Today jodhpurs are mainly worn for horseback riding, but throughout history they have been traditional oriental garb for men, part of military uniforms, and preferred wear for motorcycle police and Hollywood movie directors. They have even entered the world of high fashion now and then, depending on the whim of designers and the activities of high profile celebrities. Today they are worn for informal English-style riding, by child riders, and as formal show wear for Saddlebred competitions.
A jodhpur pant has always been tight-fitting from knee to ankle but flared or loose-fitting above the knee. This gave freedom of movement to the hip and thighs while helping a rider cling tightly with the legs. Modern stretch fabrics have caused the distinctive flare to be abandoned, and today's riding pants conform to the rider's shape from the waist down.
The distinctive pant spread to England in the late 19th century, when Sir Pratap Singh of Jodhpur brought his polo team over for the Queen's Jubilee and won many contests. The Indian team wore their traditional riding pants, which caught on with novelty-loving, trend-following English players. They came up with breeches, which had a flared hip but stopped at mid-calf and were worn with tall boots, rather than the low shoes worn in India.
The English adaptation became the norm for formal equestrian wear in England and then in the rest of the world, especially as women began to abandon the sidesaddle and ride astride. Perceived as upper-class wear, it became a symbol of military and police authority as well, being used in many uniforms. Hollywood movie directors liked to strut around in them, too.
True jodhpurs, with a long, tight leg and cuffed ankle, became wear for children and for more informal occasions. Instructors like the fact that leg position can't be hidden when paddock boots are worn instead of taller ones, and many strict people think no child should wear black boots and breeches. The longer pants are better for working around the barn, too.
Adults who wear them often add half-chaps or leggings for extra grip and protection when mounted. These zip up or lace to cover the lower leg; they have a strap that goes under the boot for a secure fit. They provide protection against the rub and pinch of the stirrup leathers.
Jodphur construction includes knee patches, which offer further chafe protection and improve the rider's grip. Many also have a seat patch of some non-slip material to help the rider stay in the saddle. Modern styles may have the seat and the entire inner leg covered with leather suede or another material. Seams are on the outside of the leg, to minimize rubbing and extend the life of the garment.
The most common colors for jodhpurs include beige, cream, and white, although saddle-seat riders wear flare-cuff styles in dark colors. Today, riding gear for casual wear comes in many colors, but competition generally calls for traditional beige or white. Go online to see styles, colors, and variations that follow the current fashions.
A jodhpur pant has always been tight-fitting from knee to ankle but flared or loose-fitting above the knee. This gave freedom of movement to the hip and thighs while helping a rider cling tightly with the legs. Modern stretch fabrics have caused the distinctive flare to be abandoned, and today's riding pants conform to the rider's shape from the waist down.
The distinctive pant spread to England in the late 19th century, when Sir Pratap Singh of Jodhpur brought his polo team over for the Queen's Jubilee and won many contests. The Indian team wore their traditional riding pants, which caught on with novelty-loving, trend-following English players. They came up with breeches, which had a flared hip but stopped at mid-calf and were worn with tall boots, rather than the low shoes worn in India.
The English adaptation became the norm for formal equestrian wear in England and then in the rest of the world, especially as women began to abandon the sidesaddle and ride astride. Perceived as upper-class wear, it became a symbol of military and police authority as well, being used in many uniforms. Hollywood movie directors liked to strut around in them, too.
True jodhpurs, with a long, tight leg and cuffed ankle, became wear for children and for more informal occasions. Instructors like the fact that leg position can't be hidden when paddock boots are worn instead of taller ones, and many strict people think no child should wear black boots and breeches. The longer pants are better for working around the barn, too.
Adults who wear them often add half-chaps or leggings for extra grip and protection when mounted. These zip up or lace to cover the lower leg; they have a strap that goes under the boot for a secure fit. They provide protection against the rub and pinch of the stirrup leathers.
Jodphur construction includes knee patches, which offer further chafe protection and improve the rider's grip. Many also have a seat patch of some non-slip material to help the rider stay in the saddle. Modern styles may have the seat and the entire inner leg covered with leather suede or another material. Seams are on the outside of the leg, to minimize rubbing and extend the life of the garment.
The most common colors for jodhpurs include beige, cream, and white, although saddle-seat riders wear flare-cuff styles in dark colors. Today, riding gear for casual wear comes in many colors, but competition generally calls for traditional beige or white. Go online to see styles, colors, and variations that follow the current fashions.
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