Feedback for Startup Equestrian Apparel Company...

[chestnutobsessed]

Hi everyone…I’m looking to potentially create an equestrian clothing line that is centered around manufacturing breeches that are affordable, comfortable, functional, and stylish.

I would like to construct the breech out of an athletic-type, comfortable material that withstands regular use (without risk of wearing out). The design would include a sock bottom, a heavy duty zipper, suede knee patches, belt loops with room for a two inch belt, and the defining component: an inconspicuous and professional looking pocket facing the outer thigh; large enough (and securely enclosed enough) for a phone.

I would like to market the breeches to equestrians who need to carry their phones on them while they are riding (ideally those who ride alone), or to trainers who are schooling at shows, but need to stay in touch with clients back at the barns, all while looking professional in a breech that doesn’t look like a pair of yoga pants.

That being said, as equestrians, what are features in a pair of breeches that make you want to purchase them? What is the best component of your favorite pair? How would you innovate breeches? As in, what elements would you like to see added to a standard design?

Thank you in advance for your feedback!

[StormWarriorC]

Thick fabric. All the brands are moving towards legging materials and for someone who’s not a stick, those are a no go unless it’s an actual legging.
There’s a reason Tailored Sportsmans are the top and stay there with everything else. They fit a lot of people, and last forever. I want something with solid stitching, flexible yet sturdy fabric that holds the leg in. I want a breech that will fit someone who isn’t a 26. Fit for the 30+ size riders and the others will look good in it, I think.
Also, a side pocket would be odd to me, in a normal breech material. But I’d have to see prototypes.

[WildGooseChase]

Here’s what I look for in breeches:

1. Breathable material
2. Low/medium rise (for those of us who that is a medical necessity)
3. having the option of getting the same pair of breeches in both full seat and knee patches
4. Belt loops. I carry my pistol when I ride quite often but need a belt to do that.
5. Decent color range. I won’t ride in dark colored breeches in the summer. too hot!
6. No silicone. I’ve seen it wreck too many soft leathered saddles.
7. “Affordability” I don’t have a whole lot of money laying around, and can’t afford $100 for a pair of breeches.

I hope this helps! I am an “out of the box” type and use my breeches no matter the seat/discipline that I am riding. It would be nice to look great, feel comfortable, be able to comfortably carry my pistol, and feel good about the breeches all at the same time.

[chestnutobsessed]

@StormWarriorC

Thick fabric. All the brands are moving towards legging materials and for someone who’s not a stick, those are a no go unless it’s an actual legging.
There’s a reason Tailored Sportsmans are the top and stay there with everything else. They fit a lot of people, and last forever. I want something with solid stitching, flexible yet sturdy fabric that holds the leg in. I want a breech that will fit someone who isn’t a 26. Fit for the 30+ size riders and the others will look good in it, I think.
Also, a side pocket would be odd to me, in a normal breech material. But I’d have to see prototypes.

They definitely would be constructed with a thick material. I personally don’t like breeches modeled after leggings. They don’t hold up, they’re not flattering, and they’re not professional-looking. The goal is to create something that is solid and isn’t going to bust in three rides, but is comfortable at the same time…

It’s also important to me that they fit (and flatter) ALL BODIES, not just a size 24/26.

Thanks so much for your feedback.

[chestnutobsessed]

@WildGooseChase

Here’s what I look for in breeches:

1. Breathable material
2. Low/medium rise (for those of us who that is a medical necessity)
3. having the option of getting the same pair of breeches in both full seat and knee patches
4. Belt loops. I carry my pistol when I ride quite often but need a belt to do that.
5. Decent color range. I won’t ride in dark colored breeches in the summer. too hot!
6. No silicone. I’ve seen it wreck too many soft leathered saddles.
7. “Affordability” I don’t have a whole lot of money laying around, and can’t afford $100 for a pair of breeches.

I hope this helps! I am an “out of the box” type and use my breeches no matter the seat/discipline that I am riding. It would be nice to look great, feel comfortable, be able to comfortably carry my pistol, and feel good about the breeches all at the same time.

