Ladies Competition Jodhpurs
Perfectly-fitting breeches are essential, especially when you’re competing. We tested 24 pairs to find out who was best in show
The products
Equiline Boston Logo breeches
Featuring ergonomic cuts at pressure points. Made from technical microfibre for stability in the saddle.
“They fitted amazingly well and looked good, and were very comfy, too. I think they’re worth every penny.”
Musto Active Seam softshell breeches
Stretchy, showerproof, windproof and breathable. The inner leg and seat provide grip for prolonged riding, and the lower leg stretch panels improve contact, and reduce bulk and heat inside long boots.
“They’re very warm and comfortable, flexible around the knee and they really are waterproof. The material does tend to mark easily.”
Cavello Caja breeches
Maintains rider temperature at 37°C to help prevent overheating or cooling down.
“I loved the temperature control and it really worked. The grip section was brilliant, too. Although they’re expensive, I felt they were worth the money. The zip wasn’t as good quality as other breeches and despite following the washing instructions, the grip by my knees stayed stained.”
Sarm Hippique Virginia breeches
Made from fabric that’s waterproof and breathable. They’re close-fitting and low-rise, and feature a patterned pocket.
“I loved the material and thought the waist height was ideal for riding. The detail looks good and they still look really good after three months’ wear. They were a little too generous around the calf for me.”
Pikeur’s Lucinda breeches
The grip coating on the seat is in an interrupted pattern so the fabric is stretchy and breathable.
“I loved these breeches. They were comfortable, flattering, lightweight and excellent quality. I definitely think that they’re worth the money.”
Horseware Siena full seat breeches
Embossed paisley design on the ¾ seat panel, side inserts and at the bottom of waist. The slim lower leg sits snug on your calf for a close fit.
“I liked the design on the seat and the diamanté on the front. They were comfortable. I don’t usually like full seat breeches, but these were really comfortable. They’re high waisted and I prefer lower styles. I would also have liked a pocket.”
Horze Coolmax with leather full seat breeches
Front pockets with double leather piping and soft, elastic bottom leg panels to ensure optimal comfort.
“I loved these breeches, they looked great and were comfortable. The full seat fitted well and I thought they were good value for money. Despite following the washing instructions to the letter, the stains wouldn’t come out unless I soaked them first.”
Ariat Olympia full seat breeches
Elastic ‘V’ panel in the back of the waistband offers multi-directional stretch to accommodate riders’ varying hip angles.
“I really like the fabric of these breeches. They feel really well made and washed very well. However, I found the seams at the bottom of the full seat to be uncomfortable on long show days.”
Tredstep Azzura Pro knee patch breeches
The articulated knee patch has an integrated silicone design for grip and added flexibility.
“They’re stylish and comfortable, and I really liked the detail around the waistband, which is wide and doesn’t pinch. I tested the white breeches and they were very transparent, so I had to choose my underwear particularly carefully.”
Mountain Horse Lauren TK breeches
The standard height waistband is shaped slightly higher at the back for a tailored fit, while the two front pockets have snap button closures.
“I love the higher waist at the back and the fabric really held its shape. There was no baggy-bottom after lots of wear. However, I prefer a full-seat.”
Horka Finesse Elasta breeches
Made from woven rayon for breathability, they feature leather knee patches and elastic ankle closures.
“They were lightweight and super-stretchy. The material wasn’t at all see-through. However, the bling on the back pocket wasn’t really my style.”
British Showjumping Stoneleigh breeches
Strong fabric which is comfortable and hard-wearing. Features a stitched seat and rubber knee patches for grip.
“They gave good grip and were very comfortable. The knee patches looked similar to much more expensive styles, which I liked. They are very see-through, which made me really self-conscious, but they were fine with tights underneath.”
Mark Todd Contender breeches
Breathable, water- and wind-resistant performance fabric. Four-way stretch material and streamlined ankle sock.
“The material was opaque so my underwear was not on show, and they were very stretchy and comfortable. At only 5ft 2in, I found them a little long in the leg.”
Toggi Gatcombe full-seat breeches
Soft feel and super stretchy for ease of movement. The fabric contains a built-in moisture management system.
“The thicker material around the seat was great at protecting my modesty. They didn’t stain, which was really great. I wasn’t keen on the Velcro bottom, but the fabric was thin so it fitted in my boots with no problem.”
Aztec Diamond Equestrian white technical breeches
Technical breeches lined in soft-touch Lycra material, with wicking and cooling technologies.
“I loved the black detail, the sticky knees in contrasting black and that the lower leg was material, not Velcro. The larger belt loops meant I could wear a decent belt. I especially liked the pockets on the bottom as my phone fitted in them. They washed and fitted very well. The material is very light so I’d recommend for summer wear.”
Equetech Shield breeches
These machine-washable breeches feature a suede full seat and silicone knee grips.
“The grippy knees were fab and I love the baby pink detailing. The material stretched a little around the knee, but I did wear them a lot because I love them.”
Jeffries Competition breeches
These high-waist breeches are lightweight, and feature a full stretch, synthetic suede seat and gripper microfibre to reduce bulk around the ankle.
“The fabric is really good quality and the seat fitted nicely. I felt they were a great price for the quality and made my legs look really toned. I nearly put my foot through the mesh section at the lower part of the leg, but it did reduce bulk inside my boots.”
Shires Berrington Performance breeches
Suede, contoured seat and smooth lower leg inserts for minimum bulk in boots.
“The fit was really good – close, but not restrictive. They felt really expensive and they washed brilliantly. I would like wider belt loops so I could wear a broader belt.”
HyPerformance Pro breeches
Water-repellent, breathable and designed to aid movement.
“I loved the beige colour and they were a great shape. They washed well and were comfy. They were a bit short on my long legs, so the Velcro didn’t do up.”
Just Togs Solana breeches
Full-seat breeches suitable for everyday or competition wear.
“The material was really tough and the waistband was comfortable. They also washed really well. The ankles were a bit baggy. It would be better if the stretchy fabric went all the way round the leg.”
John Whitaker Horbury with flag self-seat breeches
Made of cotton, microfibre and elastane for comfort and flexibility. These self-seat breeches also feature Whitaker logo embroidery, knee patches and stretchy ankle panels.
“I found them very comfortable. They looked good enough to wear as skinny jeans. They didn’t stain, either.”
Decathlon Komfort 300 breeches
These breeches feature three pockets, including one with a zip, a two-way stretch synthetic full seat and a stretchy lower leg.
“Even though the fabric was nice and light, the breeches were not at all see-through. The ankles were really slim-fitting, so they were comfortable in my boots. They could do with a zip on the other pockets, too.”
Harry Hall Chester sticky bum breeches
Traditional, lightweight breeches with zip front and hook-and-bar fastening. They feature a dressage seat in a sticky bum fabric.
“I’m average height and I didn’t have to roll the bottoms up, which I have had to with other breeches. The material is comfy. The material takes quite a long time to dry if it gets wet and they’re quite an unusual shade of beige.”
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