Find Your Perfect Fit: A Guide to Measuring Pants for Equestrian Riders
Finding new equestrian pants can be overwhelming. You have to think about many factors, such as the cut, the color, the material, and the type of riding pants. Once you choose a style that suits you, you need to figure out the right size.
It can be hard to get the perfect fit for riding pants. You may be trying a different brand, or your usual size may not work for you. Like any other clothing item, you may have to try several options before you find one that feels good. If you can’t go to a physical store to try them on, or if you like to shop online, here is a useful guide to help you find the best fit for riding breeches on the web.
Learn how to measure your waist, hip, and inseam for different styles of riding pants, and discover the best brands and sizes for your body type. Whether you need breeches, jodhpurs, or tights, this guide will help you find your ideal fit and comfort in the saddle.
How to size your riding pants properly
- Waist : Wrap a measuring tape around the smallest part of your waist.
- Hip: Standing with feet hid-width apart, wrap the measuring tape around the widest part of your hips.
- Inseam: Standing with straight legs, measure the inside length of your leg from the groin to the ankle bone.
- Rise: The distance between the crotch seam to the top of the waist band. This determines where your riding pants will sit on your body.
Frequently Asked Questions for Sizing/Facts about sizing
- Low-rise (5-7 inches): These pants sit below the natural waistline and are popular among younger riders and those who prefer a more modern look. They may require a belt to keep in place and prevent sliding down.
- Mid-rise (7-9 inches): These pants sit slightly below the natural waistline and are comfortable and flattering for most body types. They offer more coverage and support than low-rise pants and can be worn with or without a belt.
- High-rise (9+ inches, to the belly button or higher): These pants sit at or above the natural waistline and are preferred by some riders who want more stability and control. They also help to create a smooth silhouette and prevent spilling over the waistline. However, they may feel too tight or restrictive for some riders.
- Pull-on: These pants have an elastic waistband that makes them easy to slip on and off. They do not have any buttons, hooks, or zippers that may cause discomfort or irritation.
- How often should I replace my riding pants? There is no definitive answer to how often you should replace your riding pants, as it depends on how frequently and intensely you use them, how well you care for them, and how satisfied you are with them. Some signs that you may need to replace your riding pants are: they are too loose, worn out, too short, torn, and or uncomfortable to name a few.
- What are the benefits of wearing riding pants instead of regular pants? Riding pants are specially designed to provide comfort, protection, and performance for riders. Some of the benefits of wearing riding pants instead of regular pants are: stretchy and breathable material, protection, cushioning on the saddle, prevent bunching up, and more practical to name a few.
You go your new equestrian pants! Now what?
Make sure your riding pants fit well right after you get them. For instance, verify that the pants are not too loose at the waist and the patches on the knee are aligned with your knee joint and not your leg.
- Try Them On: Put on the breeches and fasten them securely. Stand up and move around to get a feel for how they fit.
- Range of Motion: Perform various movements such as bending, squatting, and stretching to ensure the breeches allow for a full range of motion without feeling restrictive.
- Comfort: Pay attention to how the breeches feel against your skin. They should be snug but not overly tight, with no areas of rubbing or discomfort.
- Waistband: Check that the waistband sits comfortably around your waist without digging in or sliding down. You should be able to insert two fingers between the waistband and your skin.
