For horseback riders, attire is very important, whether you're just practicing or you're appearing in a competition. For most equestrians, jodhpurs are the pants of choice when riding their horses. These pants are meant to be comfortable and durable, and date back to the early 1800s in the Western World. This style actually came from India and is named for the area there where it originated. Read on to learn more about where these pants came from and how they are used today.
The purpose of these pants was to prevent friction on the lower leg when horseback riding, while billowing at the top to allow for free movement of the thighs and hips. Today, however, flexible fabrics allow pants to be fitted throughout and still serve the same function, so many modern jodhpurs are worn tight to the entire leg. Both versions have a fitted cuff at the bottom that attaches to a strap designed to go under the foot. They are also one of the rare pieces of sportswear that are the same for both women and men.
The riding pants first came to the Western world in the 1800s, when a nobleman from India began wearing them to polo matches in England. This man was a son of a Maharaja, and his sporting attire reflected the style of the upper classes of his country. The look quickly caught on throughout Europe and spread to the United States.
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.
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.
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.
The purpose of these pants was to prevent friction on the lower leg when horseback riding, while billowing at the top to allow for free movement of the thighs and hips. Today, however, flexible fabrics allow pants to be fitted throughout and still serve the same function, so many modern jodhpurs are worn tight to the entire leg. Both versions have a fitted cuff at the bottom that attaches to a strap designed to go under the foot. They are also one of the rare pieces of sportswear that are the same for both women and men.
The riding pants first came to the Western world in the 1800s, when a nobleman from India began wearing them to polo matches in England. This man was a son of a Maharaja, and his sporting attire reflected the style of the upper classes of his country. The look quickly caught on throughout Europe and spread to the United States.
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.
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.
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.
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