New Smartpak Piper Show Breeches (Review)

[tua37516]

Hi all!

I bought a bunch of Pipers during the sale and when I had to return a pair, I couldn’t help myself but to exchange them for the new side zip show breeches! https://www.smartpakequine.com/piper-show-side-zip-knee-patch-breeches-12039p

For the price I was really pleased with these. The material is a little more lightweight than the regular schooling breeches. I found the fit to be flattering with the side zip and they fit me just a touch better than the Piper schooling breeches. They don’t have the elastic seam in the rear end so it is a little more conservative look for show. The only negative I found was that with the thinner material you can just make out the outline of the pockets in the front, but on a horse or with a show jacket I would expect this to be unnoticeable. For size reference I am a 28R in the Tailored Sportsman Trophy Hunters, and wear a 26R in the Smartpak Pipers.

I would highly recommend these for a price conscious schooling show breech- we see so many of these threads out there! If you are a Smartpak customer they are under $72 with free shipping. Now if they start to make these in solid colors for schooling I will be in trouble!

[molly8it]

Thanks for enabling, from another “breechaholic and bargain hunter.” They look like they might be a tad long – how tall are you?

[pony4me]

A few people at my barn have them, and they all like them. Generally anything SmartPak does is well-executed, and the customer service is great. I’ll probably get some when my current schooling breeches need to be replaced, or when I decide to pamper/reward myself; whichever comes first.

[tua37516]

[QUOTE=molly8it;7756066]
Thanks for enabling, from another “breechaholic and bargain hunter.” They look like they might be a tad long – how tall are you?[/QUOTE]

They probably run a touch long but they fit me well, but I would say the length for me is maybe about 1-2" longer than my TS. They still fall above my ankle, but it is hard to tell with my socks on. Should have taken them off all the way for the picture I am about 5’5" but have a very long femur and ride in a forward flap saddle.

[KateKat]

I’m curious if these also get the saggy butt issue that seems to occur with the regular Pipers?

[PNWjumper]

Is the rise higher than in the TS Trophy Hunters? I got a pair of Pipers that I turned around and sold because when I sat on a horse the waistband made a very serious attempt at getting to first base with me. Curious if I would have the same issue with these.

[tua37516]

[QUOTE=PNWjumper;7756280]
Is the rise higher than in the TS Trophy Hunters? I got a pair of Pipers that I turned around and sold because when I sat on a horse the waistband made a very serious attempt at getting to first base with me. Curious if I would have the same issue with these.[/QUOTE]

For me personally, the Pipers are a hair higher in the rise than the Trophy Hunters, but not significantly. Maybe there is an inch difference?

[AmmyByNature]

Just wanted to add to this review from a more plus size perspective. I’m currently wearing mid-rise side zip Tailored Sportsman Trophy Hunters. I think these mid rise breeches are just about the most comfortable and flattering breeches out there. My Trophy Hunters are a size 36

I bought the Piper show breeches in the same size, and in a size down based on the comments on this thread. At least for me, they 36 were definitely closer to the fit of the Trophy Hunters. The material is a nice weight - closer to the weight of the Trophy Hunters, rather than the original Pipers, which I think was a bit heavier. A good weight, though. Light enough for comfort and stretch, but thick enough not to look like leggings.

As far as length, I didn’t notice much difference from the Trophy’s, but I’ll take a closer look tomorrow when I ride in them for the first time. I think the rise is a little lower, but I get the mid-rise Trophy’s, so that’s to be expected. I think they’d be a tad higher than the low-rise Trophy’s.

I’ll check back in after I ride in them tomorrow, but I’m pretty happy with them out of the box.

[LoveJubal]

Ammy -

Did you like them when you rode in them?

[AmmyByNature]

[QUOTE=LoveJubal;7777707]
Ammy -

Did you like them when you rode in them?[/QUOTE]

I really did! They are definitely a hair snugger That my Trophys, but I think it might be the feel of the material. The material is a little rougher, but not unpleasant on my skin, just a little “louder” when I walk. That might be why they feel a little tighter, because they don’t slide on quite as smoothly.

