The changing face of riding trousers – from twill to athleisure

When many of us learned to ride, you had a very limited choice of riding apparel. Black or beige jodhs with cuffed ankles were hardly the stuff of dreams, and adults especially were unlikely to proudly show off their riding-wear on the school run, or at the shops!

 

Just jodhs

Jodhpurs have always been very practical, long trousers; relatively snug from the calf to the ankle, usually with reinforced fabric at the calf and knee, and initially looser material at the thigh. Designed by and for men, and named after Jodhpur city in western India, the twill riding garments were first made for military riding in the late 1800s, and were then adopted for polo. Ladies began wearing jodhpurs during the 1920s, as they shifted away from riding side-saddle, and began riding astride; once females became involved in the jodhpur trend, they realised that the attire needed to become a lot more fashionable!  One of the first high-profile women to adopt the wearing of jodhpurs was Coco Chanel. She transformed the ‘practical’ jodhpur into a fashion statement, both on and off the horse.

 

Brilliant breeches

The more closely fitting (and shorter, calf-length) breeches can also be traced back to cavalry soldiers, notably in Poland, but also have their roots in the long under-trousers that 19th century male children and adults would wear from the age of around seven, whereupon they were deemed as having been ‘breeched’. (The alternative pronunciation and spelling ‘britches’ dates from the 17th century, when it referred to any trousers or long pants.) Around the time that Coco Chanel was converting women to the jodhpur, knickerbocker breeches and ‘plus fours’ were becoming popular in the UK, both fastening below the knee. (Plus fours very specifically fastening four inches below the knee!)

 

A form-fitting revolution

Lower riding attire rumbled along for many years without any special innovations, until the revolutionary Spandex and associated Elastane products like Lycra were developed in the 1950s and 60s. (Spandex is an anagram of the word expands, which is seemingly where the name comes from). Today, imagine any close fitting garment without Lycra (including swimwear) – what did we ever do without it?

 

Stretchy materials didn’t influence discipline-specific sportswear for a while, however – keep-fit ladies embraced close-fitting stretchy leotards in the 1970s, but it would take several more decades to reach equestrian’s style wardrobe, in the wider manufacturing sense.

 

Derriere Equestrian’s breeches

As breeches became more comfortable under long boots (losing the itchy Velcro fastenings), they began to take over the humble jodhpur for not just competition riders, but also for enthusiastic amateurs. Derriere Equestrian’s breeches are a fine example of modern, durable and comfortable riding trousers that boast a blend of cotton, microfibre and Elastane. The length of breeches has extended over the years, as manufacturers have developed close-fitting cuff systems (no more bunched up material at the calves!); the Derriere Flexi Cuff System provides a seamless, flexible design for ultimate support of the rider’s lower limb musculature.

 

Athleisure

Even in the early and mid 2010s, few riders would be seen dead in ‘pull on’ riding trousers; the available options were still baggy, without the snug-fitting waistband seen on today’s riding leggings. The early riding tights were not flattering or supportive for most female shapes! Yet today, ‘athleisure’ is increasingly popular, seeing inter-sport cross-over products that make perfect sense for the busy 21^st century rider. Athleisure is commonly accepted as all day attire – no need to get changed after your fitness class or riding session! Hence, we’re so excited to announce the imminent launch of the Derriere Activewear Leggings. These are form-fitting, supportive and comfortable, utilising the highest quality of breathable fabrics, designs and workmanship to offer superior comfort, support and style. The high stretch fabric is also wicking – ideal for warm weather riding. There’s choice between three colours and two designs, one featuring a full silicon seat and one with silicon knee grips.

 

With lower riding attire having reached the ultimate status of comfortable, smart and functional, today’s riders really can have it all, and proudly wear their riding leggings both in and out of the saddle. 

The Derriere Equestrian Activewear Range will be available from the end of March with pre-orders taken a couple of weeks before. Keep an eye on the Facebook page for more updates. 

Shop the current Derriere Equestrian range online:
www.derriereequestrian.com