Alright, I’ve looked and asked, and can’t seem to find the answer…where do jodphurs come from? Is there some reason that they’re poofy above the knee? Or was it just some M.C. Hammer-esque attempt at a bold new fashion statement? Thanx in advance for any help on this.
Jodhpurs are quite utilitarian riding pants. When you get up on a horse, that extra fabric slides into place very nicely. Regular pants like blue jeans are too tight in the thighs once you get into the saddle, and they bind terribly, restricting your movement for English style riding (dressage, jumping, etc.)
The origin of “jodhpur” riding breeches.
http://www.yatraindia.com/rajasthan/jodhpur/
And the British Raj of course glommed onto them and disseminated them widely.
Loose trousers get bunched up when you try to ride English style, all hunched up in a tiny saddle, as Sir Pratap was. If you narrow the legs, then they’re too constricting, hence the extra fabric at the thighs.
And there you have it…thank you very much!
Now for the obvious question: Did humans, women especially, develope jodhpur thighs to fit the pants or were the pants developed to fit their thighs? 