Competition breeches

[Mule]

I need to buy a pair of breeches for competing. I have always just bought cheap ones in white/ cream. What is the advantage of the more expensive ones, that are marketed as 'competition breeches'. Is the technical material better than cotton or do they just look better? Are they worth splashing out on?

 

[Shay]

If you compete frequently the old adage of "buy cheap buy twice" does tend to apply. But then you do have to be careful about the "fashion" brands who charge more just because of the label. Good quality johds - competition or not - will last longer and be easier to clean repeatedly than a cheaper pair (those odd ones from Aldi are an exception - they seem to go on forever!). But I do get annoyed at the exaggerated price tags just because it has a famous rider's name on.

Good excuse to go to a horsey show. Have a feel of the fabric, pull the seams a bit. Check it fits you as you like to be fitted and that it feels good quality. Then yes - it probably will last longer and stay looking nice longer. But if you only compete a few times a year then you may as well stick with the cheap ones!

 

[Mule]

If you compete frequently the old adage of "buy cheap buy twice" does tend to apply. But then you do have to be careful about the "fashion" brands who charge more just because of the label. Good quality johds - competition or not - will last longer and be easier to clean repeatedly than a cheaper pair (those odd ones from Aldi are an exception - they seem to go on forever!). But I do get annoyed at the exaggerated price tags just because it has a famous rider's name on.

Good excuse to go to a horsey show. Have a feel of the fabric, pull the seams a bit. Check it fits you as you like to be fitted and that it feels good quality. Then yes - it probably will last longer and stay looking nice longer. But if you only compete a few times a year then you may as well stick with the cheap ones!

Thanks

 

[AFB]

I've never gone 'expensive' as in Pikeur etc., but I've had a few different mid-range breeches for comps and I have to say they're much nicer than my cheap every day ones.

Much more flattering, less bulky under my boots and nicer material that I feel will last a lot longer.

Keep an eye on sales, both of mine were reduced and so closer to my budget!