Wow! Thanks so much for your thoroughness! It’s super helpful and hopefully I can shed some light on your concerns…
”¢ they would 100% include a thick/durable but breathable material ”‹”‹”‹”‹”‹”‹
Ӣ they would likely be available in multiple rises to cater to all body types
Ӣ I would like to have them be available in both knee patch and full seat options
Ӣ I would like the colors to be conservative, but eye catching. Think forest green, french blue, tan, black, and grey. Hopefully we could expand the color pallet if the initial launch is successful.
Ӣ They would include absolutely no silicon. With consumers popularizing soft leathered, French made saddles, silicon is the last thing I would put on a breech design in the current day and age.
Ӣ I would like to see them under $140 USD. With more popular brands like Equiline, Samsheild, and Struck charging upwards of $350 per pair of breeches, anything between $115 and $140 would be a more accessible price for a mid range, but still high quality breech.

[NoSuchPerson]

Thicker fabric - I’ve got an ancient pair of Fuller Fillies breeches that don’t fit all that well, but I keep them because they’re the only breeches I have that are made from decently thick fabric.

Low/mid-rise - I’m short and fat. The waistband of high rise breeches usually fits right over the band of my bra.

Cell phone-size pocket just off the front midline of the breeches on the thigh. Not right in front, but not over the side seam, either.

Belt loops

Pockets - I know this is a tough one because adding pockets makes it more difficult to get a smooth, close fit, but I NEED pockets. Otherwise, unless I’m wearing a jacket with pockets, I end up sticking things in my bra, which is, really, not the best of options. Unless you would also like to market some riding shirts with useful pockets. :lol:

[HJdaydream]

I’m not here to knock your idea (I am always checking out new equestrian companies!) I just wanted to make sure you know that there is already a breech line that sounds really similar to what you are describing. Stevie breeches have a secure thigh pocket lined with waterproof fabric, suede knee patches, and thick very supportive material (https://stevie-equestrian.com/). They can also be had on sale pretty often for around $70-75.

This is what I look for in breeches:

Mid-rise, wide flattering waistband.
A supportive, technical, breathable fabric.
LENGTH. I’m 5’11 & all legs.
Style. I want them to look expensive.
Thigh pockets are the best. When I’m wearing breeches without them I really miss them.
Under $100 is a huge plus.

Hope that helps!

[c0608524]

Where do you plan to manufacture your breeches? I LOVE my Struck breeches for fit… and I suffer through the price because it’s made in Canada.

[rideon4ever]

All of the qualities that you are including in your breeches sound fantastic! Out of curiosity, would you be planning side-zip in addition to front-zip? I have IBS and sometimes when I have flareups, the extra pressure of the front-zip can be uncomfortable. For that reason, Tailored Sportsman tend to be my go-to as I find them to be one of the only brands that has a side-zip. I might be in the minority though, so a comfortable higher-rise waistband might be just as good!

[chestnutobsessed]

@rideon4ever

All of the qualities that you are including in your breeches sound fantastic! Out of curiosity, would you be planning side-zip in addition to front-zip? I have IBS and sometimes when I have flareups, the extra pressure of the front-zip can be uncomfortable. For that reason, Tailored Sportsman tend to be my go-to as I find them to be one of the only brands that has a side-zip. I might be in the minority though, so a comfortable higher-rise waistband might be just as good!

Thanks for your feedback it’s much appreciated!

I hope to include as many options for style as I can; whether that be long and short leg sizing, full seat and knee patch, 3 ranges for waist rises (low, mid, and high), or in your case: front and side zip. The goal is to create a line that is inclusive of EVERY rider’s needs!

[chestnutobsessed]

@c0608524

Where do you plan to manufacture your breeches? I LOVE my Struck breeches for fit… and I suffer through the price because it’s made in Canada.

We would ideally like to have them manufactured through a European sportsware company. They have worked with equestrian brands before and are known for their work with companies like Columbia and The North Face…The material will also hopefully be quite similar to Strucks!

[ladyj79]

Something of an aside but tailored sportsmen are nowhere near the top of the sport anymore. I think the number of people outside of hunters who wear them is like 5.

That said, and this is not to crush a dream, but haven’t a number of the quite popular but more boutique style custom breech companies closed in recent years? I’m thinking of places like equissentials, et al.