The fabric looks pretty durable, but of course I don’t have any long term data. Definitely is a totally different material than the original Pipers.

I think the length is perfect. The sock leg comes down longer, but the knee patch is in the right place. They’re a little lower rise than my mid-ride Trophys, but not too low. I didn’t feel like I was hiking them up any more than I usually do! I didn’t feel like I was mooning anyone or flashing some super sexy exposed back while cantering around!

Considering the cost I really really like them and I do wish they came in different colors, because I think the lighter material is nice and would be good for schooling, and I really do prefer side zip, but maybe they don’t want to step on the toes of their other Pipers.

Are they as nice as my Trophy Hunters? No. But my Trophys are $180 and pretty much never go on sale. The Pipers are $80 and I think with all the discounts I maybe paid a little more than $60? Definitely less than $70 I think.

Are my trophy hunters more than twice or nearly three times as nice as the Pipers? I don’t think so. As far as long term durability I don’t know, but for the price I don’t think you can go wrong - especially considering how SmartPak stands behind their products.

So I’d definitely suggest you give these a shot if you’re at all interested. I liked them a lot!

[ToTheNines]

I am going to give them two thumbs up. I am 5’6" and thin. I only wear side zips, so this review compares them to other side zip mid rise show breeches. I like my breeches snug but not plastered on.

I wear a 28R in the TS Trophys, and they could be a tiny bit snugger, but 26 would be too tight. I also wear a 28R in the old Ariat Pro Circuit, which fit me about the same as the Trophys. I find that the Long’s in those sizes get too baggy at the crotch, but I am shortwaisted.

I recently tried some Treadstep Rosa’s. However, for me, the 28s were too baggy in the upper legs. But the 26L’s were too tight in the waist. Thus, although I loved the everything about the Rosas, for me, the waist was disproportionate to the legs. Waist too small.

The Pipers fit just a bit more generously in the leg and waist than the TS Trophys and the Ariat Pro Circuit. Compared to the Treadstep Rosas, they are snugger in the leg and bigger in the waist. I tried the Pipers in both the 28R and 26L, and although the 26L was quite snug, I am going to give them a try. There is plenty of give in the waist, so I should be able to tuck in a shirt and not be uncomfortable. And I am curious if they stretch out a bit, like my others do, once you have them on for a an hour or so.

Bottom line, the new Pipers are really nice breeches even for showing. You may want to go down a size. The length of the R’s is plenty long, but if you go down a size, maybe go for the L’s then.

The material and color are lovely. The material is a bit thicker and stiffer and not as smooth as the Trophys and Rosas, but very technical and nice.

[fatappy]

Glad this popped back up! Mine came yesterday.

They seem to fit a tad tighter than the schooling pipers, but that may just be because they are new. The fabric is thinner, but I could barely make out my panty line. The schooling pipers are about 2 fingers below my belly button, and the show ones came right to the top of my belly button. They are flattering on me and I like the fit. I am hoping they stretch out a tad throughout the day.

I am concerned about the fabric. They feel like my ovations (which make me feel like I’ve peed myself when I sweat). I’ll report back.

Overall, for $70, I’m happy.

[lachelle]

Mine came in this week, too.

-Yes, thinner fabric. (But not so thin than you can see every fat cell on my legs)
-Yes, higher waisted then the regular pipers, these come to my belly button, but I’m also REALLY short so that might not be a concern for others.
-The fit is very flattering.
-They do run big, just like the piper schooling breeches. Mine gap in the back a hair, but with a belt they shouldn’t be an issue.

I was slightly disappointed that they weren’t the same fabric as the schooling pipers, because so far the pipers are my favorite pair of breeches I’ve ever owned. But as others have said for ~$60 on sale, you really can’t go wrong.

[yellowbritches]

This is why I love Smartpak. They listen. This is the second time I’ve raved about a product but said “if only you made it like this…” Obviously, it isn’t JUST me who’s asking for these things, but they are hearing their customers and trying to make us products we want. These will be on my list…