Men's Riding Breeches; Where To Find Them And My Best Choices

The Ever Elusive Men's Riding Breeches

If there's one question I get asked a lot by either parent of male riders or male riders themselves it's where do I get my breeches?

As a male rider in the equestrian world, I feel like our choices are limited when it comes to riding apparel, so when I find a couple of brands of breeches that I like I tend to treat them like gold. Shopping for tall boots is even harder, but that's for another day.

When I do shop for breeches I tend to stick with the same brands and styles, partly because it's easier than trying to find different ones, but also because most breeches nowadays aren't cheap so I like to get it right the first time.

Full Seat vs Half Seat/Knee Patch Breeches

Full-seat breeches have grip that covers the inside leg all the way up to the seat, giving more all-around security in the saddle, they tend to add durability to your breeches which is great if you have multiple horses to ride. Full-seat breeches tend to be quite popular in dressage and eventing.

Half-seat, also known as knee patch breeches, simply offer grip on the inside of the knee area only. This style would be my choice for competition as the grip offers some support but provides more movement rather than the feeling of being 'stuck' in the saddle. This style of breeches are normally popular with hunters and jumpers.

Traditionally the grip has been made of suede but modern breeches tend to use silicone grip as the material is highly functional and doesn't stiffen over time and multiple washings like suede.

My Favorite Brands and Styles

I've been through many brands and styles over the years so I feel like I'm in a good position to comment on what I've found to be the best breeches in the long run.

I spend all day most days wearing breeches so they need to be durable and provide maximum comfort.

Horze Grand Prix Men's Silicone Grip Full Seat Breeches

I've gone through countless pairs of these breeches and they've always been comfortable, durable riding pants. The leg length was a bit tricky for me to match with my waist (30/30), I found them a bit long but they were such good working breeches for me that I simply hemmed the leg to make them fit.

They lasted a really long time, I had multiple pairs that I would rotate through and at that point, I was riding 8-10 horses per day. I think they're really nice quality riding pants and the only reason I don't have a pair right now is that I support a small local tack store by purchasing from them, otherwise I wouldn't hesitate to buy them again.

Horze GP Mens Breeches

Pros: Nice lightweight, comfortable but durable pair of breeches

Cons: Not the warmest if you live in an area where it's cold during the winter

Men's Ovation EuroWeave Knee Patch

If you're just starting out riding, are a casual rider, or want to be mindful of your budget these are a great pair of breeches for the price.

When I first moved to Canada from Ireland and was busy building my coaching and riding business I picked up a couple of pairs of these and was really surprised by the quality.

I wore them around the barn, to some schooling shows and warm-up days for bigger shows, and found them a very easy pair of breeches to wear all day.

The knee patch was synthetic suede so it didn't get stiff over time like real suede, the pockets had ample room for a wallet and phone, and considering the price, they're not a bad-looking pair of breeches.

Ovation Mens Breeches

Pros: Maybe not the fanciest brand of breeches out there but you'd never know it, excellent value for the cost.

Cons: Very little to complain about, they don't feel the same as my nicest pair of breeches but they're hundreds of dollars cheaper.

For Horses Achille Men's Breeches

These are some of my favorite knee patch breeches of all time and are a pleasure to ride in, I bought them a few years ago and have worn them to death, from training at home to the show ring.

These classic style breeches give maximum comfort in the saddle and are nice enough to wear all day at a show, which can often be from 5 am to upwards of 7 pm or 8 pm.

They're more breathable than some of the fancier brands I have and they took a long time to show any signs of wear. The calf area is lycra so it stretches nicely and is not bulky underneath my tall boots or half-chaps.

I really didn't take very good care of these, they would be thrown straight from the washing machine into the dryer almost every time I washed them and they still look great.

For Horses Achille Breeches

Pros: Comfortable, durable, and breathable on those hot days, they look great both in and out of the show ring.

Cons: Not much to complain about, pockets may be a little on the small side, only just big enough for my phone.