As recently as a decade ago, english riding pants were not so flattering even on the youngest among us. Stretch-free fabric, faultfinding colors, and unforgiving textiles made for a less than complementary image. We all learned to rely on knits and jackets to hide these loathsome silhouettes, and in the case of those too-hot-to-bother summer sweat sessions, we pulled our helmets down and cowgirled up.
Enter the euro-seat.
You know the euro-seat as the seam on the backside of your favorite breeches that outlines your derriere and serves to flatter literally every body shape (coughBoydMartincough), as well as the best thing to happen to the world of sport horses since vodka. Although every riding apparel brand in your Dover catalog has hopped onto the euro-seat bandwagon, our top choice is Equiline, a tech-savvy Italian designer of high-performance tack and apparel with both form and function in mind.
In addition to a flattering shape, Equiline has added a bit of stretchy microfibre into the mix while simultaneously replacing the suede knee-patches of yesteryear with a bit of rubberized grip. For added bonus points, the brand has dotted the interior waistband with silicon to ensure that your shirt stays tucked in even when your hero of a horse turns himself inside-out because you decided to do the six in five…no, wait! SIX!
Alternatively, if your mount is not feeling so valiant, they’re machine washable.
Because Equiline is the first brand of breeches to rival our favorite lululemon leggings, we adore them for showing and schooling alike. Thankfully, styles come in neutral colors suitable for the hunter ring, classic white for dressage queens, and a multitude of seasonal hues for the everyday hack.
And if you have a particular fondness for eccentric Italian sartorias (Gucci, anyone?), opt for an aubergine pair with glitter and rhinestones (like we did), and then watch this ballerina dance around in breeches because it’s completely mesmerizing.
photos: Equiline America
