The Breeches Guide

Hey guys! If you have followed me for a bit, you probably know I have a bit of a breeches obsession. Let’s just say I have more pairs then I can count on my fingers and toes, which is way more then an adult ammy like me needs. We all have our thing though, and breeches are mine. Ideally, this breeches guide would have had several different body types wearing the same breeches in order to comment on what brands fit what body types best. Unfortunately, it’s just me- sorry about that. Hopefully my comments on sizing will still help some people though!

To make this guide as helpful as possible I’ll share my measurements. I’m 5’11, 145 lbs, 33/34 inch inseam, 28 inch waist, and about 35 inches around the hips where a low rise breech would sit. I typically wear a 28 in breeches. Tailored Sportsman’s in a 28 are basically the perfect fit around the waist. For this guide I tried on one pair of most brands I own, and took notes about each pair as I went. I’ve never worn them all in one sitting before, and it definitely helped me target my likes and dislikes as I went along! The breeches are listed in no particular order, but I did try to start with some more common brands. I have several sort of random foreign brands, and although I realize commenting on those might not be that helpful, I went ahead and included some. You never know!

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PS of Sweden Charlie Breeches

  • Sz: 36
  • Price: $200
  • Rise: High
  • Fit: true to size
  • Bottoms: stretchy sock bottom
  • Length: Good length, could be a smidge longer for my long legs, but work well
  • Fabric: Light tech type fabric with great stretch. Slightly thicker and supportive wide wide waistband
  • Weight: Light weight, great for most conditions.
  • Overall rating: 9/10

LOVE these breeches from PS of Sweden. I think the wide and high-rise waist band is super flattering. I also love the faux pocket details on the bum, although that nixes them for showing, at least in the hunters. The knee grip has this super cute floral design that I love too. I do not love the price, but PSoS has some GREAT sales, and they were available in their after Christmas sale for $80 which was a total steal. The downside? They aren’t listed on their website right now. I have noticed their styles are very seasonal, so I am hoping they become available again because this is truly a great breech and I’m wearing mine like crazy!

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Botori Taylor Tights

  • Sz: Small tall
  • Price: $115
  • Rise: High
  • Fit: true to size
  • Bottoms: stretchy mesh material, same as on thigh pockets
  • Length: Great length! I love that they have a tall/long option. Perfect for tall riders.
  • Fabric: Super soft/silky and moisture wicking. Extremely comfortable!
  • Weight: Very lightweight, lighter then the Adlers, but still feel like they hold you in. Similar to a really high quality yoga legging.
  • Overall rating: 8/10

These riding tights have converted me into loving tights. The true high rise is sooo comfortable, as is the fabric. I can (and sometimes do) wear these all day. Sometimes I just wear them, not even to ride in! Only rated an 8/10 though because I just prefer a slightly more classic style with belt loops. Honestly those, these tights are incredible and you will LOVE them. I also have the Kate’s (very similar in fit) in white. If going for white I would suggest sizing up to a medium like I did. Photographed both tucked and untucked for reference.

 

 

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Botori Adler Breech Tights

  • Sz: Small
  • Price: $145
  • Rise: Mid/high
  • Fit: true to size
  • Bottoms: same stretchy material as the rest of the breeches
  • Length: Great length, material is very stretchy so it definitely could work for a variety of lengths. They also offer petite sizes in some styles with 2 inches less length.
  • Fabric: soft and stretchy, think compression type fit. Also provides UPF 50+ sun protection
  • Weight: light weight, but the fabric is supportive. Not too thin like one might think with tights.
  • Overall rating: 9/10

 

I am obsessed with these Botori breech tights. They have deep thigh pockets on both legs, and I find myself being really annoyed when I wear breeches without pockets now. They are just so dang convenient! These are the COMFIEST breeches I could imagine. The colors offered are all spot on- I have 4 pairs now!! Why not a perfect 10 rating? I wish the price was a little less, although they do have killer sales. I also can’t show in them in the super traditional hunter world, or at least not until thigh pockets are accepted in the show ring. But honesty, these are the perfect schooling breech and I absolutely live in mine. 10/10 rating for schooling when considering comfort, functionality, and style!

 

 

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Tailored Sportsman’s: Side Zip Trophy Hunter

  • Sz: 28L
  • Price: $195
  • Rise: Mid rise, side zip
  • Fit: true to size
  • Bottoms: velcro
  • Length: Not the longest, but probably long enough for most tall riders. The knee patches hit appropriately, but I would love a bit more length in the calf.
  • Fabric: I think almost everyone knows what TS breeches feel like, but I would describe them as a performance cotton with good stretch and support.
  • Weight: Mid/light weight fabric
  • Overall rating: 7.5/10

TS are a pretty good fit on me. I have all different colors, and I always know they will fit. I don’t LOVE them, but they are a solid option for my body type. I wish the rise was a smidge higher, and generally prefer the more technical fabrics these days.

