What you wear makes a difference. More and more outdoor companies are recognizing the need for “women’s wear.” Not pink camo, but quality clothing that stands up to rigorous conditions while accenting the female shape. Beretta is clear that’s exactly what they wanted from their Ladies Training Collection and they made it happen.
“The Beretta Ladies Training Collection is focused on delivering improved garment fit with modern performance fabrics aiding in durability for dynamic shooting competition and outdoor rigorous physical training. Designed with the female athlete in mind, we improved seam work and elasticity to showcase the female form without sacrificing technical details. The strategic cross-over appeal with signature colorways and fabric treatments can blend to outdoor ranges, early field hunts, or weekend casual wear.”
I had the opportunity to sample a number of items from the collection and have spent extensive time with them through multiple wears, multiple washes, and various conditions. Here are my thoughts.
Centre Combat Jacket – MSRP $199
The Centre Combat Jacket is practical but not quite “tacti-cool,” offering what I consider to be an ideal compromise between fashion and functionality. The shoulders are padded, offering added comfort for heavy backpack straps or a plate carrier, but also provide added recoil protection.
This is my go-to jacket for shooting shotguns. There are slots for elbow pads (good for PRS and other types of positional shooting), but you’ll need to add them yourself. The jacket is incredibly comfortable and equipped with Velcro cuff sleeves. That’s a feature I especially value in any jacket. In order to do many basic tasks and properly manipulate a firearm, you need your hands free and clear.
The side pockets are generous and more than amply fit a phone. Back yoke ventilation keeps you from getting sticky in warm weather and during activity. This jacket isn’t waterproof, but won’t soak in moisture. My only qualm? One of the zipper pulls already came off in the washing machine, but that’s easy to replace.
Ratings (out of five stars):
Style: * * * * *
Durability: * * * *
Design: * * * * *
Overall: * * * * ¾
Hook RipTech Pants – MSRP $129
I cannot say enough good things about these pants! I’ve tried and worn a number of styles from various brands, but this pair has truly stood out. Beretta’s Hook RipTech Pants are affordable and I’ve seen them retail for $70.95, much less than MSRP.
I’m curvy with a smaller waist, so most pants don’t fit me well without a belt. These pants fit well with and without a belt, but have reinforced belt loops properly distributed around the waist to prevent a holster from slipping. Having too few belt loops is an issue I’ve seen with other pants.
Beretta included internal flex elastic to the waistband which hugs my shape without being uncomfortable. The 2-way stretch durable riptech main fabric is durable, yet comfortable. Pockets are abundant. The one thing I don’t like about these pants is the at the top pockets right below the waist are not fully enclosed, with an opening to the inside of the pant leg. My pocket contents have worked their way out of the pocket and down my leg with movement several times.
Ratings (out of five stars):
Style: * * * * *
Durability: * * * * *
Design: * * * *
(I’d prefer enclosed top pockets)
Overall: * * * * ½
Gravite Windblock Vest
MSRP: $99
This lightweight vest adds some water-repellence to your daily wear. It is thin, but what it doesn’t contribute in warmth it does in style and functionality.
It has back ventilation and flat inlayed front pockets. The armholes and side panels stretch to allow for variance in body types. I’ve been using this vest as an everyday staple for concealed carry and going to gun shows. It’s even made in appearance in our family Christmas card.
Ratings (out of five stars):
Style: * * * * *
Durability: * * * * *
Design: * * * * *
Overall: * * * * *
Dea Wings T-Shirt
MSRP: $39
While on the topic of concealed carry, this t-shirt is great for it. I was a bit hesitant at first as while loose-fitting shirts are ideal for concealment, they aren’t always attractive.
The dea wings shirt is the perfect combination with a curved bottom hem, providing extra coverage in the front and rear.
Ratings (out of five stars):
Style: * * * * *
Durability: * * * * *
Design: * * * * *
Overall: * * * * *
Ciel Tech Long Sleeves T-Shirt
MSRP: $65
Good performance shirts are hard to find. This quick-drying polypropylene shirt is perfect for in between weather with UPF 50, odor control, and insect control built into the fabric/weave.
Mesh inserts under the arm and side panels help with breathability though they are practically unnoticeable. This has become one of my new favorite shirts, both on and off the range, for its varied qualities that make it a perfect fit for whatever I’m doing. Zero complaints.
Ratings (out of five stars):
Style: * * * * *
Durability: * * * * *
Design: * * * * *
Overall: * * * * *
LeSaut Sweater
MSRP: $99
This seamless, stretchy shirt is made in Italy. It hugs the body and has a durable microband on the bottom hem and sleeve cuffs to keep the shirt in place. While extremely comfortable and lightweight, it does have a few downsides depending on application.
It’s prone to snagging and attracts lint. It continually caught on the stippled grip of my holstered Springfield Hellcat, making it both harder for me to draw and risking ripping the shirt.
Photo by Luke McCoy
Ratings (out of five stars):
Style: * * * * *
Durability: * * *
It hasn’t ripped yet, but rated lower due to snagging.
Design: * * * * *
Overall: * * * *
Hook Notch Trucker Cap
MSRP: $45
This hat comes in three colors: grey, green, and black. Its style is flattering on women without the Elmer Fudd look many hats have. It has a dedicated opening in the rear for your ponytail if you choose to use it.
I opted to use the traditional hole as I don’t wear a high ponytail on the range. My favorite feature is the patented notches on both sides of the bill that prevent your glasses from hitting your hat. This is really convenient and although a small aspect, makes a day on the range just a bit more enjoyable.
Ratings (out of five stars):
Style: * * * * *
Durability: * * * * *
Design: * * * * *
Overall: * * * * *