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.
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.
Jodhpurs quickly spread beyond the equestrian community to become a staple of official uniforms. By the early 20th century, they were also worn by military forces in Europe as well as by many police officers on that continent.
Designers like Coco Chanel and Ralph Lauren also began incorporating these pants into their high fashion collections. While the height of this style was in the 1920s, Lauren in particular is still known for producing equestrian-inspired styles. And in India, these pants are a staple of evening and formal wear for fashionable men.
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.
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.
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.
Jodhpurs quickly spread beyond the equestrian community to become a staple of official uniforms. By the early 20th century, they were also worn by military forces in Europe as well as by many police officers on that continent.
Designers like Coco Chanel and Ralph Lauren also began incorporating these pants into their high fashion collections. While the height of this style was in the 1920s, Lauren in particular is still known for producing equestrian-inspired styles. And in India, these pants are a staple of evening and formal wear for fashionable men.
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.
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.
About the Author:
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