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Breeches: what are your affordable schooling faves?

Dressage
#21

[QUOTE=Goforward;8934251]
I find it interesting that people have found more expensive breeches to last longer. I think it must be my body shape that wears them out. For me, all breeches last the same (short) length of time. I wear breeches 6 days a week from 6am to 10pm, while riding, teaching, or I could be picking the odd stall or unloading 120lb hay bales out of my truck.
I’ve worn Pikeur, Eurostar, Cavallo, B Vertigo, Romfh, Kerrits, Irideon, Ovation, Riding Sport, Royal Highness, Elation, Piper…they ALL quickly wear out in the crotch above the seat material, just under the zipper. None last any longer for me than the others. So, for me, $300 breeches are a terrible investment.[/QUOTE]

I’ve had more or less the same schedule for the past 5 or 6 years, except for a few months early this year after a move. Though I will say, even though I am riding sometimes 10+ horses a day (there’s a groom to tack/untack), I don’t end up doing a ton of barn work in breeches. Clipping, putting up hay, mucking, packing the trailer, etc usually means jeans or breeches that are already mostly dead. The only breeches I’ve been able to kill are Kerrits, Pipers, and Riding Sport (Dover brand).

#22

[QUOTE=keysfins;8934327]
That makes sense, for the work and hours you do. I like Scribbler’s suggestion to change out of the breeches when riding is done, to save some wear and tear. Not unlike saving my riding boots for riding time, and changing into barn boots otherwise. In the winter when I am in Colorado, I usually slip on a pair of jeans OVER breeches, for warmth, once I am done riding. That helps protect them from drops of hoof oil or snags or other damage, for example.

Conversely, I do need to find a solution for the Florida heat in the winter. Last year I was wearing jeans for the barn work, feeding, tack cleaning, etc., and the humidity just made that intolerable, with jeans that would get drenched thru–yuck!! That’s when I just went with the FITS Treads for the whole day, since they were so much cooler, but not so very professional looking.

I haven’t figured out that aspect yet, finding a comfortable and cool alternative to jeans that can handle the non-riding work. I think there will be some tech threads in my future if this winter is as bad (hot and humid) as last winter. I don’t care to wear shorts and tank tops to do barn work, and I think I can find a more professional combo to deal with the climate. That’s a different issue than my current quest, though. :)[/QUOTE]

So I’m from Florida, one additional great benefit of the Ovations Dri-Lex breeches is the fact that the seat is lined with a wicking material which means the seat material does not come in contact with you. Which greatly reduced my sweating in the summer months.

#23

[QUOTE=Justmyluck;8934703]
So I’m from Florida, one additional great benefit of the Ovations Dri-Lex breeches is the fact that the seat is lined with a wicking material which means the seat material does not come in contact with you. Which greatly reduced my sweating in the summer months.[/QUOTE]

That’s great to know. Off to look…

#24

One thing to keep in mind is that the particular fit of one line of breeches can be substantially different from another line, even within the same brand.

I have definitely seen this in Ariat and Romfh. The Romfh Serafina and International breeches are fantastic, but the Internationals fit me better.

#25

I LOVE my kerrits. They wear like iron and I am hard on breeches. Also not being 20something. They compress a bit. I have the ice-fill for the FL weather. I have a couple pairs of schooling breeches that I have to sell…they are just to hot even in November to wear. Peeling breeches off is not fun!

#26

I’m jumping the gun here on your quest for work pants for Florida. Consider nylon hiking pants; some (like those in my link) have zip-off legs and convert to shorts. I wear something similar in the summer, for mowing and other chores, but my climate is very dry. Read the reviews and find something that breathes well. It’s probably worth going somewhere to try them on, as the fit can be weird on some styles.

#27

[QUOTE=keysfins;8934327]
That makes sense, for the work and hours you do. I like Scribbler’s suggestion to change out of the breeches when riding is done, to save some wear and tear. Not unlike saving my riding boots for riding time, and changing into barn boots otherwise. In the winter when I am in Colorado, I usually slip on a pair of jeans OVER breeches, for warmth, once I am done riding. That helps protect them from drops of hoof oil or snags or other damage, for example.

