I have got to believe that someone from each of the apparel companies monitors the relevant threads here. So, let’s tell them: Do we want Velcro, or stretchy sock-bottoms, on our breeches at the ankle? I would be 100% over the moon if Tailored Sportsman would get rid of the Velcro, but maybe I’m in the minority. If I write them an e-mail I am just one person but maybe this is a more efficient way to send a consensus. What’s the preference? Manufacturers, take note!
I think a poll would be better for this - but I am with you, I do not like velcro bottoms at all - and best they are bulky, at worst, they create a painful lump under my boot.
I also do not like bulky elastic bottoms either (I an not small - I wear a larger size) - but the elastic bottoms on most of my breeches are WAY too big - and I don’t think I have particularly tiny calves / ankles.
Luckily for me, most of my breeches (especially my schooling ones) are cheap - and I simply CUT OFF the bottoms - those giant elastic bands on my cotton naturals? Bye bye - that terrible Velcro on my TuffRiders? Cut off… makes a nice smooth line under my tall socks…and surprisingly the material does not fray.
Hmm. So maybe I’m in the minority here, but I prefer velcro bottoms…I like having some level of adjustability. I find with sock bottoms there’s like a 50-50 chance it will actually fit my ankles/lower legs, and I like them snug all the way.
I just want the velcro put on the right way - so the SOFT side of the velcro faces your leg if they don’t fully over lap.
Sock bottoms! On breeches with velcro, I use a seam ripper to remove the velcro and then hand sew some stretchy jersey material in a V shape connecting the two flaps of fabric to create my own stretchy bottom :yes:
Sock bottoms for me. Breeches reach clear to the ankle of my short lets, or just above it. Because of the where the velcro is placed, I cannot tighten it nearly enough, ever. So the breeches are never snug around my leg.
But I have small feet too . . . .a friend who works in a tack shop told me that people with larger ankles/feet can have trouble getting the sock bottoms off. So I would say we need both.
Sock bottoms for me. Breeches reach clear to the ankle of my short lets, or just above it. Because of the where the velcro is placed, I cannot tighten it nearly enough, ever. So the breeches are never snug around my leg.
But I have small feet too . . . .a friend who works in a tack shop told me that people with larger ankles/feet can have trouble getting the sock bottoms off. So I would say we need both.
My lower legs are skinny and even the sock bottoms bunch up on me because they aren’t tight enough. While I do prefer the sock bottoms, I have found it is very hard to pull your pants off once you’ve gotten hot and sweaty.
Sock bottoms, because most breeches are too long for me.
I did finally splurge on a pair of TS Trophy Hunters in 26S, and I don’t mind the velcro on them, as it hits above my ankle. But typically the velcro on breeches is on my ankle or below it - not very comfortable, especially in tight show boots!
I have pretty skinny calves and its hit or miss on sock bottoms for me - one pair of breeches I have is super tight, the other super loose. So while I like the idea in theory, I kinda prefer the velcros, especially since on the trophy hunters they are long enough to not dig into my calf (hit lower ankle).
Another issue with the sock bottoms, especially when they’re too tight, is that sometimes you get spots where the seams are pressing into your skin in an uncomfortable manner, and you can do anything. At least with my trophy hunters, if I’m in sneakers I can flip the legs up and/or arrange the legs more comfortably.
I have large feet and can’t stand the sock bottoms. They’re really difficult to pull on or off for me.
I prefer velcro, but some companies don’t do a very good job with the placement or level of adjustability.
Personally, I don’t really care about the velcro versus sock bottoms–I have pairs with each, and they’re both fine. What I would like to see is more styles in regular rise with no euro seat!
I love my TS breeches (have 5 pair), but the one single thing I don’t like is the velcro…
WWGMD?
Yes, this!!!
My favorite bottoms are on the Smartpak Pipers. The ones that just have elastic often bunch or hurt, I deal with the velcro but if they all were like the Pipers I’d be thrilled.
I prefer the velcro for one reason…after I’m done riding, I can undo the velcro and fold the bottom of the breeches up. It helps me cool off in the summer.
This! Until “short” length breeches become as common as “tall” breeches, sock bottoms all the way. I can actually wear a regular length pair of breeches with the sock bottoms because I can cuff them up and still get my boots on comfortably. Velcro bottoms have to be much shorter because it’s super painful to have the velcro down by my ankles and cuffing them up creates too much bulk.
I really like the sock bottoms, but I have twig legs and size 8 feet. But I also really like the velcro ones as long as the end at a comfortable spot on my legs, like a few inches above the ankle. If it’s right at my ankle, it’s a pain trying to cram the lumpy velcro into my boots. I usually have to try everything on to make sure.
Sock bottoms! I love Tailered Sportsmans but despise the Velcro and the awful rubs I get from it… Add to the fact I cannot get the Velcro tight enough to stop the rubs. My sock bottom breeches are heaven!
