My 5 Things: Breeches

9/12/2013

HorseLoverz.com is a great shopping resource, but you have to really know what you want. They run amazing sales, but you often get what you pay for. Case in point: they are having a sale on their Ashley line of breeches. The price was simply too good to pass up so I ordered 5 pairs: 2 pair of the full seat, and 3 pair with knee patches. The total was $111 and some change.

Here is what someone else had to say about this brand on COTH:

This has pretty much been my feeling about the breeches, and since the fit was barely "okay," I returned them.

I am pretty picky about breeches. I like to have a lot of stretch (these had virtually none), I really like a pocket (okay in that department), I prefer little to no cotton (these were 95% cotton), and I like a ribbed fabric (these were smooth). I couldn't justify keeping five pair of breeches that were a miss in three out of four categories just because it was inconvenient to return them.

I kept one pair though. I really wanted them to work, even though they had no stretch, so I used one pair of the full seats during a recent lesson. Once they stretched out a bit (during wear) they were serviceable, but just barely. It was particularly hot and humid that day, and I almost ran back home to change; they were that uncomfortable. I think that they'll be better as winter breeches when I don't need them to fit my sweaty, heat enlarged body.

After I got home and stripped them off, I looked over at the rest of the breeches, still in their packaging, and thought, no way I want a drawerful of these things! I'd rather be out the $8.50 it will cost to return them (prepaid shipping label included) than to be stuck with $70 worth of breeches that I don't want to wear.

The breeches I prefer are the Tough Rider Low Rise Ribbed Breech at about $40 a pair. I could send the Ashely's back and order at least one pair of the Tough Riders. But since I don't even need breeches right now, I'll just bank the return money for a later day. And besides, there is a pair of show breeches I've had my eye on. I'd rather buy those in a few months than ride around in breeches I hate.

Tracy link

9/12/2013 01:04:33 am

Nothing worse than uncomfortable everyday riding clothes, IMO. I'd much rather own 2 pairs of quality breeches, than 10 pairs of shoddy breeches... which is probably why I only own 2 pairs!

Karen

9/12/2013 12:01:29 pm

Unfortunately, I LOVE breeches, so I own nearly 20 pair! Ack! I go for comfort over style so find that the Tuff Riders meet my needs. I also have a few pair of Irideons, but since they don't have a pocket, I don't use them as frequently as the TRs. I am always looking for other well fitting, comfortable brands, though.

Lauren link

9/12/2013 02:49:00 am

I thought about ordering those but didn't! Glad I decided not to after reading your post. For breeches, I haven't beat the comfort of TS breeches... just wish the price point were lower.

9/12/2013 12:03:04 pm

A little steep in price for my style of wear. I am hard on my clothes with cleaning stalls, moving sprinklers, and doing other barn chores. :0)

Sarah link

9/12/2013 07:11:01 am

Ah, the allure of discounts and deals! Too bad they were that horrible, no wonder the website is discounting them so much!

Speaking of wardrobe, how do you clean your white ventilator shirt? I cold water wash mine in the washing machine but can't seem to get dirt stains off of the collar and shoulder. I fear it will become a schooling shirt rather than my go-to show shirt. Love the shirt so hopefully I'm just missing some washing secret.

9/12/2013 12:05:27 pm

I have two ventilators. I keep mine white by changing as soon as my tests are over. Same thing with my breeches. This keeps the stains to a minimum. It's a pain to change, but it's easier on clothes. I also wear scrubs over my breeches to keep them cleaner as I tack up. I wash my show clothes in cold water and hang to dry. I think the trick is getting out of them ASAP. :0)

Karley link

9/12/2013 08:31:02 am

Thats a bummer!!!

I have tried lots of breeches and I just LOVE TS Hunter Trophies- a little pricy but SO worth it.

9/12/2013 12:07:45 pm

They look nice, but I have a hard time shelling out that much money! The Tuff Riders are so comfy and suit my rough and tough barn life. If I didn't do so much work at the barn, I might spring for more expensive wear, but since I am filthy by day's end, the lower priced breeches seem to be the most economical choice.

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Not-So-Speedy Dressage