Even Better In Person

Since I've already owned two other pair, I knew that would be the case. During Black Friday, Dover ran more than one BOGO sale that I took advantage of, and since I wasn't able to get the thing I really wanted - the Black Friday discount didn't apply, I ordered some new breeches (and socks!) instead. While the C4s arrived quickly, my new Over the Calf Peddies aren't expected to arrive until Monday. Stupid Supply Chain issues. Plus, I hate that we all know what that means.

Even prettier in person.

Anyway, back to these super cute breeches. Again, like I said last week, Dover's Wellesley Breeches aren't the most stylish breeches out there, but they are cuter than you would expect, especially for the price. The regular price is $99.95, but Dover does lots of sales, especially BOGOs. I paid $162.30 total for the two pairs of breeches. If I lived somewhere without sales tax, I would have paid just under $150. Sales tax in California is ridiculous; $12.37 was what the state got from me. 

Rear belt loops and piping at waist and rear pockets.

There is (almost) nothing that I dislike about these breeches. First of all, they fit true to size. I am currently a 32, and these fit me exactly right. If anything I have room for a few more pounds which I will NOT be needing. But seriously, I think the sizing is spot on. Besides fitting well, I love the fabric (62% polyester/33% viscose/5% spandex). It is a bit too thick for our hot summers, but so is everything else. These breeches also have a good amount of stretch while still being supportive.

Contrast stitching and piping at waist and front pockets.

All of the stitching is tight, neat, and even, and Dover even thoughtfully did some contrast stitching in places like the belt loops. I also like the contrast piping on the pockets and at the top of the waistband. The sock bottoms have the same contrasting color which gives the breeches just a bit more pop, especially in the navy/papaya. I wasn't sure how that color was going to look in real life, but it turns out that I love it!

Papaya sock bottom.

When silicone seats first came out a few years ago, I was skeptical. Initially, the grip level was just too sticky. I felt like it created a lot of friction because your pants stuck to the saddle with so much grip while your butt still moved back and forth. I feel like the silicone seats have finally reached a perfect degree of stickiness; less is more. The silicone on the Wellesley, a fun little bit design, is grippy without glueing your butt to the saddle.

Cute silicone, worthless pocket.

If there is one thing that I don't like about these breeches, it would have to be the rear pockets. They look cute, but they are worthless as a cell phone pocket. I shoved my husband's iPhone 11 (?) in the rear pocket, and you can see how unsafe that would be. My iPhone 12 Pro (not the Max) slides easily into the front pocket, but from experience I know that it isn't comfortable if you're riding or bending over. Why can't all breeches come with a thigh pocket? I rarely ride with my phone in my pocket, but having that thigh pocket makes carrying your phone while doing barn chores a lot safer.

Not the greatest cell phone pockets.

Overall, I love these breeches and will buy more as my older breeches wear out. They're priced well, they fit well, and they look good. Maybe by the time I'm ready for another pair, there will be a thigh pocket.

Did you hear that, Dover?