Breeches for Riders With Curves (Even If the Photos Suggest Otherwise)

When most people picture an equestrian, they picture a slender, leggy rider dressed crisply in tan breeches, a tucked-in shirt, and shiny tall boots.

At least that’s what I always pictured. (Also, it’s the default image in product photos.)

When I got into the equestrian world, I was self-conscious because I didn’t look like what I thought an equestrian should look like. Shopping for clothes for my first lesson was difficult. I googled “English riding lesson outfits” more times than I can remember, and most of the breeches I found were either insanely expensive or didn’t run in my size—most of the time they were both.

A few weeks before my first scheduled lesson, I ordered eight pairs of breeches in various sizes to see if I could find a decent pair to last me until I was able to save up for more.

The first pair of breeches I struggled into gave me a severe muffin top and a diaper ass. My roots trace back to the Caribbean, and I cannot think of one woman in my family who doesn’t have a bountiful behind. There was no way that I could wear my shirt tucked in and feel confident, let alone breathe comfortably without fear of the breech buttons popping off and taking someone’s eye out. Or, God forbid, spooking a horse.

The other seven pairs were little better. It’s common knowledge that breeches are designed to fit much straighter hips and thinner frames than the body I am sporting. But that didn’t make it any less difficult or discouraging that I couldn’t fit in any of the breeches I ordered.

I settled on a pair of stretchy riding tights for my first lesson and continued my search to find breeches that offered support for my booty, belly and my confidence.

It has taken a lot of trial and error, research, and ripped breeches to figure out which brands and style works best for me. I can understand and appreciate the need to find affordable breeches and tights that fit and are of good quality. “Substance over style” is something I hear often when it comes to everyday life as well as riding.

While I do agree that it is more important to focus on your horsemanship, technique, and skills, I also know that the saying “when you look good, you feel good” is equally as true. Fashion is such a large part of the equestrian world, and as a new rider or a rider that cannot afford every matchy-matchy set, it is nice to invest in items that make you feel comfortable and stylish.

I’ve compiled a list of breeches and tights that are size-inclusive, hold up well and that I use daily. I’ve included styles that hug your curves, have either a high waist or wide waistband, sock bottoms and range in price for every equestrian!