White jodhpurs for the show
Competition breeches
Show breeches are no longer just plain white, they are now available with beautiful embellishments, sporty highlights, contrasting stitching and glittering decorations and appliqués.
The material is made of breathable microfibre, cotton or stretch materials that are comfortable to wear even on hot days.
You also have the choice between full grip, knee grip or the classic faux leather trim.
You'll find competition breeches from Samshield, Pikeur, Equiline, eaSt, Eskadron, ELT and Equestro, among others.
Competition breeches are white by tradition, so the judges can assess the rider's position better. According to the LPO, however, only "light-coloured breeches" are required. So you could also wear cream or light grey breeches. As a rule, though, white breeches are worn at dressage and jumping shows.
High-quality competition breeches are made of breathable and stretch fabrics such as cotton-polyester blends or technical textiles. These materials offer good freedom of movement and are often dirt-repellent, which is especially important with light colours. Also make sure the material is opaque, or wear suitable underwear underneath.
To keep white breeches clean, stains should be treated with a stain remover as quickly as possible. It is advisable to wash the breeches after every show at a low temperature (30°C). Turn the breeches inside out to protect the seat and only air-dry them.
White breeches quickly go dark at the knees and seat. Especially if you have freshly cleaned and greased your saddle, the dark colour often rubs off onto the breeches. Eventually that can no longer be washed out.
Full-grip breeches give you a non-slip coating over the whole seat area down to the knees. This gives you more stability in the saddle. Dressage riders usually go for full-seat breeches.
Knee-grip breeches only have a non-slip zone around the knees. They therefore allow more flexibility, which some riders find more comfortable. Show jumpers usually use knee-patch breeches, as they ride in a light seat most of the time.
Competition breeches should fit snugly and still offer full freedom of movement. Many riders prefer a high waist, as it gives extra support and creates a classic silhouette. It is important that the breeches fit well without digging in and do not crease.
White breeches are especially popular for shows, as they meet the formal dress code. However, they can also be worn on special occasions or at riding events outside shows, but are less everyday-friendly because they show dirt easily.
You can best find the right size by measuring the hips and the inside leg. Many manufacturers offer size charts that help you choose. Competition breeches should fit well without slipping or pinching
Yes, many modern competition breeches are made of dirt-repellent materials. They make cleaning easier and are less sensitive to stains. This is especially useful with white breeches.