Jodhpurs, in their modern form, are tight-fitting trousers to the ankle, where they end in a snug cuff, and are worn primarily for horse riding. The term is also used as slang for a type of short riding boot, also called a paddock boot or a jodhpur boot, because they are worn with jodhpurs.
According to Tara Mayer, “Jodhpurs … exemplify the material and cultural exchanges between Britain and its Indian colony in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.”
Originally, jodhpurs were snug-fitting from just below the knee to the ankle, and were flared at the hip to allow ease for sitting in the saddle. Modern jodhpurs are made with stretch fabric and are tight-fitting throughout. They are supportive and flexible.
These amazing photos were found by anyjazz65 that show young women wearing Jodhpurs in the 1920s.
Not one person in these photos was wearing jodhpurs. Most of them were wearing breeches (or britches, if you're American). High boots cannot be worn with jodhpurs, which go to the ankle and have a thick cuff; riding boots won't fit over them. They're worn with jodhpur boots, which frou-frou fashionistas call "Chelsea boots" today. Breeches only go to the calf, and the riding boots cover from there down.
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