Made For Men – Men's Breeches & Jodhpurs Guide
Made For Men – Men's Breeches & Jodhpurs Guide
Equetech | March 02 2020Whether you are looking for everyday riding breeches or competition colours, our range of mens riding breeches offer unrestricted movement and technical fabrics for the ultimate comfort and fit. In this blog, our Designer Liz Hayman shares her tips on finding the best breeches for guys...
"Men look great in a tailored competition jacket, competition shirt and tie, but all of the above are nothing if your bottom half looks like an afterthought! Your breeches are your connection with the saddle so they need to be both supportive and offer unrestricted movement. Your choice of breeches is one of the most important aspects of your riding clothing.
"Essentially, you need great breeches to perform your best in the saddle, and it’s trickier to find the perfect pair of riding breeches than you might think.” Explains Liz,
To help you choose the perfect pair of men’s breeches, Liz shares her essential buyers guide;
“One point to remember is that as a rider you should never settle for poorly fitting breeches, and now you don’t have to."
Pay attention to fabrics
"When you're investing in a pair of men’s breeches, look at the fabric label. For example, if comfort is a big consideration for you then a high cotton content and a soft stretch fabric including Lycra or spandex are a must. If you’re looking for more hard-wearing and durable fabric breeches, look at denim breeches or a woven fabric, rather than a knitted fabric. It has a firmer finish and will withstand the test of time. As an active rider, look for lightweight four-way stretch fabric for wear during the warmer months and choose a durable fabric blend for everyday wear.”
Fit is everything
"Fit is crucial because however well-made your breeches are, if they don't fit you will, never wear them. Stretchable fabrics are preferred by modern riders. Look inside the breeches to make sure the seat seam is flat for comfort and strength. If the seams are not flat then the outside seams do not lie properly. Make sure the pocket linings and of good quality and deep enough. There is nothing worse than shallow pockets!”
We shouldn’t forget the waistbands
"Good quality men’s breeches, like all our Men’s Equetech breeches, benefit from a stiffer elasticated waistband, curved metal fly zip, hand finished fly. This gives a better fit and finish, and it’s better on the waist. Also, consider the weather; A wider or high waist is preferable in colder climates, to protect your kidneys and to tuck your thermals into! Our classic breeches range includes our popular Mens Foxhunter Hybrid Breeches and feature suede knee patches, high waisted design and a cosy fleece lining, making them ideal for hunting or winter competitions.”
Pleats have their place
"Pleated breeches are much more accommodating around the middle region, especially when you are in the saddle. I think that most men look better in pleats, for a more flattering outline and comfortable seat. Our range of mens breeches come in competition colours and a variety of seasonal colours and classic colours, making them a popular choice for maximum comfort and dressage riders.”
Contemplating the Cuffs
“The finish of the cuff can make or break the fit and superior comfort of your breeches. Consider the closure types, such as Velcro, Lycra and silicone grip.”
Simply Strapping
“The mind boggles at the knee strapping available within men’s breeches and jodhpur designs. Consider the discipline you are using your breeches for. If you need more manoeuvrability in the saddle, avoid very grippy silicone seats and stick to traditional fabrics or suede. Our silicone knee patches offer the perfect amount of grip without leaving you feeling ‘stuck’ in the saddle. If you are hunting, you may prefer a more traditional look, whereas dressage, you are looking for greater ‘stickability’, so a full seat may be preferable
With so many brands offering mens breeches with detailed product descriptions, it can be confusing but ultimately you need to look for innovative fabrics, designs that suit your personal style and breeches that will suit your shape and size and offer maximum comfort in and out of the saddle. Whether you are looking for sophisticated competition jodhpurs or just a great pair of breeches, ensure you look for a pair that offer a combination of function and style.
