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
Mountain Horse Kate Breeches
Seat: Full-seat
Colours: Blue or black
Sizes: EU34–46, in regular or long
RRP: £119
High-waisted design with breathable fabric and six handy pockets located at the front, back and upper leg. Moisture-wicking and dirt-resistant. Secure gusset hook and loop closure and belt loops for extra security. Discreet heat print with MH logo adds a subtle touch of style.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk
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 or amazon.co.uk
In the UK? View the knee patch now at ariat.com or amazon.co.uk
In the US? View the full-seat now at amazon.com
In the US? View the knee patch now at amazon.com
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, or gsequestrian.co.uk
In the US? View now at amazon.com
Toggi Arden Breeches
Seat: Full seat
Colours: Grey or dark green
Sizes: 24–36in
RRP: £89.99
Made from lightweight, four-way stretch fabric. These breeches feature a water-repellent coating, ideal for if you get caught in a shower. Finished with reflective branding and stretch ankle panels.
In the UK? View now at gsequestrian.co.uk
Premier Equine Coco II breeches
Seat: Full seat
Colours: Navy, walnut and anthracite
Sizes: 22–34in
RRP: £80
Hard-wearing breeches made from water-repellent, breathable fabric. Four-way stretch for comfort and freedom of movement. High waistband and six handy pockets at the front, rear and sides. Secured by a slider fastening.
Harry Hall Grip Full Seat Breeches
Seat: Full silicone
Colours: Grey or burgundy
Sizes: 22–34in
RRP: £69.95
Four-way stretch woven fabric to allow freedom of movement. Soft ankle cuffs reduce bulk and provide comfort under riding boots. A sophisticated breech with elegant lurex detail on the pockets creates the perfect finishing touch. Supportive, high-rise fit and belt loops for additional security.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk
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
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 or viovet.co.uk
In the US? View now at amazon.com
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
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
You might also like:
16 of the best competition breeches to wear in the saddle this season
20 pairs of riding tights and leggings worth trying out
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