7 tips to find the perfect pair of riding breeches
It is not necessarily an easy job to find the perfect pair of riding breeches - especially not, once you find out how great a selection there is both online an in the stores. The right pair of riding pair can make a huge difference in your riding, and therefore it is very important to choose the perfect one’s for you.
Keep reading and get our 7 tips to find the perfect pair of riding breeches, that you can add to your matching riding wear wardrobe.
Amongst other things, you should consider the following:
- Are they a good fit?
- A they of a good quality?
- Breeches or tights?
- Are the breeches usable for riding or stable work - or both?
- Do the match your wardrobe?
- How much grip do you need?
- What kind of breeches are designed for beginners?
1# - Find the right fit
It is no easy task to find a pair of good riding breeches. There is a massive supply online and in the stores. No two women are the same, and therefore they will have different preferences in regard to design and functionality.
Riding breeches must be a tight fit but not too tight. There has to be room for your curves and proportions without a gap between the waistline and the fabric. At the same time, your breeches have to be long enough to support your legs all the way down to the ankles, but they cannot be too long either. Finding the perfect fit is mainly a matter of knowing your own measures really well.
In most cases, luckily, you have the option to try out the breeches before purchase. You can also take a look at the different model’s size guides - often, these can be found online. In that way, you can rest assured that you will find the right size and right fit for your specific preferences.
2# - Don’t compromise on quality
Your new riding breeches are first and foremost an investment in optimized conditions for your rides, why it is not a good idea to compromise on the quality. When you are purchasing a pair of new breeches, you should focus on the model, the design and the qualities of the pair - you want to find a pair of breeches, that you will actually use, and that requires that you feel good wearing them.
A pair of good breeches of a high quality is a good choice for something you want to wear. The higher price should matter less, when the product is durable and of a good quality, and will keep you well supported during many, many rides. The best choice for your riding wear wardrobe is clothes, you are looking forward to put on every time you get ready to go to the stables.
3# - Breeches or tight - which one is the better choice?
The so-called riding tights are increasingly popular these days - especially when we are looking for riding wear for summer and warmer weather. The riding tights are similar to running tights or sport tights, but with add-ons know from traditional riding wear; the high waist and the grip, anti-slip function.
One of the advantages there is to choose a pair of riding tights over breeches is, that the riding tights give you a better freedom of movement - the fabric is thinner, and the seams are less, why they become more flexible in the fit. At the same time, the tights have a better ventilation and the fabric is sweat wicking. They dry up quickly if you are sweating, or even if it is raining.
A pair of good riding tight gives you more freedom, when you are riding, why they in that sense improves your conditions. There are no annoying seams, and the sweat wicking and quick drying fabric keeps you dry and comfortable. These are the ideal choice in the summer.
4# - Look for breeches that are usable for both riding and stable work
It is rarely seen, that you can just go to the stables, get on your horse, and leave right after an end ride. Most have some sort of yard or stable work to do before or after the ride, which require some durability in your breeches - few likes to change clothes between the mucking out and the riding part of the day.
A pair of breeches that are suitable for both riding and stable work, is durable first and foremost. Optimally, they will be dirt repellent too, and of a fabric that to some degree is waterproof. Furthermore, a pair of breeches should be breathable and ventilating, because we tend to heat up, when we work. Normally, stable works requires more strength than the ride, why it is not uncommon, that we get a bit sweaty while mucking out or sweeping the ground.
5# - Do they match your wardrobe?
A pair of good breeches do not come cheap, and if you are looking to make a good investment, it is not only about the fit, the functionality and the quality. It has more to it, and before you go shopping, it is a very good idea to take a look at your current wardrobe to make sure that your new purchase matches what you already have. In that way, you are more likely to use everything in your closet, and your new pair of breeches will not be left tagged and never used. The more ways you can mix and match your belongings, the more use of each item.
6# - How much grip do you need?
One thing that separates riding breeches from other sportswear is the anti-slip function - the grip - that covers the areas of the legs, that are in contact with the saddle. This is supposed to give you a better, steadier seat and thereby improve your balance as a rider.
There is a lot of different types of grip cover. Each type is meant for a certain riding style or discipline - there is a noticeable difference between the grip function meant for the showjumper and the one meant for the dressage rider.
Grip breeches for the dressage rider
In dressage, it is all about minimizing the movement and sitting as still as possible. The dressage riders’ signals to the horse have to be subtle and discreet. In this case, a pair of full grip breeches is the better choice. In these types, the grip covers the inside of the thighs and knees as well as the seat. This provides you with a steady, secured seat and full control.
Grip breeches for the showjumper
Showjumping is to a lesser extent about the small details. In this discipline, it is of the utmost importance, that you have freedom of movement and that you are not restricted. Too much grip coverage will therefore be a bother more than a help, why it is recommended, that the showjumper wears the type of breeches that has grip coverage on the inside of the knees and the lower part of the thighs - but not the full grip. These will grant you the most flexibility.
7# - What kind of breeches are designed for beginners?
You would not think, that there is a huge difference between the breeches that are suitable for beginners and those that are suitable for the experienced rider. However, there are a few types of breeches, that are the better choices for those with less riding experience. An untrained rider has less feeling with the horse’s movement, and therefore a weaker balance. In this case, it can be an advantage to go with a pair of breeches with an anti-slip coverage on all the areas of the legs, that have contact with the saddle - the full grip. By choosing a pair of full grip breeches, the likelihood of losing the balance and falling of decreases. These provides safety as well as the option to focus on other aspects, technics and details of the ride - not just staying on.