 

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Romfh Sarafinas

  • Sz: 28L
  • Price: $195
  • Rise: Mid rise, a little higher then TS mid rise
  • Fit: Runs a little lose. I put them in the dryer to get them a bit more snug. Consider sizing down if you run on the smaller side of whatever size you are.
  • Bottoms: soft sock bottoms
  • Length: Nice and long, definitely some of my longest breeches
  • Fabric: Technical stretch fabric. One downside, it seems to get tiny snags sometimes that cause tiny pills. I hate to say it, but I don’t think these wear quite as well as TS breeches do. I reserve this pair for showing these days.
  • Weight: Mid weight fabric. Slightly heavier then TS.
  • Overall rating: 8/10

I prefer the feel of the Romfh fabric to TS, and I think the slightly higher rise is a little more flattering. The length is great for me, although they are a bit loose around the knees/calf area. I do find them very comfy, and have a navy pair that I practically live in for schooling. I would really really love them if the price point was more like $150. These used to be had for $170, but like most things, the price has gone up.

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Smartpak Hadleys

  • Sz: 28L
  • Price: $130
  • Rise: Mid rise
  • Fit: Definitely runs snug. Consider sizing up.
  • Bottoms: soft sock bottoms
  • Length: The long length is still really not long enough for me, notice where the knee patches hit me, they barely comes to my actual knees.
  • Fabric: Technical stretch fabric, very supportive feeling.
  • Weight: Mid weight fabric
  • Overall rating: 6/10

I probably wouldn’t buy these again because the length doesn’t really work for me, but if I were to, I would size up. I might like them more then. I kind of feel like a sausage in them because they are so snug. The fabric is ok for the price point. They have deep back pockets that kind of bunch on my butt. Not sure what I would keep in those pockets when riding, but they would hold a phone when working around the barn. Not bad at all for the price, just don’t really work for me.

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Kerrits Affinity Ice Fill

  • Sz: Medium
  • Price: $140
  • Rise: Mid rise
  • Fit: Sizing for Kerrits is a bit weird. My waist size (28) fits their size chart for a medium, but it also says a medium is a sz 8/10, and I wear 4/6 in street clothes, so I’d go by your waist size on the chart. A Medium is a great fit on me, with some room to spare. I think a sz small would be pretty tight on me. I’d say a medium equates to a 28/30 sz breech.
  • Bottoms: soft sock mesh bottoms. They are tad tight when pulling over my feet/ankle area, but fine once on.
  • Length: Good length! Definitely one of my longer pairs.
  • Fabric: technical stretch fabric
  • Weight: Light weight fabric. Definitely ideal for warmer weather.
  • Overall rating: 8/10

If you can snag these on sale, they are a really great value. They have a very comfy wide waist band, and I find the mid rise on them to be very flattering. They are especially great for someone who lives in a hotter climate. I tend to gravitate towards these a lot. I would probably rate these higher, but I have noticed the tiny silicone carrots on the knee patches starting to show some wear after about a year of use. Some are peeling off slightly. I also would love more functional pockets, these are pretty narrow and don’t really fit a phone.

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Sarm Hippique

  • Sz: US 34
  • Price: $300? I can’t find many places that still sell these in the US. I got them on sale a couple years ago, but I think they used to retail around $300-350. I can find them now on some European tack sites in the $180-200 range.
  • Rise: Low-mid rise
  • Fit: Since the tag says US 34 I would say these run really small. They are a bit loose on me, so I’d say I’m probably more accurately a 32 in this brand.
  • Bottoms: soft sock bottoms
  • Length: An ok length, especially because they aren’t tagged as longs
  • Fabric: Very soft technical stretch fabric
  • Weight: Light weight
  • Overall rating: 8.5/10

These breeches are SO SOFT and nice feeling. The Italians really know what they are doing with fabric. They are a bit loose on me, but I got them on sale and I actually love the fit. I could wear them all day. I like the metallic silver stitching and always get compliments on them. I wouldn’t pay full price, but they were a steal when I got them. Too bad they don’t seem readily available in the US these days.

