Best shooting breeks - in moleskin and tweeds for the field

Comfortable, stylish, practical, breathable and waterproof - some options for men and women.

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.

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.

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 don’t do much of either, which is why I am 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.”

1. Moleskin shooting breeks by Hoggs of Fife RRP £49.95

If you want an alternative to tweed, then consider moleskin. We spotted these from Hoggs of Fife, which come in two different colours (and at this price you could buy one of each).

Fernley men’s breeks

2. Fernley men’s breeks RRP £164.95

Lightweight, waterproof and breathable, making them an ideal item to wear walking-up or stalking log distances. The deep, angled side pockets and handy concealed back welt pockets will secure any items you don’t want to be crushed as you crawl to your firing point.

Women’s BR2 sporting breeks by Musto

3. Women’s BR2 sporting breeks by Musto RRP £150

It can be sleeting down but in these sporting breeks you’ll be totally protected, thanks to a treatment on the inner leg cuffs that resists water. Cut for women shooters so you have complete freedom of movement to swing through. Available in liquorice or dark moss.