The Ultimate Breech Review

Overview: Stretchy, flattering mid-rise breech with subtle silicone  (“X-Grip”) knee patches and inner waist lining. No velcro or snaps on legs, ‘sock’ leg finish.
Pros: Awesome show breech, love how my shirt stays tucked in thanks to the grippy waistband lining.
Cons: $$$$ and they seem to really like picking up saddle conditioner if you don’t do a good job buffing it out – so you can end up with a slightly brown-tinted behind if you’re not careful. This doesn’t happen to me with any other tan or light colored breeches.
Things to Note: I normally wear regular length breeches without a problem but these do have a little extra material that I have to make sure is smooth under my sock before putting on my boots to avoid bunching/rubbing. I also found the Ash to run one size smaller than the Equiline Boston breech. Back pockets do unzip but lead to nowhere and are just for show. Also features black triangle ‘vent’ on left thigh, so you may not want to wear these in the equitation but I do see them quite frequently.

Overview: Stretchy, mid-rise. Almost the same fit as the Ash but runs true to size and the regular leg length fits as it should. No minor bunching issues like I have with the Ash. Microfiber knee-patch, very subtle, no grip.
Pros: I like these because they’re not too thick, not too thin, and they don’t pill or stretch out after what have been hundreds of rides and washes. Worth the price tag for a classic looking breech that does it’s job well and lasts forever.
Cons: $$$$
Things to Note: Back pockets are just for show and do not come unbuttoned.

Overview: Stretchy, mid-rise with silicone knee grip and exposed front zipper finish. Regular length sock finish runs true to size with no bulk or extra material.
Pros: Makes your booty look AMAZING! Quality material and finishes, has lasted throughout many rides & easy to wash and hang dry.
Cons: $$$$, limited color options.
Things to Note: Size up, these run small. Their tan breech does have black piping on the seat and pockets so you probably wouldn’t wear these in the equitation. Silicone knee grip is made up of little circles that initially left imprints on my saddle (I have buffalo leather) but buffed right out and didn’t leave a mark.

Overview: Semi-stretchy, mid-rise with suede knee patch. Wider waistband with no exposed button on the outside. Runs true to size. Regular length ankle velcro with faux-snap closure finish runs true to size.
Pros: I like the stable to street concept of the Le Fash breech, and these deliver on high-end style and fit.
Cons: $$$$, I found the material too thick and not breathable whatsoever. The velcro and faux-snap leg closure was also bulky and uncomfortable in both my tall boots and paddock boots/half chaps so I ended up selling them.
Things to Note: Pockets in the back are just for show. I wish they didn’t have a faux opening, even on the model it looks like they’re puckering open. (But that’s just my personal preference/opinion.)

Overview: Stretch, higher mid-rise with stylish silicone knee grip pattern. Awesome structured yet breathable, move with you material. Cute front zipper pockets that actually work. Runs true to size. Regular length sock finish runs true to size with no bulk or extra material.
Pros: Fits like a glove and super flattering. These also make your booty look AMAZING and may be my most favorite pair of breeches. Won’t stretch out or lose their shape after multiple rides and washings. Silicone grip isn’t tacky and won’t make noise or leave a mark on your saddle.
Cons: $$$ and limited color options.
Things to Note: I purchased my Cavallo’s from Saddle Shoppe. They are one of the few US retailers that carry them and don’t charge an arm and a leg for shipping. Use ECE20 for $20 off your order.

Overview: This is the sleek show version of the Daja Grip. Features a higher mid-rise with super subtle silicone knee grip. Awesome structured yet breathable, move with you material. Regular length sock finish runs true to size with no bulk or extra material. I CAN’T WAIT TO SHOW IN THESE!!!
Pros: Fit like a glove and super flattering. These also make your booty look AMAZING and may replace my Equiline Ash’s as my go-to show breech. Won’t stretch out or lose their shape after multiple rides and washings. Silicone grip isn’t tacky and won’t make noise or leave a mark on your saddle.
Cons: $$$ and literally impossible to try before you buy – but WORTH IT.
Things to Note: Has an every so slightly higher rise than the Cavallo Daja grip. Features a single small faux-diamond on the left pocket and tone on tone ‘Cavallo’ stitched logo on left thigh, but not loud enough to dissuade me from showing in them. I purchased these Cavallo’s from Saddle Shoppe as well. Use ECE20 for $20 off your order.

Overview: Stretch, mid-rise with suede knee patch. Great fit & classically designed with a modern twist with two front zipper pockets. Material is comparable to a legging – very soft with not much structure. I found these better for leisure wear vs. more intense schooling sessions. Runs true to size. Regular length sock finish runs true to size with no bulk or extra material.
Pros: Super comfortable and very well tailored. The fit is exceptional.
Cons: $$$, Not structured enough for my liking for everyday riding.
Things to Note: They make another breech (The Derby Riding Pant) that is sturdier than the Ponte but features the same amazing tailoring and classic look, but runs small, so size up. I’m currently saving up for a pair of my own!

 Overview: Structured stretch, mid-rise with super slim yet grippy knee patch. Great fit & wider waistband is super flattering. Material is very technical, super supportive and won’t stretch out during your ride. The silicone knee patch won’t deteriorate after multiple rides or washes. I’d compare the material to a more heavy duty ROMFH Sarafina. Runs true to size. Regular length sock finish runs true to size with no bulk or extra material.
Pros: Sporty and super durable, these perform just as good as they look and are one of my all time favorite go-to’s. They are great to ride in year round and I accidentally found out after giving Donny a bath and becoming drenched they dry SUPER FAST!
Cons: Shipping from CAN to the US can take a little longer due to customs. Also they are hard to find in tack stores so while they may not be easy to try before you buy, trust me when I say they’re TOTALLY 100% worth it.
Things to Note: Struck makes a 50 Series show breech! Subtle branding makes it acceptable for the hunter and equitation rings. Available in white and beige.

Overview: I feel like everyone has a pair of these, but I’m including them anyway. Low to mid-rise, stretchy material (but not technical like Struck or ROMFH) with a wide waistband, suede knee patches and teeny tiny front pockets. Regular length velcro ankle closure runs on the shorter side, so get a L if you’re in-between lengths.
Pros: SO MANY COLOR COMBOS AND OPTIONS!
Cons: Washing the velcro with other items is pain and can be bunchy under your boots if you don’t line it up perfectly.
Things to Note: Runs slightly narrower in the hips vs. other brands and not as forgiving about it, either.

Overview: Stretchy, mid-rise and made of the best material. Imagine a super durable ‘hold you in’ yoga legging. (They aren’t knit like a legging, but wearing them sure feels like it!) Regular length sock finish with stretch calf panels for a perfect fit runs true to size with no bulk or extra material.
Pros: $$, Amazing color options! They fit me SO well and are super flattering. I have found that one of my pairs stretches out quickly, but the other two I own do not. I’m chalking it up to a weird fabric run. They’re stretchy enough to add a layer underneath in the winter and light enough to ride in on the hottest of summer days, so I use these year round.
Cons: Would love a silicone knee patch version and better online color references. I bought a pair of grey breeches and they are SUPER light grey. (Which is what I was hoping for but I honestly said a Hail Mary as I entered my CC info.)
Things to Note: The Sarafina also comes in a full seat option!

Overview: These feel like nothing. Literally, they are so lightweight. Featuring a higher rise with wider ‘hold you in’ waist band, these are a true riding legging with silicone knee patches for security in the saddle. Runs true to size. Regular length legging finish runs true to size with no bulk or extra material.
Pros: Well… they feel awesome! I love the grippy knee patch and higher rise waistband that won’t fold over or bunch up as I move around.
Cons: Hard to find, you need to really search online tack shops. I got mine online from Tack & Rider.
​Things to Note: I haven’t ridden in these yet (because it’s winter) NOR have I done the ‘bend over’ test to make sure they aren’t transparent. (I got them in black.) But I tried them on and was super surprised by how light they were. I think the grip will prevent them from being too slippery. (But they also come in a full seat option!) FYI – as of right now, Tack n Rider has ONE black M left in stock, so jump on it if you’re wanting to try them.

Overview: Stretchy, lightweight mid-rise with subtle grippy knee patches. Great fit & skinny, forgiving waistband. Material is lightweight yet supportive and doesn’t stretch out after a ride. Runs true to size. Regular length sock finish runs true to size with no bulk or extra material.
Pros: LOVE THE CUTE POCKET DETAILS! A great way to get the look and fit of a $300+ pair of breeches for half the price.
Cons: Shipping from IT to the US will most likely take a little longer due to customs but somehow I received mine in four days. Delivery requires signature. Limited color options.
Things to Note: I’ve only ridden in these two times so I can’t attest to their durability or how they handle the wash but they seem like they’ll last. You can also buy them on Amazon.

Overview: Stretchy, mid-rise with a wide waistband and made of lightweight technical material, similar to ROMFH but not the same quality. Runs true to size & offers a great fit. Regular length sock finish runs true to size with no bulk or extra material. Micro-suede knee patches
Pros: $, fun color options, amazing SmartPak customer service.
Cons: The back pockets are super bunchy and visible through the pant even if you take the time to shove your hand in there and smooth them out. I will most likely cut mine out.
Things to Note: Make sure if you’re a USEF member you’re signed in to SmartPak so you can get a discount on your order!

Overview: Stretchy, mid-rise with a wide waistband and made of SUPER lightweight material – almost to the point of feeling cheap but… nice for a hot summer day. Runs true to size. Regular length knitted sock finish runs a little narrow in the calves with no bulk or extra material. Silicone knee patches
Pros: $, super fun color options, great ’tester’ to try a silicone knee patch breech.
Cons: The material seems to be sub-par and I can’t attest to how they will hold up since I’ve only ridden in them a handful of times.
Things to Note: Silicone knee patch is stickier/thicker than others I’ve ridden in and made a squeaking sound the first time I rode in them.

Overview: SUPER STRETCHY, higher mid-rise with a narrow waistband and silicone knee patch grip. If you’re in between sizes, size down. I found these to run a little big. Regular length sock finish runs true to size with no bulk or extra material.
Pros: $, easy to wash and dry, super stretchy so easy to add a layer underneath during the colder winter months.
Cons: Runs slightly on the larger size and stretches out after one ride so you’ll have to throw these in the washer & dryer more often than your other breeches. (Unless you don’t mind riding with a saggy butt.)
Things to Note: This model also comes in a “leather like” knee patch version.

Overview: Super shiny & slick, stretchy, high rise with no knee patches. Regular length legging finish runs true to size with no bulk or extra material.
Pros: $, small cell phone pocket on right thigh that will fit a regular sized iPhone but not the plus.
Cons: Shipping from UK to US took a while and was on the more $$ side. These were too slippery for me to consider riding in, and sorry if this is TMA but the seam/stitching down the front combined with the shiny material has the ability to create some unwanted camel toe. I wore them to the gym once but didn’t find them as breathable as my regular Lululemon/Athleta gear.
Things to Note: Size up in their tops. Leggings run true to size.