Choosing the Right Plus-Size Riding Pants for Your Ride

When you’re out to buy riding pants, there are a number of options to choose from. For those who run larger sizes, fear not because the options to pick from are quite numerous, and there are many plus-size riding pants. Finding the best quality riding pants you can get your hands on may seem like a daunting task, but it’s easy! This becomes even more important when shopping for extended-size options. This guide helps riders choose their perfect plus-size riding pants, which offer both comfort and safety and help them keep up with style during equestrian adventures.

Learning Your Fit is Key

When choosing riding pants, it is all about comfort. Wearing wrongly fitting pants could make you feel uncomfortable and is likely to inhibit your moves. Over time, it can even cause you an injury. It can be very difficult for plus-size riders to get hold of pants that fit well enough to be comfortable but provide enough support. Consequently, recognizing a positive fit is the initial step for anyone considering getting new riding pants. Usually, once you have the size down, that’s half the battle won. When looking for plus-size horseback riding pants, knowing what your fit is can make all the difference. 

Material and Fabric First

The material of riding pants is what makes or breaks the comfort and durability of a pair of trousers. Materials such as cotton blends or moisture-wicking fabrics help keep the rider cool and dry. An example of a stretchy fabric would be something made from spandex or elastane (spandex is an elastomer, so it cannot biodegrade). This allows you to move it more because it stretches. For the utmost riding experience, it is recommended to opt for a good pair of pants or two made from these fabrics.

Considering the Waistband

A comfortable waistband makes a big difference. Wide waistbands keep the pants up while supporting everything better than tiny, elastic bands. Many riding breeches also come with a pull-on or interchangeable waistband so that you can be confident in your unique look. Plus-size customers should select trousers with a cozy waistband. This also makes it comfortable for sitting atop horseback. 

Testing the Seat and Knee Patches

Riding pants with a thick seat and knee patches are highly recommended for durability and enhanced grip. Reinforced patches made of leather, corduroy, or suede provide extra protection in high-stress areas, increasing both grip on the saddle and resistance to abrasion. For plus-size riders, carefully positioning and sizing these patches can significantly improve comfort and performance, ensuring a more secure and enjoyable ride. These added features not only extend the pants’ lifespan but also boost confidence in the saddle.

Exploring Different Styles

There are many styles of riding pants, and each has its own benefits. Breeches are a type of pant that is designed to be snug around the legs and comes in a tight-fitting style with knee patches similar to what you would wear when show jumping or competing in dressage. Conversely, jodhpurs are more loose-fitting and are typically worn with paddock boots, which allows for greater freedom of movement. Knowing the different styles allows riders to select the option that will be best suited for their given riding requirements.

Checking the Length

Another crucial point is the length of the riding pants. Pants that are too long can get bunched up, causing discomfort and impairment in motion. Conversely, pants that are too short may not provide enough coverage or protection. Ensure that the pant legs either fit snugly around the ankle or have a variable inseam length to meet your needs.

Other Evaluations

Riding pants often come with added functionality, such as convenient pockets for storing items like keys or phones. Reflective elements are also a common feature, improving visibility in low-light conditions and enhancing safety. These additional features offer practical benefits, but riders should carefully consider which ones align with their specific needs. Whether it’s extra storage or safety enhancements, choosing the right combination of features ensures the pants are both functional and suited to individual riding requirements.

Trying Before Buying

It’s highly recommended to try on riding pants before purchasing. This allows riders to assess the fit, comfort, and overall feel of the pants. If trying them on in person isn’t an option, size charts and customer reviews can provide valuable insights. Ensuring the pants fit well before finalizing the purchase helps avoid potential issues and frustration later on, making the shopping process smoother and more efficient.

Maintaining Riding Pants

When you maintain and take good care of your riding pants, they will last for as long as you need them to. Washing in cold water and allowing it to air-dry, as per manufacturer care instructions, helps keep the fabric intact. Visually inspecting for broken stitches, particularly at seat and knee patches extends the pants’ lifetime.

Conclusion

Selecting the best plus-size riding pants requires thinking about things like fit and fabric, as well as which perks are worth the extra bit of effort to keep them. That means finding the pair of pants that suits their riding style by making comfort and function a priority. Now, with the best riding pants for plus-size equestrians, they can horseback ride in style and away from discomfort.