How to Measure: Full Seat Breeches

Full seat breeches are a staple for English riders in disciplines like dressage and eventing. The full seat provides extra grip and security in the saddle, but to get the most benefit, a perfect fit is essential. A poorly fitting pair can bunch up, rub, or restrict your movement.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to measuring for full seat breeches to ensure you get a comfortable and professional fit.

What You'll Need:

  • A flexible tape measure (like a seamstress's tape)
  • A pen and paper
  • A flat, clean surface to stand on

Step 1: Measure Your Waist

Your waist measurement is key to a comfortable fit. The waistband of breeches should sit comfortably at or just below your natural waist.

  • Wrap the tape measure around your natural waistline, which is typically the narrowest part of your torso, just above your belly button.
  • Make sure the tape is snug but not tight enough to pinch.
  • Record this measurement.

Step 2: Measure Your Hips

This is the most critical measurement for breeches, as it determines how the pants will fit over your hips and thighs.

  • Stand with your feet together.
  • Wrap the tape measure around the fullest part of your hips and buttocks.
  • Keep the tape measure parallel to the floor and make sure it is not twisted.
  • Record this measurement.

Step 3: Measure Your Inseam

The inseam measurement helps determine the length of the breeches.

  • Stand straight with your feet together.
  • Measure from your crotch down the inside of your leg to your ankle bone.
  • This measurement is important for ensuring the breeches are long enough, as they should hit at or just above the ankle to fit correctly inside your riding boots or half chaps.
  • Record this measurement.

Important Tips for Sizing

  • Consult the Brand's Sizing Chart: Just like with show coats, breech sizing can vary dramatically between brands. A size 28 from a European brand like Pikeur will likely fit differently from a size 28 from a U.S. brand like Kerrits. Always check the specific size chart for the brand you're buying.
  • Consider Your Body Shape: Some breeches are designed with a curvier fit, while others are straighter. If you have a larger hip-to-waist ratio, look for brands or styles that cater to that body type.
  • Fabric Matters: Modern breeches are made from a wide range of materials, including technical fabrics with a lot of stretch. This can affect sizing, as a very stretchy fabric may allow for a slightly smaller size, while a more traditional fabric may require a more precise measurement.
  • Try Them On: If possible, always try on breeches before you buy them. Walk around, sit down, and mimic the riding position to make sure they are comfortable and don’t pinch, pull, or bunch.

By taking these three simple measurements and cross-referencing them with a brand’s sizing chart, you’ll be well on your way to finding the perfect pair of full seat breeches for a comfortable and stylish ride.

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