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.
Jodhpurs have a very distinctive look, billowing from the waist to the knees and then fitted tightly from the knees to the ankles, ending in a tight cuff. The flared portion is designed to allow for comfort and free movement while riding, while the tighter fabric serves to protect the rider's skin from friction. However, some modern jodhpurs are fitted throughout, since modern fabrics are much more breathable and flexible than the traditional cotton twill once used.
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.
During the early 20th century, much of the European military force adopted the jodhpur as part of an official uniform. From there, they spread to the police forces of many jurisdictions, especially those men who rode motorcycles.
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.
For riders who use the saddle seat style, a different type of jodhpurs is popular. The variation, called Kentucky-style, is longer than the traditional pant and has a flared bottom that fits over boots. Many people confuse jodhpurs for breeches, which are a different type of riding pants. Breeches include buttons or laces along the last 5-6 inches of the pant leg that are designed as a mechanism to fasten the pants directly to riding boots.
In India, jodhpurs live on in the fashion world. In fact, they are a staple of menswear in that country, particularly for formal events like weddings. If you're a trendsetter, you may want to try adopting this look here in the States by pairing the pants with an Oxford shirt and matching jacket. Try your local equestrian store, or order a pair online. A caution, though; you may need to have the pants tailored to ensure they fit you properly, especially if you don't try on before buying.
Jodhpurs have a very distinctive look, billowing from the waist to the knees and then fitted tightly from the knees to the ankles, ending in a tight cuff. The flared portion is designed to allow for comfort and free movement while riding, while the tighter fabric serves to protect the rider's skin from friction. However, some modern jodhpurs are fitted throughout, since modern fabrics are much more breathable and flexible than the traditional cotton twill once used.
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.
During the early 20th century, much of the European military force adopted the jodhpur as part of an official uniform. From there, they spread to the police forces of many jurisdictions, especially those men who rode motorcycles.
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.
For riders who use the saddle seat style, a different type of jodhpurs is popular. The variation, called Kentucky-style, is longer than the traditional pant and has a flared bottom that fits over boots. Many people confuse jodhpurs for breeches, which are a different type of riding pants. Breeches include buttons or laces along the last 5-6 inches of the pant leg that are designed as a mechanism to fasten the pants directly to riding boots.
In India, jodhpurs live on in the fashion world. In fact, they are a staple of menswear in that country, particularly for formal events like weddings. If you're a trendsetter, you may want to try adopting this look here in the States by pairing the pants with an Oxford shirt and matching jacket. Try your local equestrian store, or order a pair online. A caution, though; you may need to have the pants tailored to ensure they fit you properly, especially if you don't try on before buying.
About the Author:
Discover an incredible selection of jodhpurs by touring our web pages at www.countryandstable.co.uk/ now. To access our online catalog of equestrian clothing and riding gear, use the links at http://www.countryandstable.co.uk today
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