About Our Men's Riding Breeches
A well-fitting pair of breeches makes a genuine difference to comfort and performance in the saddle. Men's riding breeches are built with a male-specific cut through the hip, seat and thigh, using technical fabrics that stretch with your movement while holding their shape through a full day of riding. The grip panel (knee or full seat) keeps you stable without restricting how you follow the horse's motion. Whether you're competing at a Royal or schooling at home, the right breeches should feel like they disappear once you're riding.
Competition Breeches
Men's competition breeches are designed to meet the turnout expectations of the show ring while delivering the same technical performance you'd want in training. White and light-coloured options are the standard for dressage and showing, while some jumping and eventing competitions accept darker tones. Look for features like a high-stretch fabric that resists pilling, a clean front closure, belt loops and a sock cuff that sits smoothly inside your boot. Cavalleria Toscana and Samshield both offer men's competition breeches with silicone grip and a refined, tailored finish.
Training and Everyday Breeches
Training breeches prioritise comfort, durability and ease of washing over show-ring presentation. Darker colours like navy, charcoal and black hide arena dust and are practical for daily riding. Many riders keep two or three pairs of training breeches in rotation and reserve their whites for competition. The technical fabrics in our range are quick-drying, breathable and designed to handle frequent washing without losing their stretch or shape.
Knee Grip vs Full Seat
The grip style is one of the main choices when buying breeches. Knee grip breeches have a silicone or suede panel on the inner knee only, giving you stability in the saddle while keeping the rest of the leg free to move. This is the most popular option for jumping and general riding. Full seat breeches extend the grip panel across the entire seat and inner thigh, providing maximum adhesion for riders who want a deep, secure position. Full seat is popular in dressage, where a still, stable lower body matters most.
- Knee grip – silicone on the inner knee only. Best for jumping, eventing and general riding where leg freedom matters.
- Full seat – grip extends across the seat and inner thigh. Best for dressage and riders who want maximum stability.
Brands We Stock
Cavalleria Toscana is an Italian brand known for its technical fabrics and modern European fit. The Men's New Grip System Breeches feature four-way stretch, transparent silicone knee grip and anti-bacterial, quick-drying properties. Samshield offers the Edouard men's breech, combining a windproof elastic fabric with integral seat grip, Alcantara pocket detailing and compression socks for a clean line inside the boot. RG Italia brings a similar Italian design sensibility with lightweight bistretch fabrics and rubberised grip panels. QJ Riding Wear rounds out the range with quality breeches at a more accessible price point.
Sizing and Fit
Men's breeches from European brands like Cavalleria Toscana and Samshield use Italian sizing (44, 46, 48, 50, etc.) rather than Australian waist measurements. Each brand fits slightly differently through the thigh and rise, so check the individual size guide on each product page. If you're between sizes, consider whether you prefer a tighter, compression-style fit or a little more room through the leg. The sock cuff at the bottom of the breech should sit smoothly against your calf without bunching inside your boot.
Commonly Questions About Men's Riding Breeches
Below you can see some of the questions we get asked about this range.
What size men's breeches do I need?
Most brands we stock use European sizing. Measure your natural waist and refer to the size chart on the specific product page, as Cavalleria Toscana, Samshield and RG Italia all fit slightly differently. If you're new to breeches, your regular trouser waist size is a starting point, but breeches should fit more snugly than casual trousers to avoid bunching under the saddle flap.
What is the difference between knee grip and full seat breeches?
Knee grip breeches have a silicone or suede grip panel on the inner knee area only, giving stability without restricting leg movement. Full seat breeches extend the grip across the entire seat and inner thigh for maximum adhesion. Knee grip is the more popular choice for jumping and general riding, while full seat suits dressage riders who want a deep, secure position.
Do I need white breeches for competition?
It depends on the discipline and the competition level. Dressage and showing typically require white or cream breeches. Showjumping and eventing often accept beige, tan or even darker colours depending on the level and the organising body. Check the dress code for your specific competition before buying. Most riders keep a separate pair of whites for competition and ride in darker colours during training.
How do I care for men's riding breeches?
Machine wash on a gentle cycle at 30°C, inside out, with the grip panels protected. Avoid fabric softener as it can degrade silicone grip over time. Hang dry rather than tumble drying to maintain the stretch and shape of the fabric. Technical breeches from Cavalleria Toscana and Samshield are designed for frequent washing and dry quickly.
Are men's breeches different from women's?
Yes. Men's breeches are cut with a straighter hip, longer rise and more room through the thigh compared to women's styles. The waist sits differently and the seat shape accommodates a male build. Wearing breeches designed for your body makes a noticeable difference to comfort and how you sit in the saddle.
