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.
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.
These classic riding pants have also had a life in areas outside of the equestrian community. In the 20th century, many of Europe's armies adapted the pants as part of their uniforms. The same happened with police officers, particularly those who patrolled on motorcycle and horseback.
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.
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.
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.
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.
These classic riding pants have also had a life in areas outside of the equestrian community. In the 20th century, many of Europe's armies adapted the pants as part of their uniforms. The same happened with police officers, particularly those who patrolled on motorcycle and horseback.
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.
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.
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