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Smartpak Knit Pipers

  • Sz: 26L
  • Price: $80
  • Rise: Mid/high rise (although they also have low rise versions)
  • Fit: Runs big, I sized down
  • Bottoms: soft sock bottoms
  • Length: Great length! Maybe one of my longest pairs.
  • Fabric: VERY soft cotton blend fabric. Like, cozy leggings soft. So soft they don’t feel like you should ride in them. I could wear these to bed.
  • Weight: Mid weight
  • Overall rating: 8/10

Ok, so these are SUPER comfy and actually fit me great. Plus, they are a great price, especially if you shop a sale. So why aren’t they rated higher? They are legit so soft that I feel kind of naked in them LOL. I mean, they don’t look bad or anything, they are just way too soft, it feels weird to ride in them! They are definitely more of a medium weight and I tend to wear them in the colder months when I want to feel really cozy. I definitely wouldn’t hesitate to pick up another pair in a dark color (so I feel more covered!) during a sale. I could do yoga in these. The mid/high rise is really flattering too IMO. I don’t know how they hold up, because I haven’t worn them very much if I’m being honest, since the color is a bit in your face.

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Horze Angelinas

  • Sz: 28
  • Price: $130
  • Rise: High rise
  • Fit: True to size
  • Bottoms: soft sock mesh bottoms
  • Length: Good length, definitely works for my long legs even though they aren’t tagged as “longs”. Might be super long on a shorter frame though.
  • Fabric: Quick dry, stretchy technical fabric
  • Weight: Light weight
  • Overall rating: 8.5/10

I am really digging the Horze breeches. Light weight and a comfy and technical fabric, they are a really great value when you shop sales. Just overall super comfortable, and I feel good in them. I really like the higher rise on my body type, and I feel super slim in them. I rated them higher then the Romfhs because the price is just so much better, especially when on sale.

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Horze Melodys

  • Sz: 28
  • Price: $130 at  Equinavia 
  • Rise: Mid/high rise
  • Fit: Runs a little large, I probably could have sized down
  • Bottoms: soft sock bottoms
  • Length: Great length, but again would be pretty long on a shorter person
  • Fabric: Quick dry, stretchy technical fabric
  • Weight: Light weight
  • Overall rating: 8/10

Again, I love the sale price point. These rated a tiny bit lower because they don’t come in a knee patch style. I honestly don’t mind though, as the silicone isn’t too grippy. Although they are also billed as a high rise like the Angelinas, these aren’t AS high, so would be a good option for those wanting more coverage but not a full on high rise. Overall though, just a really solid breech for the price point and I quite enjoy them. Definitely a great option for every day schooling, and there are several color options. If you want a more traditional low/mid rise breech, try the Grand Prix style. They are too low rise for me, but I know others who love them.

Breeches Guide

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Tailored Sportsman’s: Front Zip Trophy Hunters

  • Sz: 28L
  • Price: $195
  • Rise: Mid rise
  • Fit: True to size
  • Bottoms: velcro
  • Length: Good length, but could be a smidge longer. Same as the side-zip option.
  • Fabric: Performance cotton with good stretch and support
  • Weight: Mid/light weight fabric
  • Overall rating: 7.5/10

I have like… 7 or 8 colors that I’ve collected over the years. TS used to be my go-to for a nice fitting, quality breech. BUT, there are just so many other companies now that offer comparable, or an even better fit for a lower price point. I find myself tugging these up a lot. I’d love a slightly higher rise. I highly doubt I will ever buy another pair of TS, because I just don’t think they are worth the price. I do wear the ones I have quite a bit, because I have so many, and I love all the colors.Breeches Guide

Breeches Guide

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QJ Riding Wear 

  • Sz: Ladies 14
  • Price: $150? I can’t find this exact model because they are a few years old and I got them secondhand.
  • Rise: low rise
  • Fit: SMALL. The Australian size chart says a 14 is 39.5-40 cms side to side waist measurement when the breeches are laying flat. If you double that, and convert it to inches, that’s a 31.5. In the US we are used to buying clothes that are marked our natural waist size (the smallest part of your waist). I’d assume a sz 31.5 would be big on me, but these are SNUG as hell. Definitely my skinny breeches.
  • Bottoms: soft sock bottoms
  • Length: Pretty good length since they aren’t marked as longs, but the knee patches just barely hit my actual knees.
  • Fabric: Quick dry technical fabric
  • Weight: Light weight fabric
  • Overall rating: 7/10

I absolutely love the color and styling on these breeches. So fun for schooling. If they fit better I’d probably really like them, although I’d want a slightly higher rise. The price point is pretty good too, but they aren’t accessible in the US. From what I can tell, you have to buy from Australia, which makes sizing super tricky. I’ll definitely hang on to them and wear them sometimes, but wouldn’t seek them out to buy more.

