Riding Breeches Size Guide: How to Measure and Choose Correctly

Riding pants (also called jodhpurs or breeches) are perhaps the most difficult garment to get the size right. A good selection ensures comfort, grip, and freedom of movement in the saddle.

Types of Riding Pants and Their Sizing Characteristics

Jodhpurs (For Children and Adults)

Long pants with a flared silhouette below the knee. Worn with paddock boots and half chaps. Size is measured by waist and hip.

Breeches (Standard Riding Pants)

Close-fitting pants up to the knee or mid-calf. Worn with tall boots. These are the most common pants for adult riding.

Show Pants

A more elegant version of breeches, usually in light colors (white, beige). They tend to have a tighter fit.

How to Take Your Measurements

  1. Waist — The narrowest part of your torso, about 3 cm above your navel
  2. Hip — The widest part of your hips and glutes
  3. Inseam — From the crotch to the floor (with normal shoes)

Riding Pants Size Chart — Women

EU Size US Size Waist (cm) Hip (cm)
XS 34 60-64 86-90
S 36 65-68 90-94
M 38 69-72 94-98
L 40 73-76 98-102
XL 42 77-82 102-108
XXL 44 83-88 108-114

Riding Pants Size Chart — Men

EU Size Waist (cm) Hip (cm) Inseam (cm)
S 76-80 88-92 80
M 82-86 94-98 82
L 88-92 100-104 84
XL 94-98 106-110 86
XXL 100-106 112-118 88

Junior / Children's Size Chart

Size Approx. Age Height (cm) Waist (cm)
92 2-3 years 92 52-54
104 3-4 years 104 54-56
116 5-6 years 116 56-58
128 7-8 years 128 58-60
140 9-10 years 140 60-64
152 11-12 years 152 64-68
164 13-14 years 164 68-72

Knee-patch vs Fullgrip vs Silicon-grip

Grip Type Grip Area Recommended Use
Knee-patch Knee only Jumping, general use, polo
Fullgrip Knee + inner thigh + seat Dressage
Silicon-grip Strategic silicone dots Versatile, good grip
No grip None Casual riding, beginners

Shopping Tips

  • Riding pants generally fit tighter than normal clothing
  • If in doubt between sizes, choose the larger one — they should be comfortable when riding (seated position)
  • Try them on while sitting: you should be able to bend your knees without excessive tension
  • White or beige show pants tend to be less elastic — they require a precise fit

Explore our complete collection of riding pants, including options for women, men, and competitions.

About this content

Written and reviewed by the technical team at Rincón del Valle, a physical and online equestrian store specializing in equipment for horse and rider. Our criteria combine store experience, selection of equestrian brands, and daily attention to riders.

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