Which breeches fit petite, tall and plus-size riders?

The table lists what we read, in each maker's own terms, so you can see what "petite," "tall" and "extended" mean in practice.

Two cautions. The numbers come from specific charts and styles, so the chart on the style page is the one that counts. And no single maker covers every body; ranges vary by style.

We don't print petite numbers for Kerrits or R.J. Classics, because the charts we hold for them don't list a petite breeches length. Kerrits' chart lists a body inseam of 30 to 32 inches in every size, and R.J. Classics' ladies' pants chart lists a regular inseam of 26 and a quarter inches in every size, with a long inseam of 28 and a quarter inches from size 24 up. For a petite fit, open the size chart on the style's product page and ask the maker if it isn't there.

Two checks come from R.J. Classics' show-fit guide. Knee patches should align with your knee when your leg is bent in the stirrup, and if they consistently sit too high or low, the breeches aren't right for your proportions. And the hem should sit just above your ankle bone, because anything longer bunches inside a tall boot.

Some riders look at girls' sizes. One rider's advice, below, is to try them. If you do, compare your own measurements with the girls' chart, the way you would for any other style. The R.J. Classics chart we hold for girls covers tops and coats, not breeches, so we don't print girls' breeches numbers here. No maker we read recommends girls' sizes for adults, so treat that as one more chart to check, not a recommendation. Our kids' breeches page shows the range.

R.J. Classics' ladies' pants chart lists a long inseam of 28 and a quarter inches against a regular 26 and a quarter, from size 24 up. Kerrits' chart lists a body inseam of 30 to 32 inches in every size and no tall option, so we don't print tall numbers for Kerrits. If you're past the top of a chart's inseam, ask the maker before you order.

For rise, Equinavia's guide gives a simple rule: a longer torso and higher waist sit better in high-waisted breeches, while a shorter torso and lower waist suit low or mid-rise. Our women's breeches page has Find Your Fit filters that go to long and tall sizes.

One more thing to know about length. R.J. Classics' ladies' coat and top chart sorts short, regular and long by height, with long for riders 5'7" and above. That is for coats and tops, not breeches, but it shows that a height cutoff and an inseam are different numbers, so check which one a chart is using.

Kerrits' chart runs to 2X, a 41 to 44 inch waist, with 1X at a 38 to 41 inch waist. R.J. Classics' ladies' plus chart lists 18W to 24W, tops 1X and 2X: 18W is a 39 to 41 inch waist and 24W a 46 to 48 inch waist. Our women's breeches page has Find Your Fit filters that go straight to extended sizes.

R.J. Classics' plus-size buyer's guide, which is its own marketing, says for years plus-size riders faced limited options and inconsistent sizing, and lists what to look for: breathable, moisture-wicking fabric; stretch from spandex or elastane blends; hard-wearing construction with reinforced seams; and discipline details like full-seat grips for dressage or knee patches for jumping. It also recommends mid-rise breeches for a secure fit in the saddle. For numbers, use its ladies' plus chart above or the size chart on the product page, and check them against your own measurements.

Riders' words help here. One put the hope plainly:

R.J. Classics' guide says high-rise breeches offer complete coverage, mid-rise ones may feel more comfortable and ride up less, and low-rise ones are sometimes preferred for jumping but can expose your lower back as you ride. Its breeches guide also says waist closures come as a classic front zip or a side zip, which gives a smoother, minimalist line in the show ring. Its show-fit guide says a good waistband test is to slide one or two fingers inside it when it's fastened.

Another rider's experience shows why rise can matter as much as size:

R.J. Classics' show-fit guide says the lower leg should be slim enough to tuck smoothly into tall boots without bunching, that mesh lower leg panels can reduce bulk, and that the hem should sit just above your ankle bone. Its breeches guide adds that ankle closures such as Velcro tabs, elastic panels or mesh compression cuffs help breeches stay streamlined under boots and keep them from riding up.

That matters at both ends of the size range. A leg that is too long for you will bunch in the boot, and a leg that is too short will show above it. Our Barn Talk on measuring for half chaps and on paddock or jodhpur boots cover what goes over or under the hem. R.J. Classics' guide also says breeches with silicone waistband grips can help keep a shirt tucked, which is a rise-and-waist detail some riders look for.

We read the charts we hold for Kerrits and R.J. Classics in full for this page, and they differ on what they list: Kerrits gives one body inseam, 30 to 32 inches, and no petite or tall option; R.J. Classics gives regular and long inseams in its ladies' pants chart and a separate ladies' plus chart, 18W to 24W.

So the honest answer is to start from the measurements in this page's checklist, then open the chart for the style you want. If a number you need isn't listed, ask the maker before you order, or ask us.

Find Your Fit at the top of our women's breeches page goes straight to waist sizes, letter sizes, and long and tall lengths, and has an extended sizes shelf. For men and kids, see our men's breeches page and kids' breeches page.

For the basics of waist, hips, rise and inseam, and how the same measurements can wear different labels at different brands, read our Barn Talk on what size breeches you are across brands.

• Petite: does the style's size chart list a petite length and an inseam? The charts we hold for Kerrits and R.J. Classics don't.
• Tall: is there a long or tall option, and what inseam does it list? R.J. Classics' ladies' pants chart lists 28 and a quarter inches long.
• Plus-size: does the chart for that style reach your waist and hips, and what does the maker say about stretch and rise?
• Rise: measure top front of the waistband to the crotch seam, and note how the style describes its rise.
• Knee patch placement and hem length: bend your knee in your boots and check both.
• If you can't find a number you need, ask the maker or us before you order.