Ladies jodhpurs, which are ankle-length riding pants, have changed a lot in the last twenty years. These pants, which used to be modeled on a traditional Indian design that flared at the sides and clung tightly to the calf, are now as formfitting as breeches.
The British brought the design of jodhpurs back from India, where it soon became part of military uniforms, polo wear, and acceptable garb for the hunt field when 'Ratcatcher' or informal tweeds were worn. The daring ladies who rode astride had tan or beige jodhpurs and short brown boots.
Breeches extend to just below the knee and are meant to be worn with boots that come to the knee. They also were once flared, although not so much as early jodhpurs. Jodhpurs then and now have a cuff at the ankle and are still worn with paddock boots or the new riding sneakers. They may have a 'stirrup strap' that passes under the instep, worn either inside or outside the boot, to keep them from riding up along the leg from friction against the saddle.
Knee patches of a rough material are used to help the rider grip the saddle securely, and this traditional feature has been retained in the newer styles. However, many riders prefer to have both the seat and legs lined with clingy cloth or suede. The old hip flare is gone completely, as designers have taken advantage of the new stretch materials to create form-fitting fashions.
The new fabrics - blends of natural fiber with a small percentage of Lycra or other elastic material - allow a free range of movement even though the pants are tight fitting. The fabrics are easy care, with older leather knee patches often replaced by washable fabric ones. Seams go on the outside of the leg and are reinforced at all stress points.
Jodhpurs, once strictly functional and proper, now have sex appeal. If the mere fact that they hug every curve is not enough, there are ones with brightly contrasting colors, wild seat patches, and stripes down the leg. Designers make their fashionable lines and even put their name on here or there. Even full-figured ladies sally forth in skin-tight riding gear that fits like a glove.
Shopping online gives such a wide choice that it is almost confusing. Once you pick your favorite color, you need to decide if you want a lightweight fabric that breathes to keep you cool or one with a brushed lining for warmth. You can choose the kind of waist band, get a lower leg zip so putting on boots is easy, decide if knee patches should be short or long, and decide to advertise the maker or be generic.
Ladies jodhpurs might have lost some of their romantic tradition (foreign legionnaires in flared uniforms and swarthy Bedouins in flowing white trousers) but they are certainly making a modern statement. Ordering online is done with waist and inseam measurements to get the correct fit.
The British brought the design of jodhpurs back from India, where it soon became part of military uniforms, polo wear, and acceptable garb for the hunt field when 'Ratcatcher' or informal tweeds were worn. The daring ladies who rode astride had tan or beige jodhpurs and short brown boots.
Breeches extend to just below the knee and are meant to be worn with boots that come to the knee. They also were once flared, although not so much as early jodhpurs. Jodhpurs then and now have a cuff at the ankle and are still worn with paddock boots or the new riding sneakers. They may have a 'stirrup strap' that passes under the instep, worn either inside or outside the boot, to keep them from riding up along the leg from friction against the saddle.
Knee patches of a rough material are used to help the rider grip the saddle securely, and this traditional feature has been retained in the newer styles. However, many riders prefer to have both the seat and legs lined with clingy cloth or suede. The old hip flare is gone completely, as designers have taken advantage of the new stretch materials to create form-fitting fashions.
The new fabrics - blends of natural fiber with a small percentage of Lycra or other elastic material - allow a free range of movement even though the pants are tight fitting. The fabrics are easy care, with older leather knee patches often replaced by washable fabric ones. Seams go on the outside of the leg and are reinforced at all stress points.
Jodhpurs, once strictly functional and proper, now have sex appeal. If the mere fact that they hug every curve is not enough, there are ones with brightly contrasting colors, wild seat patches, and stripes down the leg. Designers make their fashionable lines and even put their name on here or there. Even full-figured ladies sally forth in skin-tight riding gear that fits like a glove.
Shopping online gives such a wide choice that it is almost confusing. Once you pick your favorite color, you need to decide if you want a lightweight fabric that breathes to keep you cool or one with a brushed lining for warmth. You can choose the kind of waist band, get a lower leg zip so putting on boots is easy, decide if knee patches should be short or long, and decide to advertise the maker or be generic.
Ladies jodhpurs might have lost some of their romantic tradition (foreign legionnaires in flared uniforms and swarthy Bedouins in flowing white trousers) but they are certainly making a modern statement. Ordering online is done with waist and inseam measurements to get the correct fit.
About the Author:
Jodphurs are ankle length riding pants. The Jodphurs we have are seriously stylish, yet nice to wear at the same time. It is something you should try out.
