The history of riding trousers and breeches - and why Derriere is leading the field

The history of riding trousers and breeches - and 

why Derriere is leading the field

 

Do your ridingbreeches provide optimal comfort and performance? Do they work in harmony with your undergarments, so the fabric surfaces come together in a symbiosis that eliminates chaffing? Or are your old-fashioned jodhpurs causing discomfort associated with the seated element of equestrian sports, and perhaps not flattering your shape?

If you’re wondering whether your riding comfort in the saddle could be improved, no doubt you’ve looked at saddle seat savers - those memory foam or gel-based-wonders that cushion our derrieres beautifully, and allow us to ride our horses more comfortably, and focus on our training. But maybe you should also take a look at your riding apparel? Your underwear is key before you start to look at your breeches, seamlines and fabrics.

Is it time to upgrade your horse riding breeches?

Fashions in equestrian riding-wear have undoubtedly come a long way in recent years; let’s look back to the last few centuries. Jodhpurs are a nineteenth century invention - the first pair is said to have been tailored in 1890. These practical, long trousers were snug from the calf to the ankle, with reinforced fabric protecting the inner calf and knee from rubbing. According to the Gentleman’s Gazette, jodhpur pants started out as traditional formal wear in India, getting their name from Jodhpur, the capital city of Marwar. In the late 1800s, the resident ‘Regent of Jodhpur’, an avid Polo player, aimed to produce a riding garment suited to polo; he adapted the long Indian ‘churidar’ pants, flaring the garment along the thighs and hips.

Although these ‘jodhs’ came to British shores around the turn of the nineteenth century after Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee, European Ladies didn’t really start wearing them until the 1920s, when some daring females shifted away from riding side-saddle; you may recall Lady Mary from ‘Downton Abbey’ doing this very thing. One of the first high-profile women to adopt the wearing of jodhpurs is said to be fashion icon Coco Chanel, who transformed the ‘practical’ jodhpur into a fashion statement, both on and off the horse. But today, jodhpurs are more commonly worn by children and young riders.

Breeches and jodhs

Although many people refer to riding trousers as ‘jodhs’, what they more commonly mean in this day and age is breeches, which are shorter and tapered at the ankle, and actually descend more from military riding wear than from the Jodhpur polo pant that we have just described. Army officers routinely wore riding breeches as part of their service dress, presented with strapped and laced leather field-boots. The bottom of the breech was secured by buckles or buttons; Velcro was later the fastening of choice on riding breeches, and now ‘cuffs’, like Derriere’sFlexi Cuff System, are more commonly seen, for comfort at the ankle.

Derriere’s fashion-forward riding breech

Derriere Equestrian’s ethos when it comes to riding breeches is much closer to Ms Chanel’s fashion flair than to the Marwari polo players’ heavy cottons, or the army’s cavalry twills. Derriere has taken the international heritage of creating practical riding clothing with a stylish edge, and has created two fabulous breeches made from a blend of Cotton, Microfibre and Elasthane.

The Derriere Equestrian Treviso Training breeches feature a unique Flexi Cuff System, providing a seamless flexible design for ultimate comfort and support of the rider’s lower limb musculature. Like the Treviso breeches, the Cannes Competition breeches are designed to promote optimal comfort and performance and work in harmony with the Derriereundergarments, ensuring all fabric surfaces come together to eliminate chaffing and discomfort. They also boast the Flexi Cuff System and are available in men’s and ladies’ styles.

If you want to make a fashion statement, flatter your shape and enjoy a comfortable ride on your horse, Derriere’s riding breeches are the ones for you!

  

www.derriereequestrian.com