in with hounds tooth, chevrons, circles and more.

In additional to the stretchiness of the fabric, I find that the black panels that are integrated into the sides and around the shoulders are extra stretchy. Not only does the extra bit of stretch feel comfortable in areas I need it, it also lends a flattering and slimming appearance.

The Twist of Bit also features a quarter zip design, which boasts a black zipper to contrast from the fabric, as well as a zipper pull that sports a small carrot (or kerrit!). The quarter zip allows for a range of styling options, as well as a way to help get some extra ventilation.

Something that I've noticed before and during riding is that the extra stretch panels actually help to provide extra stretch and give in the shoulders. Photo by Lorraine Peachey.

Something that I’ve noticed before and during riding is that the extra stretch panels actually help to provide extra stretch and give in the shoulders. Photo by Lorraine Peachey.

When layering up to go for a ride, particularly in the evening, I do like to start with the Twist of Bit top. Depending on how I’m feeling, I may choose to be more casual and leave the shirt untucked, in which case, I am still warm enough since it comes to mid-hip length.

The Twist of Bit also offers a dropped back hem, which helps provide additional coverage on my more casual days. I’ll also mention that I like that the sleeves are long enough to provide the coverage I need to stay warm…even with my long arms on my 5’9″ frame!

Depending on the temperature, I either opt to ride wearing the Twist of Bit shirt as a stand alone, or I let it function as a base layer with a jacket layered over top. The quarter zip is also a welcome feature, as I can zip it up to keep a little warmer, while it still fits comfortably.

Something that I’ve noticed before and during riding is that the extra stretch panels around the shoulders are not just for looks. They actually help to provide extra stretch and give in the shoulders. So when I’m lifting the saddle onto my horses back, I notice.

I really find that I like the bold print of the Twist of Bit shirt, which combines interesting geometric shapes and patterns with subtle equestrian designs. Photo by Lorraine Peachey.

I really find that I like the bold print of the Twist of Bit shirt, which combines interesting geometric shapes and patterns with subtle equestrian designs. Photo by Lorraine Peachey.

And when I’m asking Roo to stretch down and reach for the bit…I notice that too! The fabric keeps me warm enough, while helping me not to overheat. And again, if I need a little extra ventilation, I only need to reach up and pull the zipper down to get some air.

The fabric of the Twist of Bit is also nice in that it allows hay to be brushed off easily. And it has been easy to care for, as it takes a machine wash cold. It can be dried without heat, though I simply hang mine to dry, and it comes out looking just like new still.

The Twist of Bit shirt is also MADE IN THE USA! It comes in a choice of 4 colors, including White, Glacier (blue), Pewter (gray), and Tan (pictured). Sizes range from XS to 2X, with a retail price of $69.00. You can find the Twist of Bit Riding Shirt here.

Go Comfortable Base Layers. Go Kerrits. Go Eventing.