Conversely, I do need to find a solution for the Florida heat in the winter. Last year I was wearing jeans for the barn work, feeding, tack cleaning, etc., and the humidity just made that intolerable, with jeans that would get drenched thru–yuck!! That’s when I just went with the FITS Treads for the whole day, since they were so much cooler, but not so very professional looking.

I haven’t figured out that aspect yet, finding a comfortable and cool alternative to jeans that can handle the non-riding work. I think there will be some tech threads in my future if this winter is as bad (hot and humid) as last winter. I don’t care to wear shorts and tank tops to do barn work, and I think I can find a more professional combo to deal with the climate. That’s a different issue than my current quest, though. :)[/QUOTE]

For a heat friendly pant besides jeans, look at stuff by Columbia and north face. Lots f breathable tech pants that can also look smart. I’ve got a fabulous pair of super lightweight Columbia pants that were nice enough to wear as business casual.

#28

I just got a pair of Horze tights which I absolutely love! I’ve worn them almost non-stop for the last month or two: http://www.horze.com/full-seat-breeches/horze-leah-womens-windproof-all-season-riding-tights/36245.html?color=BL. I’ve washed them many times and with many different fabrics and nothing has stuck to the little rubbery pieces on the full-seat portion, and they always come out of the wash as sticky as they started. Which is actually one of my complaints, because I bought them for the thigh pockets + pretty details, but don’t actually like riding in full-seat-type breeches. My other complaint is that they’re so comfy that I often don’t take them off after I come in for the evening, and I’m sure that I will wear through them faster than usual because of the extra time I spend in them. I will also add that it’s been far warmer than usual this fall, and these breeches have been great during this not-so-cold spell. But they will definitely be too thin when we move into winter.

My caution with Horze in general, though, is that the sizing and fit is all over the map. I usually float between a 28 and 30. These fit exactly how a M should, which is nice. But I have everything from size 26 to size 30 in various Horze styles. So generally speaking, I will only buy Horze breeches that I can try on first.

#29

There are a few designers in the mainstream clothing industry that have had similar issues. Zara is all over the map as well. I know people who never know what size they are going to be until they try the item on.

Then there was a stink with Calvin Klein jeans years ago when a major department store placed a large order, particularly for size 8, but what arrived was not actually all size 8. The company slapped on whatever labels they had to make up and ship the order quickly. There was some kind of expose on this in the papers which is how I found out about.

I wonder if Horze is just inconsistent in their manufacturing (like Zara) or just puts labels on whatever (like CKJ once did)

I like their products. Decent quality for the price.

[QUOTE=PNWjumper;8935046]
I just got a pair of Horze tights which I absolutely love! I’ve worn them almost non-stop for the last month or two: http://www.horze.com/full-seat-breeches/horze-leah-womens-windproof-all-season-riding-tights/36245.html?color=BL. I’ve washed them many times and with many different fabrics and nothing has stuck to the little rubbery pieces on the full-seat portion, and they always come out of the wash as sticky as they started. Which is actually one of my complaints, because I bought them for the thigh pockets + pretty details, but don’t actually like riding in full-seat-type breeches. My other complaint is that they’re so comfy that I often don’t take them off after I come in for the evening, and I’m sure that I will wear through them faster than usual because of the extra time I spend in them. I will also add that it’s been far warmer than usual this fall, and these breeches have been great during this not-so-cold spell. But they will definitely be too thin when we move into winter.

My caution with Horze in general, though, is that the sizing and fit is all over the map. I usually float between a 28 and 30. These fit exactly how a M should, which is nice. But I have everything from size 26 to size 30 in various Horze styles. So generally speaking, I will only buy Horze breeches that I can try on first.[/QUOTE]

#30

For durability, I’ve had some of my Goode Rider breeches for 6 or 7 years, and they wear and wash great. I just this year threw away three pairs of them that I’ve probably had for 8 or 9 years. That said, I haven’t been a fan of the style changes recently, so my new breeches are all Romfh, which I love. The fabric on the Sarafinas are super comfy and they fit well.

