the EQ EDIT

Rider Life

So you think you're a breeches girl…. But have you tried Vala?

18 Dec 25 | Liv Craddock

I'll be honest, I was sceptical when I got the call to say Vala had landed in-store and could I go down to check out what all the hype was about. I'm a breeches girl through and through! To me they are smart, sophisticated and hold me in; in all the right places. I have only ever owned two pairs of riding leggings, a white pair and a green pair. Both because I was pregnant and wanted to stay in the saddle and no matter what I tried that six month bump wasn't being squeezed into my breeches! They did the job, but you could see my pant line, they were so thin and completely unforgiving. So fair to say, I didn't enjoy the experience. And I know I'm not alone…

Vala is an Australian brand created by Bec, who like me, wants to feel confident, comfortable and put together when in the saddle. As a busy Mum she also felt these pieces needed to work hard, taking her from the yard to the school run or coffee with the girls. This gave me a little more confidence I might at least like what Vala had to offer…

I swiped a selection of Vala pieces off the stand and took them into the changing room…. I started with the Sculpt Breeches, fumbling to find the zip.. No zip.. They are pull ons! I did the little jig you do to pull on something that's tight and voila.. on they went. Deep breath, I looked in the mirror and to my utter surprise I loved what I saw! These really are pull on breeches, they are made from a much thicker material than your usual leggings, a quick check and no pant line, phew! They are high waisted and still hold my little ‘mum tum’ in, they have belt loops, a discrete phone pocket and a very subtle logo. For reference I am a size 10 and picked a small, they fit like a glove.

Up next was the Mesh Long Sleeve Tee, again in small. I was dubious as round necks do nothing for me, especially in black and I worried the mesh would be see through… but no! The neck line is very flattering, sitting a bit lower and the mesh, not see through at all. I threw the curtain open to show the girls, all agreed it looked great. The materials have been really well chosen, soft to touch and technical too… moisture wicking, breathable and in this current weather warm. So far, I was really impressed! The Track Pant, I sized up to medium for a more relaxed fit, at 5’9 I'm tall and these came up generously in length. I rolled the top waist band over and could even tuck the bottom cuff under. They are warm, cosy and very comfy!

Finally, the Active Everyday Leggings, really comfy and again had the high waist, both the leggings and the breeches are full seat, but I would say the silicon grip comes a little higher up on these than the breeches. Super comfy leggings, but as a breech girl, I wouldn't pick these for myself. Thinner than the Sculpt Breeches, these are great for the legging lover!

In conclusion, Vala has nailed it. Beautifully made pieces of equestrian clothing that don't limit themselves to the yard, or dare I say it, just the younger generation of riders. It's the little details that have clearly been thought of by a rider for a rider that shine through.

The Sculpt Breeches have gone on my Christmas wishlist. They are a real game changer and the most comfortable pair of leggings I have ever tried! I love that they are plain, high waisted and have belt loops. Part of my love for breeches is that they are smart and I like a tucked in t-shirt and belt, which these allow and with an extremely sleek silhouette. I could easily wear trainers with short socks and head out looking stylish and not horsey. They are very sophisticated and would definitely appeal to those traditional breech wearers. The price point is appealing too, so partners, don't panic when you see them on the Christmas wishlist, the budget will allow for a full outfit, getting you extra brownie points!