May I write and congratulate you on at last taking a step in the right direction! I am, of course, referring to A17 and the pictures, on pages 30, 50 and 61.

 

A17 Page 30	A17 Page 30
A17 Page 50	A17 Page 61

 

All too soon nowadays when one asks to see riding breeches one is shown a garment which is nothing more than an abbreviated pair of trousers with laces at the knee!

Correct riding breeches are, of course, tight to the knee, then flare out above to distinctive ‘wings’, and when the wearer is a lady the hips and waist are accentuated in a subtle way that no other garment can achieve.

I feel that leather is at its most effective when used in a garment with both tightness and fullness, and what more effective garment than riding breeches? In addition leather with its own special properties allows the ‘wings’ of the breeches to ‘stand out’ correctly, when for example the wearer is posing for the photographer, whereas breeches in an inferior material would sag depressingly over the knees.

Although I could go on forever on my favourite subject, I feel it is now time to finish, and hope that you can find the space to print my letter, as it would be interesting to see if other readers have strong views on the cut of riding breeches.

One final point, however, when riding breeches are worn, the boots, whether high or low heeled, must be of the straight-legged type if the correct effect is to be achieved.

– B.H. (London)

Turn back to Page 29 and see what you think of Bryan Reed’s riding breeches, although the boots may not be to your taste. Mind you, not sure we agree with You on that last point, what do other readers think? – Ed.

A20 Page 29