We’ve all made the wrong purchase when it comes to breeches or leggings. Even when you have several pairs in your closet, you often choose those specific breeches that fit the most comfortably. The ‘wrong’ ones don’t get worn much and stay in the closet with a pile of dust on them. But how can you make sure you don’t make any more wrong purchases?
The waist height
Breeches come in many different styles, designs and sizes. And thanks to that, there’s something available and suitable for everybody! The only downside is that you may not be able to see the wood for the trees. The first thing to look out for when buying new breeches is whether they are high, mid or low waisted, as that can make quite a big difference in fit and feel.
First, let’s talk about where your waist is. Your waist is that imaginary line where your torso is the narrowest. Usually it will be somewhere between your navel and lower ribs. Breeches with a high waist will sit at or above the waist and the navel. Mid waist breeches are defined as those that fit reach between the hip and the navel. Most breeches are mid waist, so that’s usually the standard fit. Breeches with a low waist sit around the hips. Low waist breeches aren’t all that common, since the current fashion trends for daily wear have also strayed away from low waist, and of course a low waist can easily feel too low when you’re sitting in the saddle.
As mid waist is the standard for breeches, we’re focusing on the difference between high and low waist. Which should you pick: high waist or low waist breeches?
Of course, the most important aspect for buying breeches is that you should choose what you feel most comfortable in! It doesn’t matter where their waist hits or what they look like, as long as you feel comfortable and confident in them!
Style tips high waist
For those of us with a long torso and short legs, riding breeches with a high waist will optically lengthen your legs and make your torso look more proportional. So if you’re short and would like to appear taller, high waisted breeches are definitely the thing for you!
You’ll also never have to feel like your pants are sliding down too much when you’re sitting in the saddle, no matter if it’s sitting trot, jumping or cantering through the fields. High waist breeches will always keep you covered, but make sure they fit really well and snug around the waist to avoid the backside from sticking out when you’re sitting!
Style tips low waist
Do you have a short torso and longer legs? Then breeches with a low waist will elongate your torso visually. If you’re very slim and would like to look like you have more curves, low waist is your go-to choice! Just make sure that the waist isn’t too low – riding is a sport after all, and you don’t want to feel exposed or feel your breeches slipping down when you’re riding.
Riding tights vs breeches
Riding tights started popping up in the equestrian fashion world a few years ago and have definitely become indispensable. Riding tights, or riding leggings, are similar to normal workout leggings, but then for riding. The material is thinner and more elastic, which offers an extra snug fit and more freedom of movement. Just like other leggings, riding tights don’t have any buttons or zippers, but some do have belt loops and many of them will have pockets (especially those handy phone pockets on the thigh). Thanks to the stretchy waistband, which is typically a high or mid waist to prevent your leggings from sliding down, they are also less constraining than breeches may sometimes feel. Another advantage is that you can easily use them for both riding and your regular workout, super practical, right?
The disadvantage of riding tights is that they can sometimes be a bit cold in the winter, as the material is usually thinner. But many brands also have riding tights with fleece lining or made of softshell material to prevent your legs from getting cold in the winter months! Also, some people don’t like the fact that the leggings are so flexible and elastic, and prefer to wear the more sturdy breeches. And of course, not everybody is a fan of having a stretchy waistband without any closures, because it can be harder to get on and off and feels very different to a normal waist.
It’s up to you!
There’s really no right or wrong way to shop for new breeches or riding tights. It’s all down to personal preference and what you feel good it! But it’s always good to keep an open mind – just because you liked a high waist fit in Model A, doesn’t mean that you’ll like the high waisted model B. Or if you didn’t like riding tights before, maybe you’ll still like some other pairs. All breeches and riding tights are still very different from each other, and it all depends on the brands, materials, style.. and you! So feel free to try as many different types of breeches as you like to figure out what works best for you and find your perfect pair(s).