Different Types of Riding Pants

A good pair of riding breeches (also known as jodhpurs) is an essential piece of equipment for every rider. For greater safety and optimal comfort, it is important to choose riding breeches that are suited to your body shape, your riding level, and the disciplines you practise. There is a wide variety of riding breeches available, differing in fabric, cut, style, and colour.

The different cuts of riding breeches

There are many different cuts of riding breeches on the market, designed to suit all body types. More and more models stand out thanks to their quality and the innovations they incorporate. High-waisted breeches, knee-patch breeches, seamless designs or pleated cuts – riders are spoilt for choice when it comes to finding the ideal pair of breeches.

Classic riding breeches

Classic riding breeches, also known as jodhpurs, are a timeless staple worn by the vast majority of riders. Their straight, traditional cut is the most common and suits most body shapes. Designed for both men and women, these breeches are suitable for riders of average height as well as those with longer or shorter legs.

High-waisted riding breeches

High-waisted riding breeches help prevent the rider’s lower back from being exposed when the pelvis moves in the saddle. They also allow riders to bend over comfortably during stable work. Particularly popular with female riders, they enhance the waistline while ensuring support and comfort thanks to their elastic waistband.

Low-waisted riding breeches

In a very different style, low-waisted riding breeches offer an alternative look compared to classic or high-waisted cuts. Very fashionable, this cut is ideal for riders who do not want to feel restricted in their movements. However, care should be taken to avoid the breeches slipping down while riding.

Knee-patch riding breeches

Knee-patch breeches are especially popular with riders who practise show jumping or eventing. Specifically designed to make it easier to rise out of the saddle, these fitted breeches feature knee patches, usually made of silicone grip or leather inserts.

Half-Saumur cut riding breeches

The half-Saumur cut is generally used for hunting (or traditional hunting disciplines). Characterised by a slightly puffed thigh shape, this type of riding breeches provides greater freedom of movement in the upper leg. Less wide than the Saumur cut, the half-Saumur cut remains very popular among many riders today.

Saumur cut riding breeches

Created before the invention of technical fabrics, the Saumur cut allowed riders—particularly military riders—to ride comfortably without compressing their thighs. Fitted at the hips but wider at the thigh than more modern cuts, these breeches are also appreciated by riders who practise hunting or traditional riding.

Puffed riding breeches

Suitable for both male and female riders, puffed riding breeches share similarities with Saumur and half-Saumur cuts. Unlike more classic riding breeches, puffed breeches are not always made from technical or elastic fabrics.

Flared-leg riding breeches

Riding breeches with a flared leg opening are relatively wide at the bottom of the leg. This allows riders to wear paddock boots or cowboy boots directly underneath the breeches. However, caution is advised: wearing riding boots designed for mounted riding over flared-leg breeches can be uncomfortable.

Loose-fit riding breeches

Loose-fit riding breeches combine the freedom of movement at the thigh found in Saumur or half-Saumur cuts with the flared leg opening of wide-leg breeches. Made without elastic or technical fabrics, loose-fit breeches are a good compromise for comfortable riding without restriction in the leg area.

Fuseau riding breeches

Often used for hunting, fuseau breeches are ideal for trekking and leisure riding. They are generally made from a durable, breathable fabric, are reinforced, and very often waterproof. This type of breeches may also feature front or back pockets, making them more practical for trail riders—some models even include a phone pocket.

Tight-fitting riding breeches

Most basic riding breeches are tight-fitting. Thanks to their elastic fabric and close-fitting cut, they follow the rider’s lower body closely, offering excellent freedom of movement and comfort. With the aim of reinventing traditional tight-fitting breeches, Horse Pilot innovates by offering a range of modern designs with shaping or sculpting cuts. Suitable for most disciplines, including competition with show riding breeches, tight-fitting riding breeches are an essential item for every rider.

Pleated riding breeches

Pleated riding breeches feature a seam at the hip. This seam creates a pleat (known as an ease pleat) that runs down the length of the leg. Extremely comfortable, this cut is also very popular and fashionable, as it recalls the style of classic men’s suit trousers.

Front-panel riding breeches

Front-panel riding breeches are designed without a traditional fly. Instead, the fly is replaced by a front panel that makes the breeches easier to put on and take off. Historically worn by men, this type of riding breeches is now also available for women.

Seamless riding breeches

Often referred to as riding leggings, seamless riding breeches are ideal for riding with maximum comfort and ease. The absence of seams combined with stretchy fabric makes these breeches extremely comfortable and adaptable to all body shapes and silhouettes. In addition, they help prevent skin irritation and pressure marks after removing the breeches.

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Which riding breech style should you choose?

It is important for every rider to choose riding breeches that suit them: with the perfect cut, adapted to their riding practice, level, body shape, as well as their personal style and budget. Riding breeches provide comfort and flexibility, and help riders stay secure and stable in the saddle. That is why it is essential to choose them carefully. Horse Pilot therefore offers a wide range of riding breeches in various cuts, so that everyone can find the pair that fits them best.