Kastel Sun Shirts Stand the Test of Time and Sun

My equestrian goals are simple: 1.) to flop around less on my next ride than I did during my last ride, and 2.)  to own a Kastel Sun Shirt in every color, although I could do without pink, purple, or burgundy–those colors don’t agree with my complexion. Seeing how spring is almost here and summer will be following closely on its heels (trust, me it really will cold weather friends), I wanted to give a shout out to a high-performing member of my riding garb crew–the Kastel Denmark sun shirt! Find out why the Kastel sun shirt is a staple of my equestrian wardrobe.

My latest Kastel sun shirt from Mary’s Tack and Feed. (All photos by Lady Photographic)

At the time of this writing I have seven Kastel sun shirts in my closet: royal blue, light blue, yellow, gray, cream, white and my most recent purchase at the Mary’s Tent Sale–green. (Okay, I have an 8th one that is pink. When I bid on it at a silent auction I thought it was coral because of the hotel lighting. If you’re a medium, like pink and short sleeves with the name Kastel spelled out across the shoulder blades in bling, lemme know because I’ll set you up.)

I believe I bought my first Kastel in 2015, maybe 2014, and it’s still going strong. These shirts are long-lasting and resilient. But that’s just the beginning of why I’m a huge fan.

This post contains affiliate links.

What’s So Great About Kastel Sun Shirts?

Look Pro Even When You’re Not

First, of all, they look smart. Even on days when I feel like I just can’t get my stirrups to be the ideal length or my reins grow mysteriously longer, and I have no control over the loopiness, I can look good in my figure-flattering Kastel sun Shirt! The sleeves are a great length for my tallish (5’9″) self, the zipper pull is both sturdy and fancy with the crown logo. Speaking of logos, the logo is embroidered on the right upper arm, and a Danish flag embroidered at the base of the collar in back (if you scroll up and look under my ponytail in the first image, you might see the flag peeking out). Its style is simple and sleek. (Get a better view of the logo when you CLICK HERE.)

Zip it, Zip it Real Good!

Speaking of the zipper, it’s nice to have the option to zip it up or down. On days when it’s really sunny I typically zip to the top and it’s almost like wearing a lightweight, mock turtleneck with built in sunscreen! Since I’ve reached a certain age, I am becoming increasingly paranoid about lack of elasticity in my neck skin and I like the option to zip up and bid the sun rays adieu.

Cantering on the training track at Knight’s new home. Send help to my left hand losing the rein.

Stay Away Harmful Rays

Another fabulous feature is they offer 30 UPF UV protection. I am fair-skinned (but I do tan which is unusual for a strawberry blond, apparently) and I never put sunscreen on my arms in the summer when I’m at the barn. I just make sure to wear one of my sun shirts.

Smiling because I love my horse or my white Kastel sun shirt? (Photo by Lady Photographic)

Banish the Stink

The fabric of the Kastel sun shirt has an anti-bacterial odor reducing quality. I’m not sure how they do it–my Lululemon clothes for the gym possess the same properties. Even when you’re dripping in sweat on a 90-degree day, you won’t stink up to high heaven. Now I’m not saying your shirt will smell like roses, but the odor will offend less than say a regular cotton polo shirt. That is something to celebrate!

Breathable, Lightweight Fabric

Another winning feature of the sun shirt is the fabric really is breathable and lightweight. It might seem weird to wear long sleeves in the hot sun, but for whatever reason, the Kastel sun shirt in long sleeves does not feel oppressive. It’s quite comfy. The magical material wicks away heat.

Wash, Air Dry, Wear, Ride, Repeat

These sun shirts are super easy to care for. I throw them in the washing machine, generally with other workout clothes. When they are done, I hang them on a hanger and forget about them. Until I have to walk them to my closet so they can await their next ride. They dry super fast and look great–never wrinkled.

You Can Find Good Deals

Kastel sun shirts are not cheap. They generally retail around $75, but I think I have only paid full price for my first shirt, the blue one. I have purchased two from friends (one new with tags), one from an estate sale, and the others on sale from Mary’s Tack and Feed. Mary’s has a great Kastel collection–with even a few on sale at the time of this writing–and will ship if you’re not in SoCal.

Consistent Sizing

It’s nice when sizes and styles don’t change over the years. I’m not generally someone who likes online shopping. I don’t want to deal with wrong sizes or the quality not being as high as it looked in the picture. With the Kastel sun shirt, I can freely order online or buy via Instagram stories (that’s how I got the one from a friend, new with tags) and know that a medium will fit me.

Visit my Amazon Influencer page and browse a selection of Kastel sun shirts and more.

Hopefully I have convinced you to love the Kastel sun shirts as much as I do. Have you given them a try yet?

Thanks for reading!

Your Turn: Share in the comments section one of your favorite riding staples. Do you have a certain sun shirt you fancy? Or are you really into a specific style of socks or maybe you collect riding helmets? What do you wish you had more of in your closet?

GET HORSEY INSPIRATION IN YOUR INBOX

If you are not on my email list for very important horse lovers, you should sign up. Get the inside scoop about fun new products and other horsey inspiration via twice-a month emails. To get on the list, click here.

And if you like to hang out on social media, you can find Knight and me on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest. Come follow us!