Hi all! My SO is looking to dabble in riding a bit. He’s a complete beginner, just looking to get an idea of what it’s all about, not looking to show or anything. I’m looking to get him some gear that is reasonably priced and comfortable but it doesn’t seem like there are tons of options for men’s breeches. I love my pipers but Smartpak doesn’t seem to make many options for guys. Anyone have any recommendations for breeches that are comfortable, decent looking, and don’t break the bank for men? He is on the small side (30 in waist) if that matters. I’m not letting him use my calfskin saddle in jeans!
Equivana (was Horze) has some good men’s options. Heads up that they run generous and you may need to order down a size. https://www.equinavia.com/horze-mens-grand-prix-full-seat-breeches-silicone-grip-p-36261/p
If he gets into it, Struck has very nice men’s breeches in the $300 range. I splurged on a pair of these for my husband, but only after he’d been riding for years!
https://usa.struckapparel.com/products/mens-50-series-schooling?variant=1331319046158
I used to “borrow” these from DH, as I loved the side pockets option much better than the useless little zip pocket on the women’s version.
https://www.doversaddlery.com/mens-cool-cotton-knee-patch/p/X1-3512/
get him some wrangler jeans for starters… I believe the seams in Wranglers are rider/saddle friendly which is why so many “cowboys” wear them, and get a seat saver for your saddle. if he likes it, then invest in breeches.
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Mens Ovation breeches are quite nice for the $$. Please do not have your husband attempt to ride English in jeans–it would be uncomfortable in addition to messing up your saddle. The mens Smartpak breeches are of very reasonable quality as well.
Being an actual male, get him some jeans. I have ridden in jeans for 50 years. The only time I wear breeches is in competition and clinics. Yes, I wear either half chaps or full chaps with them.
As for men’s breeches, I have found only Pikeur and Animo seem to hold up (my Pikeur full seats are going on 20 years). Most other brands, in my experience, either don’t hold up or fit so oddly that they are uncomfortable in which to ride.
Men’s selections in the english discipline suck. If they are affordable the quality sucks. If they fit and good quality, they cost more than most any other because they are premium (my shadbelly for FEI competitions was $1000 because I am a guy).
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Have a look at eventing and foxhunting as more men engage in thise activities. If you look at UK websites, Mark Todd breeches are popular for men in the UK £80. John Whitaker makes good stuff, men’s breeches £50 - 80.
I ride English in jeans and my saddles hold up great (always with chaps and/or seamless). Cheap men’s breeches are just that… cheap. I mostly train at home by myself though, so I could understand if you’re at an equestrian facility and need to “look the part” so to speak. The European brands do seem to do a better job in that market like the last poster states 
My DH rides mostly in Goode Rider denim breeches. They are a nice soft denim. He has both the knee patch and full seats, and he wears these probably 9 times out of 10. 
