What to Wear: Breeches vs. Riding Tights

Choosing the right equestrian riding apparel can be a bit like finding the perfect pair of jeans—it's all about comfort, style, and fit. Among the essential pieces in a rider's wardrobe are breeches and riding tights. Both have their unique features and benefits, and knowing which one is right for you can enhance your riding, comfort and performance. Let's take a look at the differences, advantages, and disadvantages of each, and help you decide which equestrian riding pants suit you best!

The Basics: Breeches vs. Riding Tights 

First, let's look at the differences between breeches and riding tights. 

Riding Breeches are traditionally made from firmer materials that offer structure and a polished look. They typically feature buttons or zippers at the fly, belt loops, and seams that create a more formal appearance. Breeches are often associated with competitive riding because of their sleek, tailored fit and polished finish. They provide a structured silhouette and often come with features like knee patches or full seat grips for added security in the saddle.

Riding Tights, on the other hand, are like sporting leggings. They are made from stretchy, lightweight materials that offer a second-skin feel. Unlike breeches, riding tights do not have buttons or zippers, making them easy to slip on and off. They offer a more casual and relaxed style, often with fewer seams for a streamlined look and comfort. Riding tights are favoured for their comfort and unrestricted movement, making them ideal for both everyday riding and casual outings.

The Luxurious Breeches

Our riding breeches are crafted to maximise your comfort and performance, aiming to combine the structured elegance of traditional breeches with the comfort of riding tights.

Features of Our Breeches:

• Matte Sheen Fabric: Our breeches feature a subtle matte sheen fabric that not only looks sophisticated but also repels dirt and dust, keeping you clean and polished.
• Silicone Grip: The full seat silicone grip provides excellent grip in the saddle (without being too 'sticky'), ensuring you stay secure during your ride.
• 4-Way Stretch: The high-quality 4-way stretch fabric offers unrestricted movement and a perfect fit every time. We have tried to replicate the feel of a riding tight to improve comfort.
• Moisture Wicking: Stay fresh with moisture-wicking properties that help regulate your body temperature and wick sweat.
• Phone Pockets: Practicality meets style with not one, but two phone pockets, allowing you to keep your essentials close.
• Design Details: From the silicone grip on the ankles to keep your socks up, to the delicate patent piping on back pockets and embroidered logos, every detail is carefully considered to give you a polished look.
• Mid-Rise Waist: A mid-rise waist provides a comfortable and flattering fit.

Why we love Breeches:

• Polished Appearance: Perfect for competitions and formal settings.
• Durability: The firmer fabric holds its shape well and is durable.
• Enhanced Grip: Full seat grips offer better stability in the saddle.

The down side of Breeches:

• Less Breathable: Firmer fabrics can sometimes feel less breathable, especially in hot weather.
• Restrictive: They may feel more restrictive compared to riding tights, particularly around the waist and hips due to the waistband and button and zip closure.
• Boots: Due to the bottom sock type finish on breeches, they are best worn with long boots. A short boot or boot and chap may be uncomfortable and cause rubbing, and also not look as polished.

The Comfort of Riding Tights

If breeches are the tailored trousers of the equestrian world, then riding tights are the comfortable yoga pants. Our riding tights are designed with performance and comfort in mind, ideal for riders who prioritise ease of movement and a relaxed fit, but don't want to lose grip, performance or style!

Features of Our Riding Tights:

• Compression Fabric: Our custom technical compression fabric offers light compression, providing support and a flattering fit.
• Moisture Wicking: Just like our breeches, the riding tights are moisture-wicking, ensuring you stay cool and dry. Out tights are cooler than breeches in the hot summer months.
• 4-Way Stretch: The superior stretch allows for a full range of motion, making these tights perfect for all riding and everyday activities.
• Strategically Placed Seams: To avoid rubbing and chafing, the seams are thoughtfully placed, with none around the knee or seat.
• High Waist and Wide Waistband: A figure-flattering high and wide waistband provides support and comfort. You tights will stay in place no matter how you ride.
• Phone Pocket: Keep your essentials handy with a convenient phone pocket.

Why we LOVE Riding Tights:

• Comfort: Soft, stretchy, and lightweight, they offer unparalleled comfort and movement.
• Versatility: Perfect for both riding and casual wear, they can easily transition from stable to street.
• Breathability: The lighter fabric is great for warmer weather.
• Flattering Fit: Our riding tights fit and flatter a larger range of body shapes and types, keeping you looking your best.

Why you might not love Riding Tights:

• Less Formal: They might not be suitable for formal competitions or events. We have tweaked our design to use closed seams and subtle branding in our competition range and we think they look just as good as breeches in the ring!
• Less Structure: The lack of structure might not be ideal for riders who prefer a more tailored fit.

What’s Right for You?

Choosing between breeches and riding tights ultimately comes down to personal preference and the specific demands of your riding discipline. Here are a few considerations to help you decide:

Stretch vs. Structure: If you value a polished look and more structure, breeches are the way to go. They provide a sleek appearance and are often preferred for competitive riding. On the other hand, if comfort and flexibility are your top priorities, riding tights offer a more relaxed and comfortable fit.

Grip Seats: Both breeches and riding tights can come with full seat grips, but breeches often provide a firmer grip due to their structured fabric. Riding tights, while also offering grip, may feel less secure in the saddle for some riders.

Material for Weather: Consider the weather when choosing your riding apparel. Breeches, with their firmer and sometimes heavier fabric, are better suited for cooler weather. Riding tights, with their lighter and more breathable material, are perfect for warmer days.

Competition vs. Versatility: For competitions or more formal settings, breeches are often the preferred choice due to their polished look. However, if you're looking for versatility and a piece of apparel that can take you from the stable to a casual day out, riding tights are a fantastic option. Our competition riding tights range try to close the gap further between tights and breeches giving you a more formal look with the comfort of a tight.

Which riding pants are best?

Both breeches and riding tights have their place in the world of equestrian riding apparel. Whether you lean towards the structured elegance of breeches or the laid-back comfort of riding tights, there's a perfect pair out there for you. Remember, the best equestrian riding pants are the ones that make you feel confident and comfortable, whether you're competing in a show or enjoying a leisurely ride.

So, next time you're shopping for horse riding apparel, think about your needs, preferences, and the activities you'll be doing. Whether you go for the luxurious feel of breeches or the cosy embrace of riding tights, you're sure to find a pair that makes you feel like a true equestrian queen!