Every Thing That You Need to Know about Breeches and Tights

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Despite the reputation of horseback riding as traditional, modern riding tights and breeches are anything but outdated. They're both available in a wide range of colors, fabrics, and styles, and it's hard to tell them apart, let alone decide which is best for you.

Are tights and breeches the same thing? Could silicone patches, leather patches, and faux leather patches be used? How do two-way stretches and four-way stretches work? Isn't everyone just wearing jeans these days?

Throughout this article, we'll explain the differences and examine the options available to you so you can pick the best Riding Breeches or tights for you. Riding apparel is best suited to your needs based on what best suits your riding style.

Let's start by defining what breeches and tights are. One is becoming increasingly similar to the other as textile technology advances! Nevertheless, they differ in several key ways.

Breeches

Initial cavalry uniforms included breeches which were made of heavy twill, a fabric that is hard to tear and conceals stains well. The clothing doesn't breathe, isn't very comfortable, and doesn't stretch very much.

On early breeches, leather patch reinforcement was applied to the inside of the knee to prevent wear from long periods spent in the saddle. Real leather patches that didn't stretch at all were used for these patches.

In the past century, even the worst modern breaches have become more comfortable than those of the past. Despite a lot of change, some things remain the same: Breeches are still made of thick, sturdy fabric, so they can stand up for long periods of riding. Most of the time, breaches have zip flys, but some designers experiment with mock flys (called pull-on breeches) and side zips. Pockets may be present, but they are usually small and not always very practical.

Similar to tights, breeches also come with knee patches or full seats. Knee patches are most popular among the hunter/jumper world, while full seats are more common among eventers and dressage riders.

Riding Tights

Although relatively new to horseback riding, tights have become increasingly popular. And with good reason - tights are a much more practical (and stylish) alternative to breeches.

These riding tights feature some of the most advanced and innovative technical fabrics on the market, styled like your favorite yoga pants. Like breeches, tights are available in knee patches or full seats. Stretchy fabrics are very comfortable and flexible, but also breathe exceptionally well, so you stay cool while riding.

If you want to stand out, riding tights are for you! They aren't bound by the same tradition as breeches, which usually come in olive green or black. They come in a wide array of colors and prints. You can find riding tights in white or beige, as well as neon, blue, leopard print, and many more.

Knee Patches & Full Seats

Knee patches made of synthetic leather, such as ALOS or Clarion, are soft and stretchy and do not require special care (drying them is not recommended). 

The silicone knee and seat patches have become a huge trend for both breeches and tights. Fabric patches are being replaced by silicone patches instead of sewn-in synthetic leather patches. Unlike traditional leather patches, silicone-covered fabrics are much lighter and don't have thick seams.

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