With both brands, make sure you try them on. For comparison, I usually wear a size 6 or 8 in pants, waist for jeans is 29. My Goode Riders are mostly all 32s, my Romfh Sarafinas are 30, and I need to go down to a 28 for Romfh Isabellas. So, sizing is all over the map, both within and among brands.

#31

I really like Buckwild breeches. got some at our horse expo and that is all my daughter and I wear now, they are that comfortable! And they have pockets for the cell phone. They have a pull on style (they are pretty thin, but still flattering, and a zip front style which is much thicker fabric.

#32

Yeahhhh, the sizing and fit all over the place is definitely a problem. Guess I will be doing a bit of trial purchases from vendors that will accept returns. You would think, intuitively, that a size 28 for a 28" waist would be consistent across the industry. But then, where the waist actually hits will influence that measurement.

Now I will need to go thru the replies and list out the breeches that fit at or just below the natural waist, figure out what that is in a rise measurement, and then figure out what size to try.

This is starting to feel like shopping for bathing suits!

#33

[QUOTE=Scarlet Gilia;8934997]
I’m jumping the gun here on your quest for work pants for Florida. Consider nylon hiking pants; some (like those in my link) have zip-off legs and convert to shorts. I wear something similar in the summer, for mowing and other chores, but my climate is very dry. Read the reviews and find something that breathes well. It’s probably worth going somewhere to try them on, as the fit can be weird on some styles.[/QUOTE]

No, not jumping the gun at all. I have to find both options-- riding and barn work pants.

#34

There are so many more great breeches than there ever used to be. If you can, shop at a place that has easy returns and try a few to figure out which style suits you best. Or the suggestion of popping into a big show is great so you can see a bit of everything. I have an equestrian boutique so I’ve tried just about everything and each brand will definitely have different cuts within the line so even if you HATE one pant, don’t rule out the entire brand! PS if you want to chat about specific body types or styles, feel free to call us at 800-409-1772 and ask for Lindsey :slight_smile: A rider we sponsor has put together a breech guide that you might find helpful! https://thefrugalrhode.com/2016/10/16/the-basic-breech-guide/

I’m a bit leggy so I’ve blown out a knee patchon too-short pants but I’ve never had issues with quality breeches wearing through in a too quickly. I even have some super old Ovations that are a bit faded but the fabric still springs back like new. I wash my breeches on the gentle cycle and hang to dry.

If you don’t want straight leg/slim fit avoid: Cavallo, Romfh Sarafina (but omg try them first just to be sure, they’re so good when they fit), Pikeur Nanette

From your responses I think you would love: Romfh Isabella and Champion, Ovation Milano and DX, Horze Grand Prix and Pikeur Lantana, Lugana or Stacy. Have fun shopping!

Some faves for you:

https://www.centerlinestyle.com/romfh-isabella-full-seat-breeches/

https://www.centerlinestyle.com/ovation-ladies-aqua-x-slim-secret-full-seat-breeches/

https://www.centerlinestyle.com/ovation-euroweave-dx-full-seat-breeches-ladies/

https://www.calevo.com/cgi-bin/calevo/process/locale/en_US/page/2013341.html

https://www.calevo.com/cgi-bin/calevo/process/locale/en_US/page/2013371w16.html

#35

[QUOTE=The Blonde & The Bay;8937225]
There are so many more great breeches than there ever used to be. If you can, shop at a place that has easy returns and try a few to figure out which style suits you best. Or the suggestion of popping into a big show is great so you can see a bit of everything. I have an equestrian boutique so I’ve tried just about everything and each brand will definitely have different cuts within the line so even if you HATE one pant, don’t rule out the entire brand! PS if you want to chat about specific body types or styles, feel free to call us at 800-409-1772 and ask for Lindsey :slight_smile: A rider we sponsor has put together a breech guide that you might find helpful! https://thefrugalrhode.com/2016/10/16/the-basic-breech-guide/

I’m a bit leggy so I’ve blown out a knee patchon too-short pants but I’ve never had issues with quality breeches wearing through in a too quickly. I even have some super old Ovations that are a bit faded but the fabric still springs back like new. I wash my breeches on the gentle cycle and hang to dry.

