Ladies Riding Breeches
What are breeches and the differences between breeches, jodhpurs and riding tights?
Breeches are fairly similar to jodhpurs; the main difference is where they finish on the rider’s leg. Breeches tend to finish around the rider’s mid-calf or above the ankle and have elasticated or Velcro cuffs to ensure a snug fit. Breeches are commonly paired with long boots due to where they sit on the rider’s leg but can be worn with short boots and chaps. Numerous brands offer a wide selection of breeches, including Shires, Cavalleria Toscana, Cavello, Le Mieux, Toggi, Holland Cooper, Ariat, and many others. Breeches tend to be used for more formal riding such as competitions and schooling and traditionally come in the colours white, cream and canary but are also available in other colours if you wanted something a bit brighter. Breeches are made from stretchy material, just like riding tights and jodhpurs, so you can move freely and remain comfortable while you're riding.
When should I wear breeches?
Breeches are commonly worn when competing, schooling, or hunting as they are more traditional. They are perfectly paired with long boots as they do come up a bit higher on the leg. So whether you’re a pro in the dressage arena or off out hunting, breeches are the perfect addition to your equestrian outfit.
What are the pros to getting breeches?
- They are considered to be a smart traditional look
- They are comfortable and still offer a good range of flexibility while riding
- Tend to come in competition colours
What are the cons to getting breeches?
- Light competition colours won’t stay light if they are worn for mucking out so try to avoid wearing them for day-to-day jobs
- Traditionally worn with long boots due to the cut, you may need to invest in a pair (but is that really a bad thing?)
Which breeches should I buy?
Our team of experts have compiled a list of their favorite 5 pairs of breeches to help you find the right pair that will make you feel confident and comfortable not only on the yard, but also in the saddle.
Le Mieux Ladies Limited Edition Freya Luxe Breeches
How stunning are these? The Le Mieux Ladies Limited Edition Freya Breeches are made from a soft, highly durable fabric, that is both stylish and practical. The 4-way stretch and seamless design provides maximum comfort to these lightweight breeches, allowing full range of movement whilst keeping them in place with a supportive high waist. The signature lowered swing pockets are perfectly placed to keep your phone safe without restriction whilst riding. A full silicone seat gives a secure feel and stability in the saddle while a tapered lower leg design with seamless anatomic lycra sleeve add to the comfort. Not only are these breeches gorgeous but they also have a Truffle coloured saddle pad and fly hood to match, the perfect addition to complete your matchy set.
Ariat Ladies Halo Denim Full Seat Breeches
Ariat Halo Denim Full Seat Breeches are perfect for those looking for something different but still practical. Offering all the features you need like full silicone grip seat (just what you need to help keep you in the saddle), four way stretch denim that ensure you stay comfortable in the saddle with full freedom of movement and core control technology. They are the ultimate casual denim breech, ideal to pop to the shops in after going up to the yard.
Ariat Ladies Tri Factor Grip Full Seat Breeches
Ariat's Ladies Tri Factor Grip Full Seat Breeches are expertly engineered for comfort and confidence while riding. They have supportive performance features like compressive fabrication that’s infused with cooling technology to help keep you cool during summer and silicone grip in all the right places because who doesn’t need extra grip in the saddle? They also come a lovely range of classic colours that are perfect for competition or daily wear at the stables. One of the best features is the compression fabric that not only provides a sleek fit but it also retains it’s shape so no more baggy breeches.
Holland Cooper Ladies Hickstead Breeches
We love the Holland Cooper Hickstead Breeches. Offering style and practicality the Holland Cooper breeches have some amazing features including Teflon coating that makes them waterproof and very importantly, stain resistant, a phone pocket and a comfort waistband with signature HC branding. They also come in a range of stunning colours including, white, ink navy and stone. Not only that but they have been designed to comply with all competition regulations, meaning you can look stylish in the show ring.
Le Mieux Ladies Drytex Breeches
Last but certainly not least, the Le Mieux Drytex breeches. The perfect pair of breeches for those colder days as they offer waterproof and windproof features. They are made from a breathable yet durable material and have a waterproof rating of 10,000mm. Don’t worry they still offer a generous amount of stretch for unrestricted comfort, with the added bonus of fleece lining to really keep your legs toasty while you ride. They also have silicone grips to help keep your in the saddle and come in two stunning colours, beige and carbon, making them perfect to compete in during the colder months or everyday winter wear.
You can take a look at our full breeches collection here if you're thinking about adding breeches to your horsey wardrobe or if you'd like to treat yourself to a new pair.