What are breeks?
Breeks are a traditional type of trouser that end a few inches below the knee. They originated in Scotland and northern England. They are generally worn nowadays for country sports such as game shooting but also have a historic association with golfing outfits.
What is the history of breeks?
The history of breeks stretches back to medieval times when it was common to wear trousers that finished below the knee and had a loose upper. Over time they evolved to be closer fitting on the upper leg and associated with country sports, becoming a garment more recognisable as the breeks that are worn today. Their current popularity in the shooting field was embedded in the 20th century when they became and now remain an essential part of the look of a formal shooting day.
How to wear breeks?
Breeks are generally worn with a long pair of shooting socks that finish just below the knee with enough length in the sock for a turnover at the top. They are then paired with garter ties to hold the socks up - most breeks have a fastening buckle or a velcro strip on the hem that tightens around the calf and tucks in below the top of the sock. Generally, the breeks are turned back over on themselves slightly at the calf with the theory behind this being that the water runs down and drips off the breek, rather than directly into your wellies!
Are breeks waterproof?
Some breeks are waterproof, which is generally achieved by including a waterproof membrane such as GORE-TEX. Whilst waterproof breeks are ideal if you are out on a wet day, they aren’t always the most suitable choice. For instance, on a warm, muggy day, waterproof breeks can be sweaty and uncomfortable. It is important that when choosing the style of breeks you consider the weather conditions.
What is the difference between plus fours, plus twos, and breeks?
Plus twos and plus fours are used to describe the length of the trouser, finishing either two inches or four inches below the knee, hence the name. Within the shooting field, the plus twos are the most common. Due to their wider cut, the plus fours remain more common on the golf course where the baggier look has been favoured – especially during the 20th century.
Breeks or trousers for a day shooting?
This is dependent on the type of shooting you are doing. On a more formal day, shooting driven game breeks will still be the predominant choice made by those shooting, with the keepers and some of the beaters also opting for breeks. However, on a more casual syndicate day or for informal shoot days such as pigeon shooting, shooting trousers are likely to be the most common choice.
What are breeks made of?
There are several commonly used fabrics for the construction of breeks:
• Tweed is undoubtedly the most traditional, and would still be considered the smartest option on a formal shooting day. One downside to bear in mind with a traditionally constructed tweed is that it isn’t machine washable.
• Moleskin is another traditional material. Moleskin is a very densely woven cotton. It is warm and rugged with a suede-like feel to the finish. The name is derived from a feel similar to that of a mole, no actual moles are involved in the making of it!
• Technical fabric. There are now dozens of options in more technical fabric available, often constructed from polyester or a close derivative of it. These can offer more advanced properties such as waterproofing, windproofing, and breathability, but aren’t always as smart or comfortable to wear.
Who makes the best breeks?
It’s hard to pick out a single company as the best breek maker. If you are looking for traditional tweed breeks of the very highest quality, Schoffel is leading the way with their Ptarmigan tweed breeks. For a really good tweed breek that doesn’t break the bank consider the Alan Paine Combrook Breek. If it is moleskin you are after, then Scottish heritage brand Hoggs of Fife. has an exceptional breek. Finally, if you are looking for something more technical the Harkila Pro Hunter Endure Breek really is leading the way, with exceptional quality fabrics, details design, and quality construction
As a keen shooter myself, I’ve always opted for breeks on days of driven game shooting. Currently, I tend to reach for a pair of Seeland Woodcock Advance breeks. They are waterproof, breathable, the fabric stretches making them very comfortable to wear and they go through the washing machine time and time again. Also, whilst not cheap, they also come at a price that won’t break the bank.
Posted by John
John is one of the Managing Partners at Philip Morris & Son, overseeing the day-to-day running of the business alongside his brother, Bruce. He is meticulous in ensuring that the store continues to offer exceptional service and high-quality products, maintaining the reputation that has been built up over the last 175 years. For many years, he has focused his efforts on the store's range of country clothing and footwear brands, developing an almost unrivalled knowledge of the country lifestyle and shooting clothing markets. As a third-generation family member at Philip Morris & Son, it’s no surprise that John is passionate about independent businesses and their role in the wider community. He currently invests time as President of the British Independent Retail Association (Bira) and has also previously served as Chairman of Hereford Business Improvement District (HBID) and Vice Chairman of Hereford Business Board.
Away from work, John lives with his wife and two children and is unashamed to admit having a favourite family member: Kylo, the cockapoo. John is a keen shooter and general country sports enthusiast. Having been brought up on a farm in rural Herefordshire, with cows and ponies, the countryside is very much a part of his DNA. He’s also passionate about rugby, helping coach his son’s team, and is an avid runner who has, to date, completed three marathons.