Rain or shine, you need a coat that works with your riding kit—not against it. If you’re eyeing up the Reincoat Lite but unsure which size to pick, this guide gives you a clear, height-first method that ensures easy movement in the saddle, full rain protection, and a clean look over your show jacket or body protector.
Key takeaway: Choose your Reincoat Lite size by height (not chest), because it’s deliberately oversized to layer over competition coats and body protectors; size down one only if you truly want a closer fit.
How Reincoat Lite should fit
Reincoat Lite is deliberately oversized with a relaxed fit so you can wear it over layers, competition coats, and body protectors without restricting movement. The sizing is based primarily on the rider’s height, not chest size.
That bigger, height-based cut is intentional: it gives you shoulder freedom for contact changes, a hem that covers your thighs and saddle when the side zip skirts are opened, and enough room around a body protector without tightness across the zip. Think of it as a riding shell—light (under 1kg) with a breathable MeshLite lining—rather than a fashion mac. Chest measurements (taken armpit to armpit) and coat length (from the top of the zip/collar to the hem) are still useful cross-checks, but they’re secondary to height in this design.
The fit is described as a relaxed, unisex cut, with women’s and men’s versions available. Features like adjustable cuffs, waterproof zips, reflective storm flaps, and a stowaway hood help fine-tune comfort and visibility in the saddle, on the yard, and on the road.
What size Reincoat Lite to choose
Start with your height: riders 4'7"-5'4" generally take XS, 5'5"-5'9" take XS or Small, and 5'10"-6'+ take Small or larger; if you want a closer fit, you can size down by one.
Here’s how to choose in three quick steps:
- Measure height first: this governs shoulder width, arm length, and overall drape in the saddle.
- Cross-check your clothing size: as a guide, Women’s UK 6–8 (EU 34–36) corresponds to X-Small, UK 10–12 (EU 38–40) to Small, and UK 14 (EU 42) to Small. The Reincoat Lite models (Lite, Pro, Original) are generously cut, so these map to a relaxed riding fit, not a tight high street fit.
- Confirm with a try-on over your riding kit: pop it over your base layer, mid-layer (if using), and body protector. You should have a full range of motion with no tugging at the zip or shoulders.
Height-based starting points:
- 4'7"–5'4" (140–162 cm): XS is the default starting size.
- 5'5"–5'9" (165–175 cm): start with XS or Small depending on your build and the bulk of your body protector.
- 5'10"–6'+ (178 cm+): Small or larger for correct sleeve/hem length and relaxed mobility.
If you prefer a closer, neater silhouette—and you don’t need extra space for thick winter layers—size down by one from your height-based recommendation. This “size down -1” guidance is echoed by UK retailers such as the Reincoat size guide (Millbry Hill). For most riders, though, the standard relaxed fit rides best and keeps the hem settled in wind and rain.
Quick tip: Competing soon? The oversized cut is designed to go straight over your show jacket. Keep your ring-day kit in mind and consider trying your Reincoat Lite over items from your competition clothing wardrobe to confirm sleeve and hem coverage.
Do you need to size up for a body protector?
No—don’t size up for a body protector; Reincoat Lite is already cut oversized to layer over protectors and competition coats for riders up to around 5'9" in XS and taller riders in Small or larger.
The pattern is built to accommodate standard body protectors without straining across the chest or shoulders. Size up only if you are over 5'10" and/or your protector is particularly bulky, and you want to preserve the intentionally relaxed drape. This preserves mobility as you mount, shorten reins, and adopt two-point.
Pro tip: When you try it on over your protector, mimic real movements: reach forward as if shortening reins, look over each shoulder, and simulate a light seat. You shouldn’t feel the zip pull or the shoulders bind. If you’re under 5'9" and of standard build, XS usually maintains that freedom while clearing your protector.
Performance and layering for UK weather
Reincoat Lite is waterproof to a 17,000mm water column and weighs under 1kg, with a MeshLite ultra-light breathable lining for true all-year UK use.
That 17,000mm rating gives you reliable protection in persistent British rain—think prolonged wet hacks and blustery lorry-park days. The breathable mesh lining prevents that clammy feeling when the weather swings from drizzle to bright spells, and the quick-drying fabric means you’re not lugging around a heavy, soaked coat at the yard or on the school fence.
For UK seasons, use it two ways:
- Spring to summer (around 10–20°C): wear as a standalone shell over a performance base layer for showers and squalls.
- Autumn to winter (around 0–10°C): layer over a breathable base and a slim mid-layer; the oversized cut leaves room without bunching at the elbow or shoulder.
Open the side zip skirts in the saddle to let the hem fall over your thighs and the saddle, keeping water off while preserving leg contact. The adjustable cuffs seal at the wrist to stop run-off down your gloves. Reflective storm flaps and hi-vis logoing help visibility on grey days—team with dedicated hi-vis rider accessories if you hack at dawn or dusk.
Under a riding hat, the stowaway hood should sit flat; when deployed, check it doesn’t push your helmet brim. If you’re due a hat refresh, browse our riding helmets for up-to-date safety standards and comfortable rain-day pairing.
How to check the fit at home
The right fit lets you mount, reach, and ride a light seat without the hem pulling, cuffs riding up, or the chest zip straining; with side zips open, the skirt should cover your thighs and the saddle comfortably.
Use this quick at-home test:
- Layer up as you would ride: base layer, optional mid-layer, and your body protector.
- Put on the Reincoat Lite and zip up fully. Confirm the shoulders don’t bind when you roll them back and stretch forward.
- Reach both hands forward (rein length), then overhead. The hem should not hike excessively and the chest zip should not pull.