If you don’t want straight leg/slim fit avoid: Cavallo, Romfh Sarafina (but omg try them first just to be sure, they’re so good when they fit), Pikeur Nanette

From your responses I think you would love: Romfh Isabella and Champion, Ovation Milano and DX, Horze Grand Prix and Pikeur Lantana, Lugana or Stacy. Have fun shopping!

Some faves for you:

https://www.centerlinestyle.com/romfh-isabella-full-seat-breeches/

https://www.centerlinestyle.com/ovation-ladies-aqua-x-slim-secret-full-seat-breeches/

https://www.centerlinestyle.com/ovation-euroweave-dx-full-seat-breeches-ladies/

https://www.calevo.com/cgi-bin/calevo/process/locale/en_US/page/2013341.html

https://www.calevo.com/cgi-bin/calevo/process/locale/en_US/page/2013371w16.html[/QUOTE]

Wow, lots of info put into this very thoughtful reply. Thank you! I’ll be back after I go read your links. :slight_smile:

#36

[QUOTE=normandy_shores;8935023]
For a heat friendly pant besides jeans, look at stuff by Columbia and north face. Lots f breathable tech pants that can also look smart. I’ve got a fabulous pair of super lightweight Columbia pants that were nice enough to wear as business casual.[/QUOTE]

I bought a pair of Columbia hiking pants like this, to use as work pants. They are stretchy, stretch waist, and surprisingly flattering. I actually got them for winter work pants, since they went on well over long underwear. I got tired of trying to jam long johns into jeans, and having them being too tight and constraining. And I don’t want to wear fleece to the barn, since it picks up everything. Also the hiking pants have a water-resistant weave, as opposed to getting soaking wet like jeans.

They also work really well as summer work pants.

They are tidy and formal looking! They could definitely go to work as business casual, and look like rather boring black office trousers.

Haven’t worn them long enough to know how well they will stand up to loading hay and things like that. I think though that the very tight weave should be quite sturdy.

#37

My every day breeches and my show breeches are Elizabeth G.

I bought a BUNCH of her breeches when she went out of business. And troll ebay for when they come up for sale. Just bought 2 pairs this week.

They wear like iron. In fact I wear them to the gym on days I do my strength training.

#38

[QUOTE=mjhco;8937338]
My every day breeches and my show breeches are Elizabeth G.

I bought a BUNCH of her breeches when she went out of business. And troll ebay for when they come up for sale. Just bought 2 pairs this week.

They wear like iron. In fact I wear them to the gym on days I do my strength training.[/QUOTE]

Are they full seats, MJ? I remember hearing about the brand and how loved they were, but I have never seen them.

#39

[QUOTE=The Blonde & The Bay;8937225]

…
If you don’t want straight leg/slim fit avoid: Cavallo, Romfh Sarafina (but omg try them first just to be sure, they’re so good when they fit), Pikeur Nanette

From your responses I think you would love: Romfh Isabella and Champion, Ovation Milano and DX, Horze Grand Prix and Pikeur Lantana, Lugana or Stacy. Have fun shopping!

Some faves for you:

https://www.centerlinestyle.com/romfh-isabella-full-seat-breeches/

https://www.centerlinestyle.com/ovation-ladies-aqua-x-slim-secret-full-seat-breeches/

https://www.centerlinestyle.com/ovation-euroweave-dx-full-seat-breeches-ladies/

https://www.calevo.com/cgi-bin/calevo/process/locale/en_US/page/2013341.html

https://www.calevo.com/cgi-bin/calevo/process/locale/en_US/page/2013371w16.html[/QUOTE]

Yes, you have pretty much pegged what I prefer. From your list and links, some of these I have looked at but not held in hand or tried on. I do prefer a waist that is at or just below my natural waist—no low rise pants for me! I looked at a number of breeches on Calevo, and also on the Pikeur site, trying to judge the rise on each model.

I do like the Schoeller 4-way stretch, as well as the FITS fabric. Both are supportive and smoothing.

Has anyone tried the Tredstep models?

Would love to sell one of my saddles for shopping funds!

#40

For breeches, which on line retailer has the best selection of brands in stock and the least painful return process?

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