I went breeches shopping today, and I’ve hated it for the past few years. Today was just the worst. I’m 6’ tall and 180 lbs. I’ve never been an easy fit, because I like a long, but I tried on 3 different brands that provide longs online, but not in stock. I was able to coerce the Rompf all the way up, but the other 2 brands didn’t want to go all the way over my thighs. They were too short on the bottom of my legs, which I expected, but why aren’t they stretchy enough to go over my thighs properly? My jeans have more stretch than these breeches! Why?!?
It seems to really vary from brand to brand! I’m also 6’ with a long leg. For stretch I like Kerrits or FITS (when I have the $$ for FITS, that is :lol:). I particularly like the Ice-Fil and the Power Stretch models - and did NOT have luck with the “Flex II.” As well, the FITS Performax has never steered me wrong.
It’s so personal - I’m the one trying on breeches going “why are they all so stretchy, I don’t want leggings!!” I prefer sizing up in tailoreds (heavier fabric, looser fit). Though TS wouldn’t meet your quest for longer, either. The exception to the above is Ariat - used to be my fave and still love the fabric, but when the waist is anywhere close to the right size, I can’t get them over my thighs. Meant for slim-legged folks for sure.
Anyway, I remember finding SmartPak, Horze, and Kerrits breeches very stretchy. The Horze has a tall rise as well and great price. Might work well for you.
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Look for ones listed as riding tights as opposed to breeches- they are super stretchy and comfy too. Kerrits, Irideon, Performa Ride, Noble Equestrian- all have great, stretchy breeches
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I’m with you! I hate feeling like I can’t bend my knees when I’m riding. Agreed with the suggestion to look for tights instead breeches. Some brands that work for me are Buckwild, Sticky Seat, Kerrits (specifically the flex II,) and smartpak’s brand riding tights. I return to those again and again.
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Tights - I’m afraid to try them and have them too short through the rise. Do they stay up well and not show off too much back when bending over?
IME, the longest “longs” I’ve found are Pikeurs. I think they have fairly decent give, enough to allow you to move, not anything like tights though.
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I ride almost exclusively in Kerrits Flow Rise Tights or the Fleece Tights for winter time. I’ve never had issues with them showing too much when bending over. The only other breeches I find comfortable are FITS but they’re super pricey.
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I am pretty much the polar opposite of you as far as fit issues (very short), but my noble equestrian tights are wayyy too high rise for me (I can’t wear them with my shirts tucked in) and they have belt loops, so they might be a high enough rise for you?
I’ve actually found belt loops on riding tights are the norm, if that helps with the staying up problem
I think the smarpak pipers are pretty stretchy, but their new fabric not nearly as stretchy as the fabric they used to use.
Definitely. Another vote for Sticky Seats, they are awesome. And yes on stretch. I got the polar fleece ones and when they arrived I was like :eel: these will never fit! They stretch right out! I have three pairs of their cargo pocket breeches and their Eventer breech (miss the pocket but ho boy some stickability!), all are awesome. I too have an issue with stretch over my thighs and booty, these are great.
OP, I am almost identical to your size (5’11.5", 175 lb, 36" inseam, and was once told by a prominent athletic coach that I had “the longest femur [he] had ever seen.”)
What you want is the Irideon Issential tight, and its friend the Irideon WindPro (both in L) for winter riding. The Issentials will be long enough for you, guaranteed, and while they have belt loops you don’t need them. They’re stretchy enough to stay up regardless.
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I really miss Equissentials deerskin seats with the heavy cotton breech. They were just stretchy enough, their long/tall was truly long, the fabric called French Terry was delightfully versatile for seasons and also very tough, the deerskin was so soft as to die for.
Plus every fall they promoted their fleece-lined tights without patch as a general winter garment. These are the warmest huggingest tights I own, and they are over 10 years old now. I lived in them during Minnesota winters. They show zero wear or pilling, and the elastic is as new.
I was very sad when this business closed down.
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Irideon! The only other thing I remotely like are the Smartpak Piper Tights.
Pikeurs are super long, and more structured than tights. The grip knee patch styles are particularly stretchy. They are pricey, though–around $150/pair.
I’ve been riding in Irideon Cadence Classics forever. My problem is the opposite: short and fat. I need a plus size and have found the fabric to be very stretchy and the waistband also. My hips and waist are close to the same measurement. If I can pull something over my hips it will fit my waist. I also have WindPros for the winter. They aren’t as stretchy but they still work.
A few years ago Irideon changed the Cadence to have a sock-type fabric for the part of the leg under tall boots. They didn’t announce it, just changed them. I wound up with a pair and i don’t use them much. Irideon must have caught a lot of grief because the revived the original design and now call it Classic.
You can go to the Irideon website and check sizes and colors available. I usually order from Adams Horse Supplies when they have a sale. She doesn’t stock every option but orders what you want and has them drop shipped. Not as fast, but you can get the less popular sizes if they are available.
I’m also quite tall (5’11) and have some curves. My personal favorite breeches are Romfh Sarafinas. The long sizes are plenty long, they have lots of stretch, and they are also supportive. They currently have 3 colors on Tack of the Day and it is taking all the will power I possess not to buy another pair.
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Similar body type here, and I don’t necessarily think it’s that breeches aren’t stretchy, just that they aren’t stretchy enough to fit over my big hips. I have trouble buying other types of pants, too. And if they fit over the hips, then they are gappy at the waist. Like many others have mentioned, riding tights are my go-to. I have a bunch of Kerrits and Irideon ones and don’t have problems with them being too low-rise.
I’m 5’10" and 170, and ride in the mid-rise Piper Knit breeches. They are really stretchy and quite long. They hit my natural waist, so no lack of coverage and I can tuck shirts in properly. Bonus they go on sale; recently got 3 pairs on clearance for like $18 apiece!
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Another +1 for tights. I’m 5’3, 145, and all the junk is in the trunk. I only ride in Kerrits tights and can’t imagine life without them. I’ve tried on some good ones from Horse, too. I take a medium in Kerrits and the leg is a bit long. Definitely recommend giving them a try. I will never go back to breeches, for self-esteem reasons alone!
I am not surprised that some of you tall people find the “long” breeches not long enough!
I am 5’4 on a good day and I always get long breeches 
I must have longer legs than the norm.
Kerrits, Irideon, Piper, Tuff Rider are my brands of choice. Love the Piper full seat with silicone dots when my mare acts up over fences. Sticky!