I wonder if there’s something besides shirts and breeches, where the market is fairly saturated by really nice quality stuff with a lot of variety already, that you could maybe shift your focus to?

[chestnutobsessed]

@HJdaydream

I’m not here to knock your idea (I am always checking out new equestrian companies!) I just wanted to make sure you know that there is already a breech line that sounds really similar to what you are describing. Stevie breeches have a secure thigh pocket lined with waterproof fabric, suede knee patches, and thick very supportive material (https://stevie-equestrian.com/). They can also be had on sale pretty often for around $70-75.

This is what I look for in breeches:

Mid-rise, wide flattering waistband.
A supportive, technical, breathable fabric.
LENGTH. I’m 5’11 & all legs.
Style. I want them to look expensive.
Thigh pockets are the best. When I’m wearing breeches without them I really miss them.
Under $100 is a huge plus.

Hope that helps!

Your comment was extra helpful…thank you so much for your suggestions

As for the already established brand, Stevie, I am quite aware of them. My idea wasn’t plagiarized off of their design, but I can see where the lines cross in terms of similarity. What differentiates my idea from potential competitors would be the idea that I am trying to create a breech that does in fact have a similar concept, but has more inclusivity. A line that provides a larger color range, a full seat option, a sleeker profile, and better sizing, waistband and length options.

You’ve definitely got my wheels turning, so thanks again for your feedback!

[chestnutobsessed]

@NoSuchPerson

Thicker fabric - I’ve got an ancient pair of Fuller Fillies breeches that don’t fit all that well, but I keep them because they’re the only breeches I have that are made from decently thick fabric.

Low/mid-rise - I’m short and fat. The waistband of high rise breeches usually fits right over the band of my bra.

Cell phone-size pocket just off the front midline of the breeches on the thigh. Not right in front, but not over the side seam, either.

Belt loops

Pockets - I know this is a tough one because adding pockets makes it more difficult to get a smooth, close fit, but I NEED pockets. Otherwise, unless I’m wearing a jacket with pockets, I end up sticking things in my bra, which is, really, not the best of options. Unless you would also like to market some riding shirts with useful pockets. :lol:

All of these suggestions are super helpful! Thanks for your response!

[Scribbler]

I buy breeches that fit me, and at the moment that is one style of Cavallo and one style of Pikeur. Once you are no longer a stick thin tween, the cut of a pair of pants can make a huge difference in how you look and feel.

I don’t buy clothes online unless they are duplicates of things I know already fit. Also I’m in Canada where it’s difficult to order from American companies. So unless something is distributed to tack stores I am unlikely to try them.

I feel like breech brands tend to end up being focused on either dressage or hunter jumper, or either skinny teens or adult bodies. I’m not sure you can be everything to everyone. I am a fussy size 32 so at the top limit of regular breeches. My plus size friends report very little choice out there at the 36 or 38 size. On the other hand perhaps the market is small as the good plus size brands do tend to evaporate.

[NoSuchPerson]

@Scribbler

My plus size friends report very little choice out there at the 36 or 38 size. On the other hand perhaps the market is small as the good plus size brands do tend to evaporate.

I think the problem for retailers with the plus size market is that most of us are older and aren’t as driven by fashion changes. We keep our breeches for more than one season. I mean, the newest pair of breeches I’ve got are at least 3 years old. Add that to the fact that we’re a fairly small market segment, and it’s not a lot of breeches sold in plus sizes, at least not compared to the teen/younger adult market.

[streamline]

Shires use to make a thicker type breech, with a sock bottom. I wish all breeches had the cool front pocket for phones (I.e the Hadley leggings from smartpak)

I know my old trainer wouldn’t be impressed if we wore those legging type breeches.

I’ve had my shires pair for 5+ years. They are more flattering than the leggings. I’d have to double check the material. I need mid/high rise. Low rise falls down my butt/makes me look ridiculous, no matter what size I am. I’ve bounced back from a 24-32 over the years.

Ariat also made those older pro series breeches that are also discontinued. I love my 3 pairs I have.

