Full Seats that FIT!!

[Coppers mom]

How do you guys do it? I measure a 24" waist, and usually buy a 26" in the knee patch breeches because I like a looser fit. But, I just can't find a pair of full seats that fit correctly around my middle. I even bought a pair with a 28" waist, and it's still digging into me. What gives? I'm only 5', so I can't go any bigger without the legs getting too long.

Why are the full seats so tight in the waist? There seems to be no stretch in any of the brands I've tried on either, and I find it really uncomfortable when wearing them around the barn all day. Are there any brands that you guys would recommend? Should I just buy what fits the rest of me, and get a tailor to put gussets in the waist? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[InsideLeg2OutsideRein]

Tuff Riders seem to be wider in the waist (too wide for me in the waist, but fit everywhere else. I'm a 28 or 30 depending on the brand).

[Trevelyan96]

I'm short as well, and I've found that the low rise is best, especially in the full seats. Cavallo and Good Rider both make a low rise full seat, and I have a few pairs of the inexpensive Dover brand as well in a low rise full seat.

[mickeydoodle]

Equissentials will make full seats custom to your measurements, no extra charge. They are wonderful, soft deerskin on the seat. I have 5 pairs, love them. I really love the white show ones, with the black leather seat, makes your leg look thinner in a black saddle.

[MEP]

I second Equissentials - full custom, genuine leather for less $$ than some of the fancy imported brands. Well worth the investment, particularly for anyone who finds off-the-rack breeches don't fit so well. :)

[Sudi's Girl]

I can't believe no one has said FITS yet!
I'm usually a 26 and get their XS - even though I don't normally like them tight either. You might try their S size though if the XS squeezes you too much. However, as someone who doesn't like to be squeezed, the FITS don't bother me at ALL. I LOVE THEM!! Could wear them all day.

Also - Tropical Rider Extreme breeches - similar material to the FITS with a calfskin full seat. Absolutely wonderful breeches. I could live in these too. And they don't squeeze like the fits.

[mickeydoodle]

I like my FITS also, but not as much as the Equissentials. I find the FITS waist band tight.

[Sudi's Girl]

How is the overall material of the Equissentials? None of my tack shops carry them, so I'd have to order them online. I tried the Ovation calfskin full seats, but the breech material is definitely far from my favorite. I love the FITS though since it's so flexible and stretchy. Are the Equissentials similar?

[mickeydoodle]

The equissentials are more stretchy cotton (they call it french terry) than the nylon type FITS. I think that equissentials do make a nylon type similar to the FITS material. The french terry is very stretchy, but not the same feel as the nylon.

[Romany]

How is the overall material of the Equissentials? None of my tack shops carry them, so I'd have to order them online. I tried the Ovation calfskin full seats, but the breech material is definitely far from my favorite. I love the FITS though since it's so flexible and stretchy. Are the Equissentials similar?


Check out their (revamped) website: equissentials.net - I see they now have four different fabric weights.

The most popular one is the French terry - just email Joe and he'll send you a sample book of all they have to offer.

I find the French terry really comfy, very stretchy but keeps its shape, not hot or sweaty in warmer weather (relatively speaking), and they wash really well (teeny splosh of Leather Therapy in a cold wash, remove and smear on Leather Therapy conditioner, and hang to dry).

They are the *best* people to deal with. :)

You could also try the new RTS Bentex - the fullseat is amazingly sticky (I swear it's the *wrong* side out of upholstery fabric), and their newest line has a more forgiving shape, apparently.

[dwblover]

Equissentials are expensive, but if you want a pair of full seats that fit like a second skin, they are the only way to go!!!!!!!!

[KatherineC]

I hate britches that are tight in the waist. Irideon fit best for me.

[eponacelt]

I had the same problem until I found Goode Rider breeches. All of their breeches are mid-rise or low-rise (but not too low) and have a really wide, comfy waistband. I LOFF them so much that its all I ride in now. And they're reasonable if you can't afford the Equissentials...usually $150-180 online.

[lstevenson]

Definitely FITS britches! They are not the most attractive, but they are the most comfortable full seat britches I've ever had.

[merrygoround]

Equissentials will make full seats custom to your measurements, no extra charge. They are wonderful, soft deerskin on the seat. I have 5 pairs, love them. I really love the white show ones, with the black leather seat, makes your leg look thinner in a black saddle.

I found that in the long haul, they end up looking tired and dirty. Shabby!

I have Pikeurs that are 2+ yrs old, washed when I felt they needed it-they look the same. fit the same, and the leather is the same. Used daily, well almost daily in winter.:)

[JRG]

I just retired a pair I had for over 7 years, wearing them just about every other day. They were my favorite. I do admit after 7 years they were beginning to show their age.

However, looked after they way the company recommends they will last a very long time.

[Speedy]

Another vote for FITS!

[Jazzy Lady]

Try the ariat fairfax breech. Very lightweight, comfortable, not super tight and doesn't break the bank.