If you're a horseback rider, you're probably intimately familiar with jodhpurs. These pants have been a staple of horseback riding attire since the 1800s. Traditionally, they are flared at the top and then tightly fitted from the knee to the ankle. In addition to their functional use, these pants have also seen their day in the world of high fashion, especially in India. Read on to learn more about the evolution of these special pants.
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.
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.
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.
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.
For riders who use the saddle seat style, a different type of jodhpurs is popular. The variation, called Kentucky-style, is longer than the traditional pant and has a flared bottom that fits over boots. Many people confuse jodhpurs for breeches, which are a different type of riding pants. Breeches include buttons or laces along the last 5-6 inches of the pant leg that are designed as a mechanism to fasten the pants directly to riding boots.
In India, jodhpurs live on in the fashion world. In fact, they are a staple of menswear in that country, particularly for formal events like weddings. If you're a trendsetter, you may want to try adopting this look here in the States by pairing the pants with an Oxford shirt and matching jacket. Try your local equestrian store, or order a pair online. A caution, though; you may need to have the pants tailored to ensure they fit you properly, especially if you don't try on before buying.
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.
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.
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.
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.
For riders who use the saddle seat style, a different type of jodhpurs is popular. The variation, called Kentucky-style, is longer than the traditional pant and has a flared bottom that fits over boots. Many people confuse jodhpurs for breeches, which are a different type of riding pants. Breeches include buttons or laces along the last 5-6 inches of the pant leg that are designed as a mechanism to fasten the pants directly to riding boots.
In India, jodhpurs live on in the fashion world. In fact, they are a staple of menswear in that country, particularly for formal events like weddings. If you're a trendsetter, you may want to try adopting this look here in the States by pairing the pants with an Oxford shirt and matching jacket. Try your local equestrian store, or order a pair online. A caution, though; you may need to have the pants tailored to ensure they fit you properly, especially if you don't try on before buying.
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