Jodhpurs: From Function To Fashion

By Katrina Wheeler


Jodhpurs are a special kind of pants that are worn for horseback riding. These trousers are tight fitting throughout the whole leg and cuffed at the ankle, though an earlier version of the pant was flared from waist to knee and tight from knee to ankle. While they are primarily used for sporting, they are also a popular form of menswear in India to this day. Read on to learn more about the history, origins, and use of jodhpurs.

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 name jodhpur comes from a traditional type of Indian pants known as the Churidar. Originating in Northern India, they were popularized in Northern England by a son of the Maharaja of Jodhpur. An avid polo player, he sported the pants during matches in the United Kingdom, and the style spread like wildfire throughout Europe.

While traditional jodhpurs were either beige or white, today they come in a variety of colors. Many have leather patches to reinforce the fabric so it doesn't become worn through riding. The pants are usually paired with a short riding boot, also known as a jodhpur. While cotton twill was the classic fabric for these pants, today they are made from a variety of materials. Today's versions usually have a french front and two front pockets, but no hip pockets.

Jodhpurs quickly spread beyond the equestrian community to become a staple of official uniforms. By the early 20th century, they were also worn by military forces in Europe as well as by many police officers on that continent.

In the 1920s, these pants became popular off the saddle when designer Coco Chanel began featuring them in her collections. Since that time, many designers have incorporated an equestrian flair into their collections, most notably Ralph Lauren. However, it is difficult to find fashion jodhpurs in the Western world, so many aficionados order them online from India.

Another variation on the pants, Kentucky-style, is long with a flared bell-bottom that is designed to fit over a boot. This variation is used specifically for saddle seat riding.

If you are going to a formal event and want to stand out, jodhpurs are a unique choice for the fashionable male. Try pairing them with a matching shirt and sports coat, or with a simple button down for a more casual event. This style, which is a staple of Indian menswear, is bound to get you noticed. While it can be difficult to find this style in a store in the United States, you can easily order them online.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment