Jodhpurs Provide Support And Comfort For Equestrians

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.

The reason for the unique design of these pants is simple. The bottoms were fitted to prevent friction from causing discomfort while horseback riding. By contrast, the hip and thigh area needed to be loose to avoid restriction of movement while on your horse. However, because of new advancements in fabrics, some modern types are fitted tightly on the whole leg. All versions end in a fitted cuff and a strap that goes underneath the riding boot. In general, the design is the same whether they are worn on men or women.

This style of pants originates from India, where they were first known as the Churidar. In the 1800s, a son of the Maharaja of Jodhpur began wearing the pants during polo matches in Europe. The fashion caught on, and the United Kingdom was soon full of both polo players and casual riders who adapted this pants style.

Varying significantly in look and feel from the original style, today's pants come in a range of colors and fabrics. Traditionally, only cotton twill in beige or white was used. Leather fabric on certain areas of the pants, particularly, on the seat, is a functional style that is meant to keep the trousers from wearing out quickly.

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.

If you're a saddle seat rider, you might be familiar with Kentucky-style jodhpurs. In contrast to the tightly fitted leg, this version has a flared bottom that is designed to fit entirely over a riding boot. While many confuse these pants with breeches, they are actually slightly different, with most riders preferring either one or the other.

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.




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