Competition Breeches Buyer's Guide

The Ultimate Guide to Competition Breeches

Are you looking for a new pair of competition breeches? You want to have an immaculately turned out appearance in the show ring so you get noticed for all the right reasons.

You want a pair of breeches that will have you looking and feeling your best whilst giving you all the comfort and freedom of movement you need to perform at your best -  whichever equestrian sport you’re competing in.

This guide provides information on the latest innovations in competition breeches, which styles to consider for your sport and how to get the best fit.

Product Types
Breeches	Jodhpurs

There’s also some practical advice on how to look after your competition breeches to keep them looking good and performing well.

Do You Need Competition Breeches?

When you are competing in equestrian sport, the last thing you need to worry about is how you look or if your breeches are going to hold up to the task. You want to look and feel comfortable so you can stay focused on your performance.

Quality breeches made specifically for the show ring are the best match of fashion and function. Whether you prefer a conservative, traditional look or a cutting edge style, with the wide assortment of breeches and jodhpurs available there is a perfect pair for every rider and budget.

Today’s equestrian clothing manufacturer’s use the latest technical fabrics that are flexible, moisture wicking, and breathable to keep you cool and give you all the freedom of movement you need during strenuous riding.

So, whether you’re galloping cross country, jumping oxers or showing off your horse’s extended trot across the diagonal of the dressage ring, you can have confidence that you’re clothing will perform as it should.

Just as with schooling breeches and jodhpurs, legwear for competitive horse riders are available in knee patch or full seat designs of leather, synthetic fabrics or silicone grips.

How To Choose The Right Pair Of Competition Breeches

Not sure what breeches are required for the type of show you’ll be taking part in? It’s always best to check the guidelines provided by the governing body (e.g. British Horse Society, British Eventing, British Show Horse Association, Pony Club), the show organiser, or ask your riding instructor.

At the highest level of horse competitions for all disciplines, white breeches are the standard colour.  In lower levels, any light colour pair of breeches or jodhpurs – white, cream or fawn – are acceptable and attractive choices

Full seat breeches (like Pikeur Candela breeches) are the most popular option for dressage because they give exceptional grip in the saddle.

Knee patch breeches or jodhpurs are preferred for show jumping and cross country because of the grip they provide when the rider’s seat is out of the saddle. This style can also be worn in lower level dressage competitions.

A more recent option that provides grip that helps stabilize your leg and seat in the saddle is silicone or “sticky” seats. This latest innovation, available in both full seat and inside leg designs, is lightweight and provides optimal grip on the saddle.

Express Your Style With Fashionable Features

Even though you’re limited in colour choices when competing, it’s still possible to look stylish and express your personality with design features like:

• high-rise, mid-rise or low-rise waistline
• wide waistbands
• discreet stitching details on pockets and panels
• subtle same colour side stripes
• zip front pockets
• belt loops (some even with a delightful belt loop charm)
• slim fit

To minimize bulk, friction and pressure points inside your long riding boots, lower leg and ankle closures are made wholly from stretch fabric (like Ariat Tri Factor Grip breeches) or are elasticized and securely held in place with velcro fasteners.

One more feature that affects your comfort is the amount of softness and give in the waistband. A higher waistband helps to keep your competition shirt tucked in securely. And a wider waistband can give more support to your back.

What's Your Budget?

The equestrian market offers a variety of breeches and jodhpurs in different styles and at a range of prices. Price is determined by the quality of the design, the technology of the fabrics used and the features included in the particular model.

For those on a tight budget, just trying out competition or taking part in low level shows, you can start out with an entry level or mid-range priced competition breeches and jodhpurs. You will get comfort and style at an economical price.

Invest in a pair of premium breeches or jodhpurs when you need legwear that is stylish, comfortable and will stand up to many hours of strenuous riding in all weathers whilst maintaining their fit and overall comfort.

Because they are made with the latest technical materials, high end breeches and jodhpurs:

• retain their shape exceedingly well – even with heavy duty wear
• have more dirt and water resistance than economy brands
• maintain their comfort, look, feel, breathability and elasticity through many washings.

How To Fit Your Competition Breeches

Well fitting breeches or jodhpurs give you a sculpted and sophisticated silhouette. Sleek and body hugging, they should fit snugly but without constricting your movement.

Breeches and jodhpurs are made for all body types and are available in short, regular and long leg lengths. So, there is something for every gender, age and size of rider.

Women and girls have the choice of low-rise, mid-rise and regular rise waist lines. The mid-rise is flattering for most women and girls’ body shapes.

For men and boys, finding the correct leg length  combined with the correct waist size is key to a good fit.

Follow these steps to find the correct size for you:

For women and girls:

1. Decide which style waist of competition breeches or jodhpurs you want e.g. low-rise, traditional or high-rise.
2. Using a flexible, fabric tape, measure the narrowest point of the waist for traditional or high rise styles or around the hips for low-rise.
3. To determine the correct leg length, measure the inside leg from top to bottom of the ankle.

For men and boys:

1. Using a flexible, fabric tape, measure the narrowest point of the waist.
2. To determine the correct leg length, measure the inside leg from top to bottom of the ankle.

Sizes are not universal across all manufacturers. Compare the measurements to the manufacturer’s size chart. Order your breeches or jodhpurs according to your waist or hip and inseam measurements.

The waist size of most breeches and jodhpurs are based on 2” increments. If the waist measurement is between two sizes, it is recommended that you get the larger size.

How To Care For Your Competition Breeches

You have made the investment and to get years of trouble free wear, you want to take good care of them. For specific information, follow the manufacturers’ recommendations on the label inside your riding clothes.

In general, if your breeches or jodhpurs are machine washable, they should be turned inside out with zips and velcro fastenings closed prior to washing. It is recommended that technical materials, be washed on the delicate cycle using mild laundry detergent.

Avoid using fabric softeners or bleach and tumble drying as these can damage the fabrics. Hang to dry immediately after washing.

To eliminate stains, wash as quickly as possible.

Vew Our Product Range

Recommedations	Entry Level	Mid-Range	Premium
Breeches	Harry Hall Chester II	Ariat Trifactor	Pikeur Candela Grip
	View All Breeches	View All Jodhpurs

 

Still Not Sure? Just Ask - We're Here To Help

If you require any more help on choosing the right equestrian attire for your needs, one of our expertly trained members of staff will be more than happy to assist. For online enquiries, please contact our customer service team on 01702 597833