Review // Dover Empire Classic Knee Patch Breech

Its no secret that I love (and I mean LOVE) the two-toned look. Finally, something that breaks up your leg a bit, and adds a bit of flare to our similar riding looks. 

I wont get into the "who did it first" because frankly, I'm uninterested. At the end of the day, the two companies fighting over it charge astronomical amounts for a pair of pants to wear in the dirt. Disclaimer: doesn't mean I dont own many, many pairs of breeches from these companies.

So, cue in Dover Saddlery. In the Spring of 2016, Dover came out with their own version of the two-toned riding pants; Riding Sport Empire Classic Knee Patch Breech.

Adorably colored with a french blue/tan, black/tan, wine/tan, you have a few great options!

So lets get to the review, shall we?
These are adorable to look at, and the price tag is even more attractive at $89.99 retail. Compared to the Tailored Sportsman Vintage Patch Breech at $189.99, you literally save $100. $100 to buy more at Dover, believe me you can do it.

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Oh Riding Sport, how I wish you'd let me be a part of your design team. *Hint, hint*

Starting with the colors, the french blue is rather dark to be "french blue." In my humble opinion, its a little misleading but hey, no biggie. I wish the wine color was a little bit richer, less maroon. I have no qualms with the black/tan; simplistic and stunning. The knee patches color block beautifully with the tanned Calarino patch. But I'm going to stop at the pros right about here.

For starters, considering sizing up one to two full sizes. Wear a size 28 in TS? Opt for definitely the 30, possibly even the 32 to prevent "spillage". The tight, wide elastic waistband is not ideal for anyone with a little bit of skin on their stomach. The band is so thick and very tough to stretch. I like breeches to move with me, after all they are athletic wear first. These absolutely create a muffin top. Ugh.

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Pockets. While I enjoy my clip on iPhone belt holster, I often forget it somewhere and just throw my phone in my pocket. Well, not in these breeches. These pockets have a zip closure, perfect when I have money (and have lost plenty of it) in my pocket in the ring. Well, don't expect to put more than a square-folded dollar bill in this pocket. This could probably hold around 3 quarters. If I could, I wouldn't qualify these as pockets,  thats how small they are.

All in all, I think that these breeches were a swing and a miss. I think that Dover's Riding Sport had the right idea, to jump on the super trendy Two Toned Breech wagon, but their design was faulty. The fabric is okay, but the waistband is terrible, and not to mention the sizing up (for the entire Empire Breech line). I wish they created these more along the lines of their Competition II Breeches! For $90, you get a steal. I believe that it is important that these companies keep in mind that while being stylish, these breeches need to be made for athleticism and durability first, features which I believe are lacking in this style breech. But I don't think I'll be grabbing for these first in my closet. 

.the inside turn.