- Open the side zip skirts and adopt a two-point position. The front hem should cover your thighs and shed water; you should still be able to bring your lower leg on without fighting fabric.
- Check sleeve length with riding posture—wrists covered, cuffs adjusted firmly over gloves.
- Pop the hood up and don your helmet. Confirm the stowaway hood sits flat when not in use and doesn’t bunch under the back of your hat when deployed.
If you’re between sizes by height, use these measurements to cross-check:
- Chest width: measure armpit-to-armpit on the coat; it should exceed your layered chest to preserve the relaxed riding fit.
- Coat length: measure from the top of the zip/collar to the hem; confirm thigh coverage in the saddle with side zips open.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Sizing by chest like a fashion coat, not by height. This can shorten sleeves/hem and restrict the shoulder.
- Over-sizing needlessly. Too much volume can flap in wind and puddle at the thigh, especially at canter.
- Not testing over your actual body protector and mid-layer—your yard layers matter more than your high street size.
- Ignoring the hood/helmet interface. Always check that the stowaway hood isn’t trapped under your hat cradle.
- Skipping the side zips. They’re there to release the skirt over your thighs and saddle—use them once mounted.
Quick tip: If you’re prepping for a wet competition day, try your coat on over your show jacket the week before. If you need a new show shirt or jacket to complete the look, explore our women’s competition clothing to keep layers streamlined under the coat.
Price, care and value in the UK
Expect to pay £150–£250 for the Reincoat Lite in the UK, with many adult styles around £199; it’s machine washable and quick-drying for easy yard care.
From a value standpoint, the Reincoat Lite replaces multiple heavy coats by handling both mild 10–20°C showers and colder 0–10°C downpours with a simple layering tweak. The sub-1kg weight lightens your kit bag, and the breathable MeshLite lining means you won’t immediately overheat when the sun pops out mid-hack. Because it’s designed to go over your existing riding wardrobe—including body protectors and show coats—it saves you from buying a “rain-only” show jacket you wear just a few times a season.
Care is straightforward: follow the wash label, shake off surface muck, and line-dry—its quick-drying fabric helps you get back out in the arena or on the yard without delay. If you’re building your full wet-weather setup, consider pairing with supportive, grippy horse riding boots and water-shedding lower-half kit like women’s jodhpurs and breeches or children’s jodhpurs for younger riders.
At Just Horse Riders, we also keep an eye on seasonal offers—dip into our Secret Tack Room clearance for occasional savings across rider essentials to complete your weather-ready wardrobe.
What to wear with your Reincoat Lite
Pair it with breathable base layers, supportive boots, and hi-vis accessories to build a complete, no-fuss wet-weather system for yard work, schooling, and hacks.
Because the Reincoat Lite is a shell, start with a moisture-wicking base to keep you dry from the inside out; add a thin thermal mid-layer on colder days. On the lower half, quick-drying tights or breeches help water roll off and reduce chill; supportive footwear improves grip on slick yard surfaces and muddy gateways. When visibility dips, layer reflective pieces to complement the Reincoat’s storm flap detailing.
- Lower-half comfort: explore women’s breeches and jodhpurs or our children’s jodhpurs for young riders.
- Footing and stability: pick from our yard-ready riding boots.
- Road safety: add dedicated hi-vis rider accessories for dawn/dusk hacks.
- Headwear pairing: if you need a new hat to sit well with your hood, browse our riding helmets.
And for your horse’s comfort while you’re weather-proofed on top, keep them cosy and dry with properly weighted turnout rugs through the wetter months, then switch to fly rugs when the midges return. A tidy, rain-ready coat starts with the right grooming routine, and you can support condition during seasonal changes with targeted supplements.
FAQs
Which size should a 5'6" rider who wears UK 8 start with?
Start with XS. The Reincoat Lite is cut oversized to fit over layers and a body protector; at 5'6" and UK 8, XS typically delivers the intended relaxed riding fit. Size up to Small only if you want extra hem length or have a particularly bulky protector.
Do men and women use the same sizing?
Yes, the design is unisex with women’s and men’s versions; the primary selector is height. Use height first, then cross-check with your usual clothing size and try on over your riding kit.
Should I size up to wear it over my competition jacket?
No. It’s deliberately oversized to fit over show coats. Choose by height (e.g., up to 5'9" in XS for many riders) and only size up if you’re 5'10"+ or want extra room at the hem/sleeves.
What does a 17,000mm waterproof rating mean for British rain?
It means the fabric resists a 17,000mm water column before leaking—practical for prolonged UK downpours. Combined with waterproof zips and flaps, it keeps you dry during long hacks and yard jobs.
Is the Reincoat Lite warm enough for winter?
It’s a lightweight shell (under 1kg) with a breathable MeshLite lining; for winter (around 0–10°C), layer it over a base and slim thermal mid-layer. For milder 10–20°C weather, wear it standalone.
How do I stop the hood interfering with my helmet?
Use the stowaway hood when not needed so it lies flat; when deployed, fit your hat after adjusting the hood so nothing bunches under the cradle. If your current hat fights the hood, consider a better-paired option from our riding helmets.
Will the coat feel heavy or flap at canter?
No—the coat weighs under 1kg and is cut to drape rather than balloon. Choose the relaxed, height-appropriate size and open the side zips in the saddle so the skirt lies cleanly over your thighs and saddle.
At Just Horse Riders, we recommend: pick by height, confirm the relaxed riding fit over your usual layers and body protector, and only size down if you’re chasing a closer silhouette. If you need help pairing your Reincoat Lite with the rest of your kit, our team is here to help—whether that’s sorting the right riding boots, refining your hi-vis, or choosing weather-ready turnout rugs for your horse.
