Riding breeches are an athletically-inspired pant designed to help riders stay comfortable and effective in the saddle. To this end, they’re made to fit snugly throughout the seat, thigh and leg, ending in hems that remain neat and free of bulk inside tall boots or half chaps. To maintain mobility and an unrestricted sense of freedom of movement despite the close fit, all riding breeches are made of fabrics that offer either two-way or four-way stretch. Breeches are also equipped with knee patches for grip in jumping position or with full seats for help with dressage work. Fabric choice and style features are where riding breech designs begin to diverge. Breeches can be made of some type of economical cotton knit, finely ribbed synthetic fabric, stretch corduroy or denim fabric or a highly technical fabric with extra properties such as stain resistance and moisture wicking. Breech colors for competition remain conservative, but for schooling, pleasure or trail riding, anything goes from bright colors to plaids and even animal prints. Contrast top stitching, crystal embellishments, logo detail or color block panels can please the most fashion-conscious rider, while plenty of breeches maintain a classic look for timeless performance. Construction features vary to suit every rider’s taste, including low, mid or traditional rises, wide or narrow waistbands, hook-and-loop or stretchy cuff ankle closures, pull-on or front zip and more.