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10 pairs of breeches that are worth adding to your summer wardrobe


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  • The best riding breeches will keep you comfortable in the saddle, help you perform at your best day after day and keep their shape despite prolonged wear. Technical fabrics feature in everyday breeches as well as the best competition breeches, which are also often available in more everyday colours, too. These features are definitely something to take advantage of, so keep an eye out for technical features, such as breathable, wicking and compressing fabrics.

    Everyday or leisure breeches can be any colour and there is plenty of choice to be had. There’s also a variety of cuts and designs, from mid-rise to high-waisted and full-seat or knee patch grips. It’s all down to personal preference, but a flattering fit and attractive appearance are definitely high on the priority list for most riders. Some are particularly smart, while others – such as denim breeches – offer a more casual look. If you want something lighter and even more casual, check out the best riding tights and leggings.

    What’s the difference between jodhpurs and breeches?

    Jodhpurs or ‘jods’ are designed to be worn with short riding boots, so are longer to ensure the leg is covered. They are often too bulky around the ankle to be worn with long leather boots. Breeches, however, are much closer fitting – especially lower down the leg – and finish above the ankle. Traditionally they would have Velcro fastenings, but an elasticated cuff is now much more common, which makes them ideal for wearing with long boots.

    Best breeches for everyday wear

    Ariat Triton Breeches

    Ariat Triton Breeches

    Seat: Full-seat or knee patch | Colours: Navy or white | Sizes: 22–36in, in regular or long | RRP: From £145 |

    These mid-waist breeches are made of a mid-weight stretch knit fabric and feature targeted core support that also slims the silhouette. They have a handy mobile phone pocket on the thigh. They are designed to alleviate pressure points and friction on the calf and ankle under long boots, and the fabric benefits from cooling technology that reduces skin temperature by up to 2.8°C, making them ideal for summer wear.

    In the UK? View the full-seat now at ariat.com, amazon.co.uk or equus.co.uk
    In the UK? View the knee patch now at ariat.com, amazon.co.uk or equus.co.uk
    In the US? View the full-seat now at amazon.com or ariat.com
    In the US? View the knee patch now at amazon.com or ariat.com

    Mark Todd Gisborne Breeches

    Mark Todd Gisborne Breeches

    Seat: Knee patch | Colours: Black, beige, white, navy, coffee or charcoal | Sizes: 24–34in | RRP: £64.98 |

    Made from a combination of cotton, polyamide and elastane, these breeches are breathable and durable with a four-way stretch for comfort. They have a Euroseat design with ultra-grip knee patches, a slimline elasticated sock ankle and two zipped pockets.

    In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk
    In the US? View now at amazon.com

    Harry Hall Grip Full Seat Breeches

    Harry Hall Grip Full Seat Breeches

    Seat: Full silicone | Colours: Grey or burgundy | Sizes: 22–34in | RRP: £69.95 |

    Designed and inspired by the European equestrian fashion houses, the soft stretch woven fabric will fit like a second skin that allows freedom of movement, a great choice for all disciplines. The full silicone sticky seat adds extra stability in the saddle and the soft stretch ankle cuffs reduces bulk and provides comfort under riding boots. A sophisticated breech with elegant lurex detail on the pockets creates the perfect finishing touch.  Full silicone sticky seat, Four-way stretch fabric, Supportive fit, High-rise fit & Belt loops

    In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk

    LeMieux Freya Breeches

    LeMieux Freya Breeches

    Seat: Full silicone | Colours: Navy, grey or black | Sizes: UK 6–16 | RRP: £89.95 |

    These breeches have a four-way stretch, seamless design and supportive high waist. The lowered swing pockets are perfectly placed to keep your phone safe without restriction whilst riding, while they also feature a full silicone seat and a tapered lower leg design with seamless Lycra sleeve.

    In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, naylors.com or equus.co.uk

    Pikeur Candela Grip Breeches

    Pikeur Candela Grip Breeches

    Seats: Full silicone seat | Colours: White, vanilla cream, truffle, chocolate, mud, dark green, dark shadow, black or nightblue | Sizes: 18–34in, in regular or long | RRP: £199.95 |

    The Candela Grip is one of Pikeur’s most popular styles – it has a high, wide waist, two slanting front pockets and a stretch ankle finish. The fabric is moisture-wicking and supportive. This style is also available with a mock suede seat.

    In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk
    In the US? View now at amazon.com

    Whitaker Clayton Ladies Breeches

    Whitaker Clayton Breeches

    Seat: Knee patch | Colours: White, cream, khaki, grey, navy, black or brown | Sizes: 26–34in | RRP: From £39.95 |

    These breeches have silicone grip knee patches and are made of an opaque stretch fabric with a shape-enhancing style that is designed to flatter. They also feature two open front pockets and Lycra ankles.

    In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, naylors.com or gsequestrian.co.uk
    In the US? View now at amazon.com

    Shires Aubrion Thompson Breeches

    Shires Aubrion Thompson Breeches

    Seat: Knee patch | Colours: Black, navy, olive, grey, beige or white | Sizes: 24–36in | RRP: £39.99 |

    Elegant and supportive, Chapman breeches are both technical and smart for universal appeal. Lightweight and quick drying with matte finish silicone knee grips. Add a belt for true show presence. Style detail: contour seat, belt loops, zip hip pockets, sleek dry ankle cuffs, Aubrion prints.

    In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk

    Hy Equestrian Highbury

    Hy Equestrian Highbury Breeches

    Seat: Full silicone | Colours: Navy/taupe | Sizes: 24–34in | RRP: £94.99 |

    These breeches have a full silicone seat with added grip and matching detailing on the belt loops for a fully coordinating look. They have zip pockets as well as an additional slide-in phone pocket.

    In the UK? View now at viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk

    Equetech Shaper Breeches

    Equetech Shaper Breeches

    Seat: Full silicone | Colours: Beige, blackberry, navy, white or grey | Sizes: 24–38in | RRP: £89.50 |

    These breeches have been designed specifically to give you a flattering outline and to compliment your figure, with a contoured higher waistband and hidden support that helps to lift, slim and shape your body. They have jean-style pockets, a matt silicone grip seat, wide comfort waistband and Lycra panel at the ankle.

    In the UK? View now at equus.co.uk

    Fouganza 500 Grippy Riding Breeches

    Fouganza 500 Grippy Riding Breeches

    Seat: Knee patch | Colours: Black or navy | Sizes: UK 4–18 | RRP: £39.99 |

    These breeches have grippy synthetic knee patches that prevent wear at the knee. They have a Lycra insert at the ankle, two slanted pockets at the front and one zipped thigh pocket.

    In the UK? View now at decathlon.co.uk


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