Although Breeches use to be part of the Army Uniform, they no longer resemble the 19th century Calvary Breeches or Pantaloons. Over time riding breeches have been perfected and modified to meet the needs of the rider and nowadays all riding breeches resemble the style of leggings. This modern tight fitting style that has proved increasing popular with female riders and males too. Reasons for this shift in equestrian fashion are largely due to the increased comfort they provide not only in the saddle, but also when worn with long riding boots.
Riding breeches are no longer just appreciated for their sporting and technical qualities but are widely recognised piece of equestrian fashion. There is now almost an infinite number of different styles, colours, and materials of riding breeches to choose from particularly if you are a female rider. The offer is so vast and varied and that's before you even take equestrian jodhpurs and riding tights into equation. Whether you choose breeches with a high waist, full seat breeches, denim breeches, breeches with knee patches or even breeches with a silicone seat, or leather patches - will depend entirely on your individual preference.
Full Seat Breeches vs Knee Patches
What's the better choice? Generally speaking whether you choose full seat riding breeches or breeches with knee patches depends entirely upon your preferences as a rider and your riding requirements.
Full seat breeches are perfect for novice riders or for those looking for a little more support, especially if the full seat breeches feature a silicone seat as this will give a more sufficient grip in the saddle and a feeling of security. However this feeling of extra security has been know to put equestrians off the idea of full seat riding breeches as some feel that they are too stuck in the saddle and require more freedom of movement with less restriction.
More traditionally full seat riding breeches feature a leather full seat instead of the silicone grip full seat which offers riders sufficient support without sliding or sticking to the saddle. Leather full seat breeches are still a hugely popular with equestrians, they have stood the test of time over the years and the leather seat is now made from artificial leather fabrics that are durable, and easy to care for.
Knee patch breeches are a great choice for those whole like to feel less restricted in the saddle. They tend to be worn by show jumping and eventing riders who need to be able to move more freely while still requiring some stability in the lower leg. Just like full seat breeches, knee patch breeches have either artificial leather patches or silicone grip patches but only at the knees. On one hand this means a better ease of movement and a cooler less sweaty ride on warm days, while on the other hand it also means less protection from the fabric seat on your bum during long hours in the saddle!
Each style of breeches also comes in a range of waist heights. High waisted breeches with a full seat are a popular choice breeches for dressage riding. While mid waist and low waist breeches without a full seat are popular for jumping, eventing and everyday riding.
Jodhpurs vs Breeches
A popular choice for the young and everyday leisure rider Jodhpurs are specifically designed for optimal comfort. The main difference between jodhpurs and riding breeches is in the length of the lower leg. Jodhpurs are designed to fit a little looser and finish with a slight flare at the ankles which enables them to be easily teamed up with either jodhpur or short riding boots. Whereas riding breeches are close fitting, not so thick and finish slightly above the ankles so that riders can wear them more comfortably with long riding boots. If you are a smaller rider with short legs it is important to consider the difference in leg length between both trousers as normal riding breeches may still fit but if you prefer jodhpurs short sizes may be required
Both are made from 4 way stretch fabric, but more commonly jodhpurs are designed with knee patches rather than a full seat and are finished with an elastic loop at the end of the trouser legs which allows for the trousers to be neatly fastened to short riding boots. Unlike classic riding breeches Jodhpurs are not strictly designed for competition wear, but can still be used and are available in a range of competition colours as well as many other different styles and fabrics, including denim jodhpurs which are hugely popular with adults and children on casual riding days. Typically, children wear white or canary yellow jodhpurs in the show ring as they are a more practical choice for them and a much cheaper option while they are still growing.
Riding Tights
The latest trend to hit the equestrian fashion scene. Riding tights or riding leggings as they are also know are a must for the modern day equestrian athlete. Similar in style to women's breeches, riding tights are generally tight fitting with a higher waist line and feature either a silicone grip full seat or grip knees to prevent sliding around in the saddle.
Riding tights are not only fashionable but have been developed with technical fabrics to making them an incredibly functional choice for riding or training. Unlike normal breeches, riding tights are extremely breathable, lightweight and stretchy. A pair of riding tights can be quickly and easily pulled on or off as the have no zip or button fastenings meaning that you can literally be ready to go riding in seconds!
Until recently riding tights styles were typically only similar to summer riding breeches but now you can enjoy riding tights all year round. Many leading brand names like Ariat and LeMieux now offer cosy fleece lined riding tights suitable for winter that will help keep your legs warm and dry. These winter riding tights are proving to be a popular alternative to winter breeches.
Available in a range of styles and colours riding tights are suitable for all ages.
