Breeks, Plus Twos and Plus Fours: What are they and how to wear them
Practical and hardwearing, breeks, plus twos and plus fours are fundamental pieces in any country wardrobe. This is especially true for sporting enthusiasts who know that dressing the part is essential for outdoor pursuits, whether fly fishing, shooting, or golfing.
These traditional country garments combine style and durability effortlessly, offering a timeless country look perfect for countryside adventures. However, you’re in good company if you’re unsure when, where, and how to wear them. Thankfully, Brocklehursts is here to help.
Whether you’ve been invited on a formal shooting day or are heading out with your local club, read on as we uncover the mysteries behind breeks, plus twos and plus fours, including what they are and when to wear them for the best results.
Table of contents
- Breeks
- Plus twos
- Plus fours
- Are plus two trousers the same as breeks?
- What's the difference between plus twos and plus fours?
- When to wear breeks, plus twos and plus fours
- Shop breeks, plus twos and plus fours at Brocklehursts
Breeks
Shooting breeks are essential to any country wardrobe, especially if you’re invited to a formal shoot. They are traditionally made from tweed or moleskin, offering a formal yet practical country outfit ideal for many country sports.
What are breeks?
Breeks are a style of trousers that sit just below the knee. They are designed to be tucked into long socks, usually worn with Wellington boots.
Breeks help create a watertight seal with stockings and boots, preventing water or moisture from soaking your legs. Moreover, most breeks feature an adjustable buckle or velcro strap at the hem for a tailored, comfortable fit.
How to wear breeks
Breeks should be tucked into stockings or long shooting socks and worn with Wellington boots. Traditionalists often wear their shooting socks over the breeks. However, most breeks come with garters, buckles, or velcro straps, allowing a snug, tailored fit.
Breeks are designed to provide flexibility to the wearer, perfect for climbing or other outdoor adventures. However, your breeks must be loose enough not to pull away from your socks or ride up as you move.
How to wear breeks for formal shooting occasions
If you want to style your breeks for formal attire, you should style them traditionally with a three-piece tweed suit. It’s important to note that while the tweed breeks don’t have to match your jacket, the tweed colours should still complement it.
Breeks meaning
Breeks is the Scottish term for trousers or breeches. The term is also used in Northumbrian English. However, outside Scotland, ‘breeks’ often refers to breeches, a trouser similar to plus fours, offering a wider, baggier fit.
Plus twos
Plus twos are often confused with breeks. However, these two garments are widely different, with plus twos being renowned for their flexible fit, ideal for walking, golfing, and shooting.
Brocklehursts Hardwick Tweed Plus Twos
What are plus twos?
In line with their name, plus twos are trousers that sit two inches below the knee. They fall approximately four inches below the bottom of the knee at full length.
How to wear plus twos
To wear plus twos correctly, you should fold them to create a two-inch fold below the knee. Plus twos are designed to fit wide around the knee and thigh, making them more practical and flexible for the wearer. This makes them especially suitable for sporting activities which require bending.
Plus fours
Considered one of the most practical country clothing items, plus fours are a must for sporting enthusiasts.
What are plus fours?
Plus fours fall four inches below the knee, offering the widest fit of breeks and plus twos. However, their wide, baggy fit makes them one of the least popular breek trouser styles, as they look much more traditional.
How to wear plus fours?
Plus four breeks sit eight inches below the knee when unfolded. With this in mind, to wear them correctly, you must fold them to sit four inches below the knee in a similar fashion to how you fold plus twos.
Are plus two trousers the same as breeks?
Though often confused, breeks and plus twos are considerably different garments. Traditional breeks are more fitted than plus twos and offer less flexibility. For this reason, breeks are sometimes considered as fashion garments rather than sporting attire.
What's the difference between plus twos and plus fours?
Plus fours offer a fuller, longer cut than plus twos. They sit four inches below the knee, as opposed to plus twos, which sit two inches below the knee. Plus twos also have a slimmer silhouette than plus fours, renowned for their wide baggy fit, ideal for shooting and sporting activities.
When to wear breeks, plus twos and plus fours
While breeks, plus twos and plus fours may seem similar, they offer different levels of formality.
For sporting events or club activities, we recommend wearing breeks.
For activities requiring traditional style, plus twos or plus fours are a great option. Versatile without compromising style, they offer the perfect blend of formality and comfort, ensuring you won’t be out of place in formal settings.
Shop breeks, plus twos and plus fours at Brocklehursts
Breeks, plus twos, and plus fours are the perfect choice for outdoor pursuits. They are flexible and protective, allowing you to bend at the knee easily. So, whether your favourite country sport is golfing, fishing, or hunting, you can enjoy a stylish, traditional dress that supports your every movement effortlessly.
At Brocklehursts, we stock a fantastic selection of breeks, plus twos and plus fours for every occasion. So, whether you are searching for the perfect sporting attire for a formal shoot, traditional tweed breeks, or stylish plus fours that don’t compromise practicality, there’s something for you.
Explore mens breeks, plus twos and plus fours by leading country brands and elevate your country wardrobe with Brocklehursts!
