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 reflective logo that resides very tastefully on the back of the shirt, between the shoulders also adds to the shirt's appearance - Photo by Lorraine Peachey
It’s that time of the year when winter is still trying to hang around for just a little bit longer. The cold temperatures, snow, ice and all around yucky weather are much easier to bear when I know that spring is waiting just around the corner. This year, we’ve just had our biggest snow of the season here in Pennsylvania, and it’s actually put me in a surprisingly good mood.
But that’s because it should be gone next week since the weather forecast is showing temperatures in the upper 40s and low 50s. I am ready for spring, without a doubt. I just look at the snow as a sort of a last hurrah for winter, especially since this past one has been so mild. The horses are beyond ecstatic to play in the snow too. I love that they have so much fun.
While being out in the cold is (definitely) not the most fun thing, I do like the clothing of winter much more than that of summer. It’s more fun all around to get dressed up in bright colored coats with matching scarves and gloves. There are so many more options to pick from, and a cheerful wardrobe helps make even the most dreary of days just a little brighter.
I’ve had many great days wearing the Morning Dreams Henley – it does keep me toasty warm and comfortable. Even on days when I’m working outside or riding, thanks to the Opti-Dry Technology at work – Photo by Lorraine Peachey
My barn and outdoor wardrobe aren’t necessarily as bright, but I’ve carefully selected pieces that are functional and WARM. For my preference, I go with lightweight layers — nothing that feels too bulky. Cotton is the absolute enemy, because when I’m working or riding, it just gets saturated and starts to feel soggy and gross. Performance fabrics are a must have.
So sensible layers are essential: lightweight, well fitting and are make of fabrics with wicking properties and are fast drying. I work hard though, and I expect my choice of clothing to do the same by keeping me warm and comfortable, while allowing me the freedom of movement to get the job done.
This past season, one of my favorite shirts for layering has been the Morning Dreams Henley from Noble Outfitters. The Morning Dreams Henley actually speaks to my love of thermal shirts. If you take a peak in my closet, you’ll find a number of thermal Henley style shirts for everyday wear. They are both comfortable and warm…and most of mine have sassy animal print patterns or cute graphics on them. Win.
The shirt also has quite the stylish look to it, in my opinion. It’s the little things – like the ‘bling bling’ zipper pull, that gives off a little bit of sparkle – Photo by Lorraine Peachey
So let’s break it down. What are the features of the Morning Dreams Henley that really stick out to me? Firstly, I like that the fabric has a nice thermal feel to it, and that it is made out of 100% polyester waffle. Like other shirts from Noble Outfitters, it also features the Opti-Dry Technology, which helps to wick away moisture from the skin.
Instead of a traditional three or four “quarter button front” that is so typical of a Henley styled shirt, the Morning Dreams Henley actually features a quarter-zip front. I also find that I like the little bit of glam that is added to the shirt’s appearance by the sparkly zipper pull. The neckline also cuts down so that it is in between what I would consider to be crew neck and scoop neck.
The cut of the Morning Dreams Henley is also one that is flattering — it features princess seam side panels that fit well to curves, and also a dropped hem in the back of the shirt. I personally really like the dropped back hem, particularly if I don’t tuck in my shirt, as it provides extra coverage. The flat seams also provide an extra dash of style to the shirt’s appearance, which being comfortable during wear.
I also like the thumb holes, as they help keep the sleeves in place (even when pulling on a hoodie or jacket over it), and they also help the sleeves to cover about half of my hand as well – Photo by Lorraine Peachey
Another terrific feature for us taller gals with longer arms is that the sleeves happen to be longer to offer extra coverage while riding. This in particular is good for me because finding shirts with sleeves that are long enough for even my arms can be a bit of challenge at times. The sleeves also feature thumb holes to help keep them in place, even when pulling on another layer.
I’ve had many great days wearing the Morning Dreams Henley, as it does keep me toasty warm and comfortable. Even on days when I’m working outside or riding, I’m able to stay feeling dry, thanks to the Opti-Dry Technology at work. Sweat is wicked away, and dries rather quickly — and the major win is that I don’t feel like I’m wearing a soggy, yucky shirt.
Have I mentioned how much I love having sleeves that offer my arms full coverage, instead of looking like one of those ‘three-quarter’ length sleeved shirts? I also like the thumb holes, as they help keep the sleeves in place (even when pulling on a hoodie or jacket over it), and they also help the sleeves to cover about half of my hand as well.
I personally really like the dropped back hem, particularly if I don’t tuck in my shirt, as it provides extra coverage – Photo by Lorraine Peachey
The shirt also has quite the stylish look to it, in my opinion. It’s the little things, like the ‘bling bling’ zipper pull, that gives off a little bit of sparkle. And the reflective logo that resides very tastefully on the back of the shirt, between the shoulders. The princess cut and flat seams also add to the appearance, because a great fit is always in style.
I’m also happy that the Morning Dreams Henley feels like it will be a great three season shirt. I’ve worn it through fall and most of winter, and I believe that it will also carry through breezy weather and brisk temperatures of spring. Around the barn, or causally layered with one of my favorite vests, this Henley is in my wardrobe to stay, and may soon be joined soon by another color, since it is so versatile.
The Morning Dreams Henley is available from Noble Outfitters in either Heather Gray or Black. Either color has a retail price of $44.99, and you can find it here.
Go Shirts that Look Great & Perform Like a Dream. Go Noble Outfitters. Go Eventing.
