I purchased a pair of Struck Apparel breeches a while ago after hearing rave reviews about them from Averill & her daughter, Eden. I got a pair of gripTech Schooling Breeches in Cloud Grey mostly because I was intrigued by the gripTech technology (they liken it to a gecko, who wouldn’t be intrigued by that?)

The weather has sucked here in New Jersey, so I’ve owned these breeches for a while and haven’t been able to actually ride in them, though I’ve made plenty of #ROOTDs with them (see below).

I finally got to ride in them this past weekend. Before, I make my reviews about riding in them, I will talk first about comfort.

These breeches are incredibly comfortable. They are well-made, flattering, and gorgeous. I have gone out in them (yeah, I actually went out to a bar in them one day because I was unable to go home and change beforehand). I’ve been asked a lot about sizing. I got a size down from what I am in Tailored Sportsman breeches. I am usually a size 24, and I got a size 22. They fit me perfectly. I also do not wash my breeches every single time I ride. These breeches have not gotten on stain on them thus far, and I’ve worn them to the barn several times. The breeches have great details, including an amazing pink zipper and a “Struck Apparel” logo on the side that is very faint. The breeches also have color detailing that doesn’t stick out too much, at least on the gripTech, meaning they won’t look “unprofessional” in the schooling ring. I personally find the color accents to be a cute way of showing personal style while still remaining conservative and professional when need be.

The gripTech is great and definitely grippy. However, it isn’t too sticky so that it grabs onto anything that can be “stickified” (read: horse hair), but it definitely helps with sticking when it comes to riding. I have a lovely photo of my horse throwing a nice little buck because he was a sour puss this weekend, and my trainer couldn’t compliment me enough on how I rode it.

As for riding, the breeches are extremely comfortable, form-fitting, and durable thus far. As I said, I’ve worn them to the barn several times, riding or not, and they haven’t picked up any stains or had any issues. I’ve felt comfortable in them both in and out of the saddle. I’ve gotten multiple compliments on them when I’ve made up my #ROOTDs and posted them online, which is amazing (you know I love my #ROOTD compliments). The breeches are a bit on the pricey side (the gripTech), but they are worth it. I purchased mine directly from Struck Apparel, but you can also get them at other tack stores such as Willow Equestrian. The gripTech breeches are priced at $249.99 and come in three color options: black, cloud grey, and French blue. They are advertised as utilizing “Setex-XG,” which is modeled after the microfibers found on the feet of geckos. According to the site, “the harder you press on the saddle, the better it grips.” However, if you relax your leg, you can easily reposition which is amazing. I have found all of these things to be true.

Struck also has a variety of other breeches including the women’s schooling breech ($249.99), women’s show breech ($199.99), and two options for men: schooling ($189.99 – however, prices vary due to a sale currently occurring) and showing ($199.99). I have also seen that they will be coming out with a model suitable for the hunters extremely soon, which I cannot wait to see!

In short, I adore these breeches. They are well-worth the money, up and coming in the schooling and show ring, and a great investment. They are durable, well-made, and flattering. They come in fantastic colors that let us all show our individual personalities, and the gripTech works its magic when you need it. The breeches can also be worn out in public, and I got zero weird looks which is amazing.

To end, I’m giving some #ROOTDs, as promised! Hope you like them.