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 name jodhpur comes from a traditional type of Indian pants known as the Churidar. Originating in Northern India, they were popularized in Northern England by a son of the Maharaja of Jodhpur. An avid polo player, he sported the pants during matches in the United Kingdom, and the style spread like wildfire throughout Europe.
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.
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.
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.
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.
While jodhpurs as menswear in a formal setting has not caught on in the United States, they are a staple for black tie events in India. If you are truly daring, wearing a suit of this kind to your next formal event will truly make you stand out in the crowd. You can pair the pants with a matching shirt and sports coat, or, for a less formal look, with a crisp, button-down Oxford shirt.
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 name jodhpur comes from a traditional type of Indian pants known as the Churidar. Originating in Northern India, they were popularized in Northern England by a son of the Maharaja of Jodhpur. An avid polo player, he sported the pants during matches in the United Kingdom, and the style spread like wildfire throughout Europe.
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.
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.
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.
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.
While jodhpurs as menswear in a formal setting has not caught on in the United States, they are a staple for black tie events in India. If you are truly daring, wearing a suit of this kind to your next formal event will truly make you stand out in the crowd. You can pair the pants with a matching shirt and sports coat, or, for a less formal look, with a crisp, button-down Oxford shirt.
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