Equestrian Breeches
Equestrian breeches are usually associated with English style riding and are an essential part of equestrian clothing of the English riders. They protect the knees and thighs of the rider against injuries, serve as an excellent padding, and provide grip on the saddle. The breeches are made from stretchable, body hugging materials for maximum mobility and comfort. Traditional equestrian breeches had flares above the knees at the thigh region and were tight in the legs up to the calves where they ended on buckles and laces.
The length of the breeches may vary from ankle length to reaching only halfway to the calf. For the calf length breeches, there will be zips or Velcro fasteners at the calf. Typically, there are four main categories of equestrian breeches: Knee patch breeches, Full seat breeches, Jockey’s breeches, and Jodhpurs. Slight variations of these four basic types are also available. Knee patch breeches are short riding trousers with leather or any other grippy material inside the knee area. Full seat breeches have the grippy material from the knees all along the inner thigh area reaching across the buttocks. Jockey’s breeches are usually made of nylon with elasticised lower legs. Jodhpurs are long breeches with a cuff near the ankle, and are usually worn by children. They are tight-fitting riding trousers and were traditionally made in white or cream colours. But, today the jodhpurs come in all colours. Each type of breeches is worn by different types of riders. Knee patch breeches are helpful for show jumpers, eventers, and show hunters to get a harder grip while taking jumps. Full seat breeches are preferred more by dressage equestrians for holding on to their seat.
Breeches are accompanied by long or short boots depending on the length of the breeches. Those who wear jodhpurs pair it with shorter boots called jodhpur or paddock boots which end just above the ankle whereas knee patch breeches are worn with knee high riding boots or short paddock boots with half chaps that come up to the knee area.
There are several types of equestrian breeches for men, women, and children. Many renowned makers manufacture riding breeches in various styles and from different materials. For example, Pikeur brings out men’s and women’s breeches in a wide variety of styles, colours, and fabrics. The Pikeur riding breeches are durable, supportive, comfortable, breathable, and elegant, and can be used for everyday riding. Pikeur breeches are water and wind resistant and they have moisture permeable characteristics.