Jodhpurs are a special kind of pants that are worn for horseback riding. These trousers are tight fitting throughout the whole leg and cuffed at the ankle, though an earlier version of the pant was flared from waist to knee and tight from knee to ankle. While they are primarily used for sporting, they are also a popular form of menswear in India to this day. Read on to learn more about the history, origins, and use of jodhpurs.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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