When I found myself in need of a new bonnet but my regular bonnet maker was on hiatus, I wasn’t really sure where to turn. I’m too cheap (ie poor) for DLC or Talisman but at the same time I’m really picky about materials, fit, and execution. Most of them just miss the mark for me in some way or another. I had a bonnet from If The Bonnet Fits last year and liked the execution and fit, but it wasn’t made from mercerized cotton, which I really prefer. So when I saw on facebook that she was starting to offer mercerized cotton, I jumped at the chance to be one of the first to try it.
She was also offering a new shape – a more contoured side edge to reduce the amount of extra fabric under the sides of the bridle and around the eye. I decided to try that option too, and because I’m always super difficult (sorry world), I also asked for ear embroidery. Although she isn’t quite set up to do embroidery yet on her own (I hear it’s coming soon!) she moved heaven and earth to get it done for me and make sure it was done well. Excellent customer service.
The price was extremely economical – mercerized cotton bonnets start at only $45, which includes 2 rows of trim (cord, crystals, or pearls). Acrylic bonnets start at $35. Additional embellishments are $5 per row, lined ears for sound sensitive horses are $10, hand made tassels are $10, and custom bead strands start at $10. She can also sew patches on to the front. Her prices are much cheaper than most bonnet makers out there, with almost all the same options. The real question was – how would it look?
Answer: lovely. Really lovely. The fit is perfect – it comes to just the right spot above his eye, the squared edge is just the right width, the ears fit perfectly, and there’s enough fabric behind the poll to accommodate my wide PS of Sweden crownpiece. I really like the tapered edge, especially since my bridles don’t have throatlatches – the regular more square sides end up with a lot of extra fabric hanging out.
I searched the bonnet from top to bottom and back again, looking for something that I could grumble about and honestly I found nothing. The stitch ITBF uses is tighter than a lot of my other bonnets, which I have come to prefer. It doesn’t stretch out or snag on things so easily, and it lays much flatter to the horse’s head when in motion. No flipped up bonnet edge whipping around the ears, since it’s got a little more structure and weight to it.
Obviously I didn’t opt for crystals or beads or anything like that, just two rows of good old fashioned cord. Everything is securely attached and survived it’s first wash in pristine condition. Overall I would definitely recommend If The Bonnet Fits… the price you pay for the quality you get just can’t be beat.
breedrideevent.com 
Thanks to you posting about them on Instagram, I got in on one of their pre-made sales. Bonnet is stuck in apartment package hell, but I’m really excited to go retrieve it tomorrow.
It’s ok that I now have 4 bonnets and no horses, right?
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I have 10 bonnets for the one horse, so no judgement here!
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These are SO lovely and I am waiting until I have some extra cash to get one!
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I need to get on the Bonnet train. Can’t even think about all of the options right now!
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I’ve got two from ITBF coming soon and I want my grabby hands on the RIGHT NOW. Henry looks very handsome in his new bonnet!
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it looks great on him! i really want to get on the bonnet train, but nothing ever fits my horse and she seems to hate them anyway…. boo
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ITBF will custom make it to whatever dimensions you want. That’s what she did for me with this one. But if your horse hates them that doesn’t help. Henry seems to appreciate his hats when the gnats are bad or it’s windy/raining.
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So pretty!!! I just got one from Smartpak that I’m fiiiine with, but I’d love to get something a little nicer. Gonna have to check these out!
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I need Mo to be less ear-shy and for Mary to leave town for a minute so I can see what he thinks of bonnets, ha!
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I like that tapered style with your bridle. Looks great!
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I do love that taped edge on the side. So much cleaner!
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I LOVE these bonnets and I’m in the process of measuring my beast’s giant ears so we can get one custom fit to him – so far she has been SO great to work with – I’m excited!! And Henry looks dashing, as always, of course.
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Henry looks so handsome!
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That looks smashing on him. Why do you prefer that specific material? More breathable?
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Main reasons – 1) the finish is classier looking, not as “fuzzy” as acrylic, and has a bit of a sheen to it. 2) breathes better. 3) holds its shape better over time.
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Wow! That’s lovely.
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Must get!! But trying to decide on a color since I am way into white baby bads, ugh!!
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That is a gorgeous bonnet! I love the embroidered name on the war, too. It’s so great that she was able get that done for you!
I am new to PS bridles, so dumb question- why don’t they put throatlatches on them?
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Ear, not war, thanks autocorrect…
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A throatlatch isn’t really doing anything for you, might as well take it off and have one less piece of leather flopping around on the horse’s head.
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