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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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