This is for all us “winter warriors” looking for winter breeches. I own a few different pairs and styles and happy to share my
experience with them!
For reference:
I live in southern Ontario. Not uncommon to see double digit negatives (celsius, of course). Tack up area is heated, arena is not. Since I’ll mention fit, I’m 5’5, weigh about 160 lbs, and carry my weight mostly in lower belly and thighs. My perfect fit breeches are Struck breeches in size 30.
Horze Thermal Grand Prix Breeches:
https://www.horze.com/horze-womens-grand-prix-full-seat-breeches-thermo-softshell-p-36608/p
These full seat breeches are a thick fleece on the inside and have a silicone full seat. I personally find the silicone not super sticky, which I’m fine with. They have pockets that I love. My iPhone XR fits in the pocket while working around the barn, and they are deep enough I don’t have to worry about it falling out. I can’t ride with the phone in my pocket but that’s not an issue with me. They have belt loops, a zipper, and double clasp closure. The waist band is wide.
Sizing:
I’m wearing these in a 28. They lose a bit of their shape once worn in. The biggest downfall for some may be the calf area. They are baggy in the calves, and the fabric wrinkles up. If you are wearing tight tall boots you may not like the fit. I, however, wear not-very-snug winter boots and don’t notice it. I would suggest going a full size below your normal breech size, and if you are typically between sizes go down two.
Washing:
I washed in cold, inside out, and hung up to dry. I also used fabric softener on them. They washed very nice, but I haven’t washed them enough to make comment on how the silicone will hold up. Full disclosure, I wear my breeches probably far to long before washing them.
Verdict:
I like these a lot. They look more professional than my Kerrit winter breeches, but definitely fit more relaxed than any other riding pant I own. Out of all my winter pants, these are the top contenders.
Kerrit Fleece Flow Rise Winter Tight
https://www.pleasantridge.ca/index.php/kerrits-performance-winter-breech.html
These are a thinner fleece lined riding tight. Knee patch style. No pockets. Personally, I don’t find them warm enough in true winter cold, but are ok for temperatures hovering around the freezing mark and above.
Sizing:
I wear these in a size large. They fit around my waist and thighs OK, however, they are way too tight in the knees. Almost uncomfortably tight in the knees. They loosen a bit with wear but the entire pant generally keeps its shape. I don’t think sizing up would help as the rest of the pant fits very well. I hate pants that are s/m/l compared to an actual pant size, and would say larger than a size 30 would be an XL.
Washing:
I wash these in cold water, and hung to dry. Use fabric softener They don’t go anywhere near a dryer.
Verdict:
These pants are OK. I don’t adore them, but haven’t gotten rid of them either. The price point is right for the quality, and although I don’t reach for them first, I still reach for them occasionally.
Kerrits Sit Tight N Warm Fullseats
https://kerrits.com/products/sit-tight-windpro-full-seat-breech
or
https://www.pleasantridge.ca/index.php/sale-kerrits-sit-tight-n-warm-pocket-breeches-full-seat.html
I have put two links above. One calls them “Sit Tight n Warm”, and the Kerrits website calls them “wind pro”, but I’m fairly certain they are the same pant. These pants are more fleeced in my opinion than the flow rise winter tight. They have a leg pocket which would be excellent for keeping a cellphone while you ride… if it was made large enough for my phone. Smaller phones would fit nicely. They are fullseat. Maybe it is because my pants are a few years older, as the kerrits website claimed the fullseat is fleece lined, but on my pants the seat is un-lined. And my bum can feel the breeze in them.
Sizing:
I wear these in a size large. Once again the knees are too tight! These pants have the “added bonus” of the fullseat seam running across the inside/top of the knees as well - it digs into your skin. The fullseat feels like I’m wearing a diaper, it’s so uncomfortably shapeless.
Washing:
These get washed in cold and get tossed in the dryer.
Verdict:
I don’t care for these pants. I wouldn’t repurchase, barely wear them, and have to be pretty desperate to put them on. When I do put them on, I’m reminded why I don’t like them.
Sit Tight Wind Pro Kneepatch Breeches
https://kerrits.com/products/sit-tight-windpro-kneepatch
These are the knee patch version of the fullseat Kerrit breeches above. They have the same features.
Sizing:
Again, I wear these in a size large. They fit perfectly. The knees aren’t tight. The entire leg is comfortably snug. They maintain their shape beautifully.
Washing:
Cold wash and into the dryer they go. Easy!
Verdict:
I love these pants. It’s a toss up between my Horze and these guys when I get dressed for the barn. I’m unsure why all my Kerrit pants fit differently, but these by far fit the best. I would definitely recommend these.
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and that’s a wrap! I apologize for typos. I’m on nights and did this on my phone. I hope this will help others who are shopping for winter pants.
so I upgraded.
I was so happy with them I bought another pair while they were on sale. Very happy with them so far, though I’m only in MD and not dealing with Canadian type temps.