The best shooting breeks for all weathers
Comfortable, stylish, practical, breathable and waterproof - some options for men and women.
For many, gamekeeping was an accident of birth as they followed their father's footsteps
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Breeks are a classic piece of shooting kit.
Whether you want shooting breeks in moleskin or tweed, with a new style storm cuff or a more traditional buckle, we’ve found them.
Here are some of the best shooting breeks around, in different price brackets, because we’re all more budget-conscious these days. (If you’re looking for the best shooting boots to wear with them we’ve created a list, and we also suggest what we think are the best gaiters for shooting.
What are breeks and what are plus-fours?
The word breeks is Scottish for breeches. How do breeks differ from plus-fours? Well, as the name suggests, plus-fours have a further four inches of material for the knee fold and a wider, baggier fit. (Read our piece on why plus-fours add that little extra to shooting attire.)
So why wear breeks? Plenty of people wear trousers for shooting, so why do we still need to put on breeks?
Liam Bell, chairman of the National Gamekeepers Organisation comments: “Breeks and their more traditional predecessors, plus-twos and plus-fours, were made of wool (tweed) because there wasn’t anything more waterproof or available at the time. In the case of plus-fours, the extension 4in below the knee was added to aid movement when walking and to keep them away from the leg when wet. Modern breeks are now offered in waterproof versions but I am still a fan of plus-twos and plus-fours. Wearing them on a shoot day is traditional, though no one has to do so, and many don’t.
“Tweed trousers had a surge in popularity a few years ago, but I am seeing fewer people wear them now — most seem to be sticking to breeks or plus-twos and fours. Ultimately, what someone wears on a shoot day is up to them, and no one will mind in the least bit what is chosen, as long as what they are wearing is clean and tidy.”
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Keen Shot Bod Griffiths, who runs field to fork courses at Vale House Kitchen, comments: “Breeks are very comfortable. Along with looking very smart, nowadays technical breeks keep you nice and dry as well on those damp days out in the field. I find it hard to decide between tweed and moleskin. I have a lovely old pair of Farlows moleskin breeks that I find I wear early in the season, those days when you are out shooting September partridge. But I also have an amazing pair of Musto technical breeks that no matter how hard its raining never seem to get wet. They must be 20 years old and still going strong.”
1.Men Hunting Derby Tweed Plus Fours Breeches Breeks Trousers £43.94
Best for warmth and softness
Fans of moleskin love its softness and the traditional look it brings. These breeks are warm and comfortable with a shirt-grip waistband and deep pockets. Apart from shooting, we’ve heard that they also have their place out on the golf course and walking the dogs.
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3.Hoggs Of Fife Mens Struther Waterproof Breeks £57.95
Best for keeping water out
- Colour: Dark green
- Sizes: Small to 3XL
- Fabric: 90% polyester, 10% nylon
- Fastening: Zip fly
- Finish: Hook and eye cuffs with metal faux buckle
- Washable: Yes
+ Good choice of sizes
+ Price
-No natural fibres
These breeks from Hoggs of Fife make our list of best shooting breeks because not only will your bottom half stay dry in sleeting rain, you’ll also be comfortable after the shoot lunch thanks to the joys of the elasticated waistband, which gives a comfortable fit. Thanks to its waterproof qualities you’ll be able to sit on a damp bank with no concerns.
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4.Le Chameau Mens Chedworth Moleskin Breeks £54.95
Best bargain
- Colour: Green
- Sizes: 28-40
- Fabric: Cotton, elastane
- Knitted rib cuffs
+ Breathable
+ Price
If you’re a fan of Le Chameau and wear the brand’s shooting wellies, then you might like to pair them with these smart, comfortable and practical moleskin breeks. They offer easy movement thanks to the stretch in the fabric, a dropped rise and waistband and easy fitting rib cuffs
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5. Seeland Woodcock Advanced Breeks £109.95
Best for stretch
- Colour: Shaded olive
- Sizes: 34″-44″
- Main fabric: 98% polyester, 2% spandex, herringbone, polyurethane coating.
- Lining: 90% polyester, 10% spandex, plain woven stretch.
- Washable: Yes
With a windproof and waterproof membrane, these breeks will stretch comfortably as you stride over the moors.
