English
Horse breeches are special pants worn in equestrian sports, also known as Jodhpurs. These pants first became popular in the city of Jodhpur in India to meet the needs of horse riding. Jodhpur horse breeches have a unique cut, loose around the thighs and hips, and fitted tight below the knees to match riding boots. This design allows riders greater freedom of movement while riding, making it easier to mount and dismount, while also providing extra protection and convenience.
The origin of Jodhpur horse breeches can be traced back to the sport of polo in India, initially adopted by Indian polo teams. However, British officers noticed the advantages of Jodhpur horse breeches while colonizing India and took them back to Britain. Over time, Jodhpur horse breeches gained popularity across Europe, America, and other Commonwealth countries, becoming one of the signature outfits of the polo sport.
Beyond equestrian sports, Jodhpur horse breeches also made an impact in other fields. They found a place in sportswear, military uniforms, and the fashion industry. In sportswear, Jodhpur horse breeches are comfortable and practical, widely used in sports like tennis, skiing, aviation, and automobile racing. In military uniforms, Jodhpur horse breeches were worn by elite and cavalry units, including those in Nazi Germany and the Soviet Red Army.
Polo sports have also greatly influenced the history of clothing. Jodhpur horse breeches are a special type of pants worn in polo sports and hold significant importance in clothing history. The hallmark feature of Jodhpur horse breeches is their relaxed fit around the hips and thighs and tight fit below the knees to suit riding boots. This design allows the rider's hips and thighs more freedom of movement, making it more convenient to mount and dismount.
The term of Jodhpur horse breeches comes from the city of Jodhpur in India, known for its massive 15th-century fort. The standardization of Jodhpur horse breeches was due to Maharaja Pratap Singh of Jodhpur, who was unhappy with the riding pants style of the time and sought to produce more suitable attire for competition. Ultimately, he chose a traditional Indian long pants style called "churidar" as a template and made some adjustments. The hallmark feature of Jodhpur horse breeches is the loose fit around the thighs and hips and the tight fit below the knees to accommodate riding activities, especially mounting, dismounting, and moving on horseback. Horse breeches are generally made of thick cotton or work cloth to ensure comfort and durability.
