SmartPak Hadley Breeches Review

I was excited and a bit nervous when I lifted up the SmartPak Hadley Breeches to survey before trying on. I really liked their traditional look and the texture of the fabric. Even the logo of the capital H with a snaffle on one end was cute. I hoped they would fit.

If you’re like me, you might not enjoy trying on new jeans and/or pants. The struggle is real.

Photo Credit (all images): Lady Photographic

It was a pleasant surprise when I zipped the Hadleys up and snapped them below my belly button. I was THRILLED!

“I think these were made just for me!” I sashayed in the kitchen for hubby and the dogs, showing off the navy riding breeches that SmartPak sent me to review.

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SmartPak Hadley Breeches have been described as Piper’s more grown up sister, so I was eager to give them a shot. SmartPak Piper Breeches have been my go-to everyday breech for the past four years since I’ve gotten back into riding. I really like them for their durability, but they don’t fit quite as nicely on my body type as the Hadley fit. (I reviewed Piper Breeches previously on the blog, in case you want to give that post a gander.)

10 Reasons to Love SmartPak Hadley Breeches

The riders of SmartPak spent over a year developing the Hadley, with the premise riders are athletes. It was important to them to create a pair of breeches that would bend and flex and breathe. I think they nailed it.

1. Love the navy. I had been wanting navy breeches for a while because navy goes with everything and let’s face it–darker colors hide dirt better and have a more slimming effect than lighter clothes. They also come in a tan color (think traditional riding breech color) and charcoal with tan patches.

2. Love the fit. The cut is flattering as it’s a little bit higher waisted so as to contain a bit more of my not-rock-hard abs, but not high waisted like mom jeans. The waistband is two inches wide.

3. They wash great. I include them in with my darks and then skip the dryer and hang to dry. Easy peasy.

4. Fabric is resilient to dirt and dust. I might have actually worn them once and then worn them a second time without washing. Actually I did. Kinda like jeans. I don’t wash jeans every time. The Hadley breeches look fresh even when they’re not. If they get a little dusty, you can just brush it off with your hand.

5. They are breathable and moisture wicking. If you want to put a pair of breeches’ “breathable” and “moisture wicking” properties to the test, you’ve got to ride in them in Southern California during August and September when the temperatures hover in the mid 80s to mid 90s. I have been wearing my Hadley’s in hot temps and they’ve been wonderful.

6. Street to stable style. I haven’t worn them to work yet, but when fall and winter boot weather is in full force, I will definitely give it a shot. I think they would look really cute with a longer sweater and a scarf.

7. The logo is cute and inconspicuous. When I was in 8th grade, having the “right” label and logo on my clothes was really important so people could see. Nowadays I prefer to not have a real obvious logo (Tangent: can somebody please talk to Ralph Lauren about sizing down the polo player a bit?). The Hadley logo is located on the knee patch and in the center along the waistline. It’s classic and not attention seeking.

8. They have deep back pockets! With zippers! I don’t have to worry about that board or farrier check or lip balm wriggling its way up and out of my pocket.

9. They have sock bottom ankle closures. Like Pipers, the Hadley’s bottoms are comfy and not bunchy under my boots.

10. Great price point for the quality. These breeches have a higher end vibe but are still budget-friendly.

Two Things That Could be Improved and Other Info

I wish the Hadley breeches came in more colors and I wish the line of the front and back pockets were less noticeable. Maybe the pockets could be made in a thinner, lighter weight material?

I’m kind of in between sizes. I have breeches in 30s and 32s in my closet and I opted for the larger size, and they work great. So if you are in-between sizes you might want to size up too.

Closing Thoughts

My trusty Piper breeches will not be turned out to pasture in light of my new Hadley obsession. I will continue to walk, trot, canter, jump and trail with my old friends. However, I do look forward to adding more Hadley breeches to my wardrobe as the fit for my body type is superior.

Your Turn: Have you given the Hadley Breeches a go yet? What did you think? What favorite breeches are hanging in your closet? Please leave your response in the comments section. 

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