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6. Schöffel Mens Moleskin Breeks £119.95
Best for feel
- Colour: Forest
Sizes: 32-28
Fabric: 98% cotton with 2% spandex - Finish: Moisture and stain resistant DWR finish
- Washable: Yes
+ Water repellent
+ Adjustable buckles below knee
Moleskin has an army of fieldsports fans who love its traditional looks, its softness and sturdiness. These breeks combine cotton and spandex (for stretch) and have a feel soft to the touch, although they’ll be tough enough out in the field. There is plenty of storage for valuables thanks to the back and front pockets. They’re stain resistant which is handy but you can still put them in the washing machine to bring them up like new again.
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7. Schöffel Womens Moleskin Breeks £119.95
Best for cut and feel
- Colour: Forest
Sizes: 8-20
Fabric: 98% cotton with 2% spandex - Finish: Moisture and stain resistant DWR finish
- Washable: Yes
+ Water repellent
+ Adjustable buckles below knee
– No size 16 in stock at present
Cut to fit the female form, these moleskin breeks have exactly the same qualities as the men’s version and will combine elegance, style and practicality in the field. In the autumn, you could combine them with a fleece gilet for shooting.
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8. Saxony Tweed Plus Twos £149.95
Best for tweed choices
- Colour: Bark/bracken, blue/lovat, moorland heather, pine bark, rust/brown
- Sizes: 32″-44″
- Fabric: 100% per new wool
- Finish: Half lined to front only
- Washable: Dry clean only
Made by House of Bruar, these plus twos are traditionally cut with a back belt, side pockets, a single hip pocket and buckle fastening at the cuff.
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9. Men’s Saxony Wool Waterproof Plus Fours £195
Best for waterproof tweed
- Colour: Bark/bracken, blue/lovat, moorland heather, pine bark, rust/brown
- Sizes: 32″-44″
- Fabric: 100% pure new wool
- Lining: 96% polyester, 4% elastane
- Washable: Dry clean only
These waterproof plus fours will keep your legs dry in a sleeting downpour. They are cut with roomy legs, a fish tail back and calf buckles.
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10. Schöffel Ptarmigan Plus 2s £219.94
Best for breathability, protection and comfort
- Colour: Hunter green
- Sizes: 32″-44″
- Fabric: Durable ripstop fabric with GORE-TEX®
- 100% waterproof, windproof and breathable
- Washable: Yes and quick drying
These are the latest Plus 2s from Schöffel and pack away into their own security pocket. Full length side zips allow for easy access over boots, there is an elasticated wait and hem and easy access to pockets underneath.
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11. Harkila Pro Hunter Endure breeks £239.99
Best for tough use
Colour: Willow green
Sizes: 34-36
Fabric: 100% polyamide
Finish: Durable water repellent coating
Washable: Yes
+ Breathable
+ For tough environments
-Price
Due to popular demand, the Pro Hunter breeks are back and now match the Pro Hunter Endure jacket. They feature a waterproof and highly breathable Gore-Tex lining. They have multiple pockets and the bottoms are fully adjustable so you can get them on an off easily.
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12. Musto Mens Stretch Technical GORE-TEX® Breeks £299
Best for stretch
- Colour: Dunmho
- Sizes: 32-44
- Fabric: 95% Wool, 3% lycra and 2% polyamide
- Finish: Teflon
- Washable: Yes
+ Supersoft lambswood tweed
+ Stain resistant coating
-Price
These tweed breeks from Musto will move with you as you stride over the heather, whilst keeping you warm and dry, thanks to their waterproof and windproof protection. They’re also breathable, so you won’t get too hot. The special Teflon coating will resist stains and keep the colours bright. They’re perfect for both wet and dry outdoor fieldsports.
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Socks add a splash of colour
How to wear your shooting breeks correctly
You’ll need a good pair of shooting socks to pair with your breeks and a sturdy pair of shooting boots. If it’s dry that’s fine, but if you’re going to be sploshing through streams, mud and brambles then you’ll need a pair of gaiters for shooting too.
You should also read our advice on how to wear your shooting socks correctly. Yes, there is a way of doing it!
This article was originally published in 2014 and has been updated.
