Everything You Need to Know About Silicone Grip

Whether you’re schooling at home or competing at your peak, the right grip can make all the difference to your ride. At BARE Equestrian, we’re all about high-performance riding wear designed to elevate both comfort and control, and that includes offering the best in silicone grip technology.

Let’s break down everything you need to know about silicone grip: what it is, how it works, and why BARE riding tights only feature full seat grip using two innovative types - dot silicone and flat silicone.

What Is Silicone Grip and Why Do Riders Love It?

Silicone grip is a modern alternative to traditional materials like suede or leather used in the seat or knee area of riding tights or breeches. It offers lightweight adhesion between you and the saddle without compromising freedom of movement or causing additional heat.

When designed well, silicone grip can:

• Improve stability and balance in the saddle
• Encourage quieter leg position and better posture
• Help riders feel more secure, especially in fast-paced or technical work
• Offer flexibility and comfort both in and out of the saddle

Dot vs Flat Silicone: What’s the Difference?

At BARE, we offer two distinct types of silicone grip across our riding tights:

Dot Silicone Grip

This style features small, strategically placed dots of silicone across the seat area to create a subtle, non-slip surface. Unlike patterned or logo-based silicone, dot grip is minimalist and low-profile, offering just the right amount of grip for everyday riding without restricting your movement.

Best for: Riders who want lightweight adhesion with a more natural, flexible feel in the saddle.

Flat Silicone Grip

Flat silicone uses a continuous BARE logo pattern, creating a smooth, even surface with a slightly more substantial grip than dot silicone. It offers a stronger “stick” in the saddle while still allowing comfort and stretch.

Best for: Riders looking for maximum contact and a more secure feel in the saddle, especially in disciplines like dressage or jumping where precision matters.

What is Full Seat Grip?

Full seat grip means the silicone extends from the inner thigh through to the seat and down the leg, providing maximum contact and security. It’s ideal for all riders, from dressage to showjumping to trail riding, offering stability and confidence in every gait.

Benefits of full seat grip:

• Better seat stability
• Helps develop correct rider position
• Reduces saddle slipping, especially in technical work
• Ideal for riders training young or sensitive horses

 Full Seat vs Knee Grip: Why BARE Only Offers Full Seat Grip

At BARE, our riding tights are available in two options: full seat silicone grip or no grip at all. You won’t find knee patch grip in our range, and that’s a conscious design choice based on how today’s riders ride, train, and perform.

We’ve found riders generally fall into two camps:

• Those who love full-seat grip for maximum control in fast-paced or technical work

• Those who prefer no grip at all for a freer feel in flatwork, groundwork, or cross-training

Knee grip tends to sit in the middle—it doesn’t quite deliver the full benefits of either. While we understand some riders enjoy it for added security without the full-seat feel, it’s not a focus for us as we prioritise designs that maximise performance at either end of the spectrum.

Full seat silicone grip is now widely preferred even by many jumpers and eventers, who value the added confidence and quietness it brings to their ride, especially when dealing with green horses or trickier movements.

By focusing on full seat or no grip, we keep things simple, effective, and performance-driven so you get exactly what you need in the saddle, without compromise.

✅ Full Seat Silicone Grip – For riders who want added stability and connection
✅ No Grip – for riders who prefer complete flexibility and freedom of movement

Will Silicone Grip Damage My Saddle?

Short answer: No.

The high-quality silicone used in BARE riding tights is saddle-safe and designed to work with leather or synthetic saddles.

Does Silicone Grip Wear Out Over Time?

As the saying goes 'nothing lasts forever' and like any performance fabric, silicone grip will soften slightly with use and washing. However, BARE’s silicone is engineered for long-lasting durability, and with the right care (cold wash, line dry, no fabric softeners), your tights will stay grippy ride after ride.

When it comes to performance, comfort, and confidence in the saddle, silicone grip is a game-changer. Whether you prefer the subtle, no-slip support of dot silicone or the firm hold of flat silicone, BARE’s full seat grip tights are designed to move with you and keep you connected every stride of the way.

Explore our collection of riding tights with silicone grip and experience the difference for yourself. Choose your grip, choose your style, ride BARE.