My first impressions of the LeMieux DryTex winter breeches were good. I liked the carbon grey colour, they have a good size waistband with robust belt loops, generous sized front pockets and the branding is subtle, which appealed to me. The material felt robust and like it would repel dirt easily, while the lining is a soft fleecy material that I expected to be warm. They have a full seat of stylish diagonal silicon dashes ovals to help with security in the saddle and stretchy inserts at the ankles.
Once on, I found the size eight to be a comfortably snug fit around my waist – I did not need to wear a belt to hold them up, but they weren’t uncomfortably tight either. The fit around my hips was slightly generous, which made them look less flattering from the front when in the saddle than the Toggi Winter Flexi women’s fleece-lined breeches. But they do not show a VPL and were very comfortable to wear for all types of riding, when doing jobs around the yard and also sitting in the car driving to and fro, which is when I’ve found the Toggi pair are a little tight on the waist. The fit around my legs was good, including the stretchy sections around my lower calf. Overall, they fitted my shape better than the Equetech H2O winter breeches.
Having worn these for a couple of months, I’ve found they are warmer than the Toggi Winter Flexi breeches, which are currently my go-to choice on milder winter and cool wet spring days. They also have excellent water-repellent properties. I have not had wet legs while wearing them, and while I haven’t tested them in the saddle during heavy rain, I’ve stayed warm and dry on cold days and while out riding in light rain showers. The silicon seat offers an ideal level of resistance in the saddle, providing grip when needed but without making me feel restricted.
The breeches have washed well, looking like new when they come out of machine and dry reasonably quickly. They are currently showing no signs of wear.
Verdict
H&H Approved – Of the three pairs of winter breeches I have tested so far, these are my favourites. They are warm and comfortable to wear in all situations and the level of grip provided by the silicon seat is the best I’ve experienced, providing grip without restriction.
Carol Phillips is Horse & Hound’s website editor, who has ridden since childhood. She exercises her six-year-old Irish Sport Horse every morning before work, come rain or shine throughout the winter. They are currently following a careful rehab plan, which involves ridden schooling, work in-hand and hacking to help build strength so the clothes Carol tests will have been put through a thorough workout both in the saddle and around the yard.
Horse & Hound Newsletter
Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world
Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.
Carol is an experienced journalist and editor, who is also a passionate amateur rider and dedicated horse owner, having ridden since childhood. She has a particular interest in the emotional well-being and ethical training of horses, alongside veterinary matters, having garnered extensive first-hand experience of numerous equine health conditions through more than 30 years of horse ownership.