Breeches Guide

Breeches Guide

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Vestrum Syracuse 

  • Sz: 42
  • Price: $375
  • Rise: Mid/high rise
  • Fit: True to size if you are a 28. I can’t find a size chart, so not sure what size an Italian 42 is actually supposed to translate to.
  • Bottoms: soft sock bottoms
  • Length: They don’t offer longs, but the length is manageable, I wish they were a tad longer, but they do fit as they are.
  • Fabric: Very soft stretch fabric. Different from other brands in that they are softer and silkier the TS, but still supportive. They don’t have a cotton feel, or that technical fabric feel. Definitely a unique fabric type.
  • Weight: Mid weight fabric
  • Overall rating: 9/10

I don’t want to love these due to the price point, but I do love them. The rise is perfect, I find them SO flattering. The Italians just absolutely nail it when it comes to fabric. These are so soft, but also a perfect mid weight to cover small imperfections (think cellulite). Even folded up on my shelf for months, they have zero wrinkles. I noticed my Romfhs looked pretty wrinkley, where as these looked straight from the dry cleaners (just as a saying, they are machine washable). I got so many compliments when I showed in them. They have this plum color I am absolutely lusting over. Will I buy more? No, the price point is just too high to have multiple pairs. Will I buy more if I ever find them on sale? You betcha!

Breeches Guide

Breeches Guide

 

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Kingsland

  • Sz: 38
  • Price: $200
  • Rise: Low rise
  • Fit: Runs large, a 38 is supposedly a US 26 but these are lose on me. I’d say they fit a US 30.
  • Bottoms: Stretch panel bottoms
  • Length: Again, no long size, but they are plenty long
  • Fabric: Stretchy schoeller fabric
  • Weight: Mid weight fabric
  • Overall rating: 7/10

I almost didn’t include these, because I don’t think they still make this exact model. Equizone has a pretty similar model though. I really dislike the low rise on these, so they didn’t rate too high. I decided to include them though because I don’t think many people in the US know about this brand, and I am actually a big fan, especially of their outerwear. If you get a chance to try them for a good price, I wouldn’t hesitate. Sometimes horse show vendors carry Kingsland, so take a peak if you see them.

Breeches Guide

Breeches Guide

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Elation Platinum Chelsea

  • Sz: 30
  • Price: $123 but often on sale at Greenhawk 
  • Rise: low rise
  • Fit: Runs small. The 30 is a tad loose on me, but I think the 28 would be really tight, and I’d rather use a belt versus having a muffin top.
  • Bottoms: Stretch panel bottoms
  • Length: Long sizes not available, they definitely could be longer on me.
  • Fabric: Stretchy cotton fabric. These are supposed to be dupes for TS, but the fabric isn’t exactly the same.
  • Weight: Mid/light weight fabric
  • Overall rating: 6/10.

If you want the Tailored look but not the price, these are a great option, especially if you are on the shorter side. I don’t LOVE the fabric, it’s not as good as TS, but again, they are a much better price. I don’t love the way I look in low rise now that I’m in my 30s, and really wish these came in a mid rise version. Between the rise, and lack of a long length, these just aren’t my ideal breeches. They are very cute though, and I’ll still school in them.

Breeches Guide

Breeches Guide

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5 comments

  1. My TS midrise breeches go over my belly button! I’m surprised yours are so low. I’m always annoyed bc the midrise come in far fewer fun colors than their regular low rise, but TS are my favorites by far of all the brands I’ve tried. I avoid even trying the super expensive brands bc I don’t want to like them!

    1. Too funny how height and build can make such a difference in the rise! You are very smart to stay away from pricey brands. I’ll try them when I find a sale and then get addicted 😂

  2. Sarafinas are definitely some of my favorites – minus the price. They are one of the few brands that don’t go up to my bra and aren’t too long. I also love Ovation Aqua X which shocked me but the price is unbeatable.

    I have some horze grand prix that I would love if they weren’t so long. They just don’t fit me quite right which stinks bc the material is great.

    I am tempted by the stevie pants but worry they will be too cottony feeling versus the tech type I prefer. Thx for sharing this!

  3. I also have a bit of an obsession with breeches. Luckily I’m an eventer, so I can get away with fun colors and details! My favorite pair that I’ve found recently are the Lemiuex Freyas. Perfect length for my tall frame, high rise with thick and supportive waistband, and super sticky silicone seat which comes in handy on xc! I wish they made them in white so I could get a pair for dressage too.

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