[mychestnutvalentine]

I run an online consignment so I’ve had access to a ton of different brands of breeches.
I am always shocked by what people will buy because of the name. Good marketing/ advertisement and being in style brand goes miles. I am not impressed with the fit of Animo and Equiline yet those are both some of my top sellers.
Piper/Smartpak, Romfh, Kerrits and Fits also always sell. Why? They fit a wide variety of people. They are comfortable. They are somewhat durable (depending on model). And all of these brands have some well known rider wearing them.
I think if you really want to be successful, you’ll have to create a product that is functional in fit and fashionable enough for people to want to wear, especially the pros that will be seen wearing your items.

[skipollo]

High waisted or a true midrise.
Real pockets, not the single little one with a zipper.
Wide waistband that doesn’t gap.
Thicker material that holds its shape well without being cheap/spandex-y. Similar to the Romfh Isabella or Sarafina material.
Option for full seat.
Belt loops.
Tasteful neutral/semi neutral colors (like burgundy, navy, etc.)
Affordable. There is no reason that a pair of pants should cost $300-$400.

[chris10astra]

What features make me want to purchase breeches?

Comfort. For me, that means lightweight in hot weather, compression material, and high waist.

Nothing looks flattering so I kind of gave up on that. Lightweight > flattering in hot weather to a certain extent. I found myself reaching for my FITs all season tights over and over last year so I switched to tights for spring/summer this year. The tights are the dark maroon color and I was still fine last summer as long as I had a light colored shirt. The tights also have belt loops so I can still wear a belt and tuck in a shirt as I prefer to do. If tights have a wide enough waistband I can still tuck in shirts. Almost everything is compression material now which just feels better than something that stretches out and sags.

My favorite brands (after trying many) are FITs tights, Romfh breeches, Tredstone breeches, Horze breeches and tights, and Piper breeches and tights. I have one older pair of Devon cotton breeches that I really like but I can’t find another pair anywhere. They have a higher rise and I do like the cotton. I didn’t like any of the Tailored Sportsman, Ovation, Kerrits, Pikeur, and Smartpak Hadleys that I tried.

I start to draw the line around $150 but obviously prefer to go as cheap as possible. I just bought two summer Piper tights for about 35$ each on sale, but I also spent over $100 each on FITS/Horze fleece tights for next winter and didn’t hesitate.

What is the best component of your favorite pair?

High waist x 1000. I’m usually a size 32/L and after a few kids including c-sections I have to have a high waist. Low rise is just awfully uncomfortable not to mention unflattering. Maybe I have a long torso too because even when I was a slim teen with a flat belly I loathed low rise jeans.

I love the lululemon-type deep pockets on the side of the thighs. The FITS, Horze, and some Pipers have the side thigh pockets and they are so much better than the usual pocket areas. I avoid “regular” pockets since I don’t use them for my phone.

Belt loops. I have wider hips proportionally to my waist, so many brands a 32 will gap or fall down in the waist but I need the size in order to fit my hips. Belts help that which is why I prefer belt loops when possible.

How would I innovate breeches? Ha, if I could…

Not breeches, but I would love some kind of shapewear/smoothing wear that isn’t hot or necessarily strongly shaping but helps keep shirts tucked in and minimizes bra/panty lines.

I would allow customizations for length, rise, and shape.

My biggest fit issue (tmi?) is that my underwear waistband will fall down to my c-section line under my pants during movement (riding, running, skiing, etc.) and it is so uncomfortable. But “shapewear” underwear that I’ve tried doesn’t hit at my waistline. It’s either uncomfortably under my ribs or rolls down to the bikini line with movement and bunches up! This makes no sense to me as my waist is definitely smaller than my bikini line. I’ve been on the lookout for leotard-like underwear to simply avoid a separate waistband but haven’t dug into it too much. I am fine with visible panty lines vs. the discomfort of thongs.

When I ski I must have suspenders or a bib on the pants…maybe I should try suspenders under my shirts or something to avoid having to hike up my pants/underwear constantly. I’ve even used suspenders with running pants since it’s such an issue. lol I have issues. Actually, now that I think about it I need to look into that again. I have one of those Redingcote winter barn suits. I bought an extra pair of suspenders just for that barn suit! The waist seemed too long as I was always hiking the legs up (so I’m not sure if I have a long torso ha). I had to size up in order to fit my hips (story of my life) but with the suspenders the suit was great. A little roomy in the waist/top but I so loved it this winter!!