Dressing Slim in the Saddle

Finding riding pants is about as stressful as shopping for a bathing suit. Unless you’re built like a 13-year-old gymnast, fitting into skin-tight breeches is impossibly difficult. And trying on your 18th pair of jeans at the OK Boot Corral is discouraging, to say the least.

Then there’s the comfort factor to consider, too. Prior to the invention of flat or no inseam jeans, riding for hours in jeans could be just a tad, uncomfortable, shall we say? Breeches that pinch, gap, rub or or reveal every lump and bump are also a no-go.

We all want that perfect pair that fits like a dream, makes us look taller and slimmer, and gives us super-powers in the saddle. Thankfully, equestrian designers have noticed that not all bodies are the same, and are beginning to make riding pants that are flattering to all shapes and sizes of riders. (The super-powers are up to you.)

Read about some of our favorite new flattering styles in the March 2016 issue of Horse Illustrated. Read on for some additional hints that can help you flatter your figure as much as possible.

1. Tuck in your shirt; it instantly makes you look less frumpy.
2. Try wearing a vest, if the weather allows. This helps conceal problem areas.
3. Look for riding pants with a wider waistband and wear a wider belt. This can create a leaner silhouette.
4. A wide waistband can not only be slimming, but can even out tightness.
5. If you prefer full seat breeches, always choose a darker color for the seat, which creates a slimming effect.
6. Two-tone colors can be slimming and flattering.
7. The heavier the fabric, the more it conceals.
8. If you have a longer torso, beware: “low-rise” on you might be extremely low!

Read more about slimming breeches and jeans for riding in the March 2016 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!