subject: How riding jodhpurs got their name [print this page] How riding jodhpurs got their name How riding jodhpurs got their name
Riding jodhpurs are now an everyday part of a horse riders wardrobe. Riding jodhpurs are now widely available from horse riding clothing stores in most countries. But why are these garments called jodhpurs and why have they become such an essential part of horse riding clothing? Below we take a closer look at the origins of jodhpurs and how they evolved to be the horse riding jodhpurs we know today.
For those who do not know, riding jodhpurs are tight fitting trouser like garments that cover the legs from waste to ankle. However, in Jodhpur in India,where these garments originated from, they were not as snug fitting on legs. Here the garment was only tight fitting from the knee down the ankle but then flared above the knee to the waste. Only half of the snug fitting riding jodhpurs that riders wear today then!
On its arrival on British soil in the late 19th century the jodhpur worked its way into becoming part of military uniform. Before its transformation into becoming what we know as riding jodhpurs the garment was used many times in many versions. No doubt many of us would recognise the garment having been worn by aviators, motor cycle cops and even film directors. The humble jodhpur from India soon became an iconic piece of fashion around many parts of the world.
Over time the jodhpur was redesigned and eventually a design version came about that is the familiar riding jodhpurs we see today. Riding jodhpurs, as we have mentioned above, have now become the assumed correct attire in which to ride a horse or pony with. Jodhpurs are mostly worn with cropped riding boots, which funnily enough are often called jodhpur boots. You will also come across riding breeches, which are also very similar to riding jodhpurs.
To give riding jodhpurs their snug quality garments are manufactured with fabrics blended with an elasticated material such as spandex. As riding jodhpurs are used in exercise it is important that the materials used in their manufacture allow the skin to freely breathe and for excess moisture to evaporate. Riding jodhpurs garments can also have reinforced areas. These are full seats (where the rider makes contact with the saddle) and knee patches (where the inside of the riders knees make contact with horse). These reinforced areas of the garment permit more comfort for the horse rider who has not alternative than move freely with the movements of their horse or pony.
