If you're a horseback rider, you're probably intimately familiar with jodhpurs. These pants have been a staple of horseback riding attire since the 1800s. Traditionally, they are flared at the top and then tightly fitted from the knee to the ankle. In addition to their functional use, these pants have also seen their day in the world of high fashion, especially in India. Read on to learn more about the evolution of these special pants.
The reason for the unique design of these pants is simple. The bottoms were fitted to prevent friction from causing discomfort while horseback riding. By contrast, the hip and thigh area needed to be loose to avoid restriction of movement while on your horse. However, because of new advancements in fabrics, some modern types are fitted tightly on the whole leg. All versions end in a fitted cuff and a strap that goes underneath the riding boot. In general, the design is the same whether they are worn on men or women.
The riding pants first came to the Western world in the 1800s, when a nobleman from India began wearing them to polo matches in England. This man was a son of a Maharaja, and his sporting attire reflected the style of the upper classes of his country. The look quickly caught on throughout Europe and spread to the United States.
Although these pants originally came only in beige and white, a rainbow of colors is available for purchase today. Some also have leather patches that serve to reinforce the fabric. While all early versions of this pants were made from cotton twill, today the fabric options for riding pants are endless. All versions typically have belt loops and two front pockets, with no hip pockets.
These classic riding pants have also had a life in areas outside of the equestrian community. In the 20th century, many of Europe's armies adapted the pants as part of their uniforms. The same happened with police officers, particularly those who patrolled on motorcycle and horseback.
Beyond their functional use, jodhpurs have been quite fashionable at certain times in history. In the 1920s, lauded women's wear designer Coco Chanel began featuring the style in her collections. They quickly became picked up by other major fashion designers as well; particularly Ralph Lauren, whose designs continue to have an equestrian influence to this day.
If you're a saddle seat rider, you might be familiar with Kentucky-style jodhpurs. In contrast to the tightly fitted leg, this version has a flared bottom that is designed to fit entirely over a riding boot. While many confuse these pants with breeches, they are actually slightly different, with most riders preferring either one or the other.
While jodhpurs as menswear in a formal setting has not caught on in the United States, they are a staple for black tie events in India. If you are truly daring, wearing a suit of this kind to your next formal event will truly make you stand out in the crowd. You can pair the pants with a matching shirt and sports coat, or, for a less formal look, with a crisp, button-down Oxford shirt.
The reason for the unique design of these pants is simple. The bottoms were fitted to prevent friction from causing discomfort while horseback riding. By contrast, the hip and thigh area needed to be loose to avoid restriction of movement while on your horse. However, because of new advancements in fabrics, some modern types are fitted tightly on the whole leg. All versions end in a fitted cuff and a strap that goes underneath the riding boot. In general, the design is the same whether they are worn on men or women.
The riding pants first came to the Western world in the 1800s, when a nobleman from India began wearing them to polo matches in England. This man was a son of a Maharaja, and his sporting attire reflected the style of the upper classes of his country. The look quickly caught on throughout Europe and spread to the United States.
Although these pants originally came only in beige and white, a rainbow of colors is available for purchase today. Some also have leather patches that serve to reinforce the fabric. While all early versions of this pants were made from cotton twill, today the fabric options for riding pants are endless. All versions typically have belt loops and two front pockets, with no hip pockets.
These classic riding pants have also had a life in areas outside of the equestrian community. In the 20th century, many of Europe's armies adapted the pants as part of their uniforms. The same happened with police officers, particularly those who patrolled on motorcycle and horseback.
Beyond their functional use, jodhpurs have been quite fashionable at certain times in history. In the 1920s, lauded women's wear designer Coco Chanel began featuring the style in her collections. They quickly became picked up by other major fashion designers as well; particularly Ralph Lauren, whose designs continue to have an equestrian influence to this day.
If you're a saddle seat rider, you might be familiar with Kentucky-style jodhpurs. In contrast to the tightly fitted leg, this version has a flared bottom that is designed to fit entirely over a riding boot. While many confuse these pants with breeches, they are actually slightly different, with most riders preferring either one or the other.
While jodhpurs as menswear in a formal setting has not caught on in the United States, they are a staple for black tie events in India. If you are truly daring, wearing a suit of this kind to your next formal event will truly make you stand out in the crowd. You can pair the pants with a matching shirt and sports coat, or, for a less formal look, with a crisp, button-down Oxford shirt.
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