Unfortunately for the male rider, the reality is that there’s less choice when it comes to picking out the best men’s competition breeches than for their female counterparts, but this guide should give you an idea as to what’s available at each price point.
Just like the best ladies’ competition breeches, the best men’s competition breeches should be lightweight and breathable, enabling you to stay cool while working hard. Technical fabrics also offer wicking properties as well as compression and the best competition breeches will have sufficient stretch to allow you freedom of movement in the saddle, combined with good support and grip. With a smaller target audience, you can be sure that if a brand or style is continuing to sell, they must be getting something right about the design.
Competition breeches are typically light in colour to fit with the rules of the major disciplines, while choosing between full-seat and knee-grip styles is down to personal preference. Of course, you want to look and feel your best when out competing, so style and fit are also key to finding the best pair of competition breeches for you.
Best men’s competition breeches
Pikeur Rodrigo Breeches
Colours: White, beige and more working colours
Sizes: 28–40in, in regular or long
RRP: £178.95
A popular choice among competitors, these plain-fronted breeches are made from a cotton blend and are comfortable and not skin-tight to wear. They have two large slanting pockets as well as two seat pockets. They also have a comfortable waist, wide belt loops, silicone knee patches and an elasticated leg closure at the ankle.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk
Ariat Tri Factor Grip Knee Patch Breeches
Colours: White, tan, navy or black
Sizes: 28–40in, in regular or long
RRP: £125
These breeches benefit from cooling technology, compression and silicone grip. The waistband has a V-shaped panel that is designed to aid fit, while the calf is designed to provide custom support at the calf and ankle, alleviating pressure points and friction.
In the UK? View now at ariat.com or amazon.co.uk
In the US? View now at ariat.com or amazon.com
Shires Aubrion Walton Breeches
Colours: White, beige, navy and more working colours
Sizes: 28–42in
RRP: £59.99
These smart, performance breeches are designed with a contour seat and silicone knee patches.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk or naylors.com
Mark Todd Auckland Breeches
Colours: White, beige and more working colours
Sizes: 28–38in
RRP: £79.98
These traditionally styled breeches are made from a lightweight material with four-way stretch. They have no seam on the inner leg, slimline sock ankle, grip knee patches and pockets on the front and rear. They’re very comfortable to ride in and can be comfortably used for several hours at a time.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk
Equetech Kingham Breeches
Colours: White, beige and more working colours
Sizes: 28–36in
RRP: £69.95
H&H Rating: 8/10
These hard-wearing, polyester-blend breeches are a great option for everyday wear as well as competition. They have a fabric seat and silicone knee grip, as well as press button pockets, belt loops and a Lycra panel at the cuff.
We tested these breeches and our tester found them to be comfortable and well-fitting. He deemed them a “good value, smart, tough pair of breeches that are suitable for hunting, rather than mid-summer wear”. Read the full Equetech Kingham breeches review.
In the UK? View now at ebay.co.uk
Whitaker Miami Full-Seat Mens Breeches
Colours: White, navy or black
Sizes: 28–38in
RRP: £82.50
These breeches are described as having a firm yet comfortable fit and are made of a highly breathable four-way stretch performance fabric. They feature stretchy Lycra ankles, two rear pockets and a full silicone-printed seat.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk or viovet.co.uk
LeMieux Monsieur Breeches
Colours: White, navy or black
Sizes: 28–36in
RRP: £109.95
These breeches from LeMieux are also made with a four-way stretch material and seamless design. They have four pockets, a silicone knee grip and a tapered lower leg design with a seamless Lycra sleeve that makes them tight-fitting and comfortable to wear in the saddle.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk
Hy Harrogate Mens Breeches
Colours: White, beige and more working colours
Sizes: 28–38in
RRP: £69.99
These traditional breeches feature pleated sides to reduce restriction, side and back pockets both with stud closures, a sturdy zip, belt loops and bulk-free stretch hem ankles. The silicone knee patches add extra grip.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk or ebay.co.uk
Shires Saddlehugger Breeches
Colours: White, beige and black
Sizes: 28–42in
RRP: £31.99
These breeches from Shires provide great value for money. They are 95% cotton and soft to the touch and generously cut in front so they’re not too tight. They have four-way stretch, fabric knee strappings and velcro fastenings above the ankle.
In the UK? View now at viovet.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk or naylors.com
HKM Mens Basic Riding Breeches
Colours: White, beige, navy and grey
Sizes: 30–40in
RRP: £41.95
Made with a breathable and soft-to-touch material these cost-effective breeches are durable and comfortable to wear. They are 95% cotton but also use a bi-elastic stretch material to allow for a good range of motion. They have two front pockets, one rear pocket and velcro leg fastenings just above the ankle.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk
You might also like:
11 pairs of everyday men’s breeches
Comfy and VPL-free underwear designed specially for equestrians
16 of the best competition breeches to wear in the saddle this season
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