No Grip Riding Tights Explained: Are They Right for You?

Full-seat silicone grip has become a familiar feature of modern equestrian wear, but not every rider wants or needs the extra hold.

Some riders prefer greater freedom in the saddle. Others want one technical tight they can wear for riding, training, working out and everything the day brings. That is where no-grip riding tights are the perfect partner.

BARE No Grip Riding Tights offer the same performance fabrics, flattering fits and rider-focused details you expect from equestrian tights, without silicone grip on the seat or legs.

So, what exactly are no-grip riding tights, how do they feel and could they be the right choice for you?

What Are No-Grip Riding Tights?

No-grip riding tights are equestrian leggings made without silicone grip through the seat or legs.

They are still designed with riders in mind, using technical performance fabric, supportive waistbands, strategically placed seams and practical phone pockets. The difference is simply the absence of the silicone pattern traditionally added to help create extra 'stick' between the rider and saddle.

Their smooth finish allows your seat and legs to move more freely, while their equestrian construction makes them more suitable for riding and stable life than standard everyday leggings.

Can You Ride in Tights Without Silicone Grip?

Yes. No-grip tights are specifically designed to be worn for horse riding.

Silicone grip is a preference rather than a requirement. While some riders enjoy feeling more secure or connected to the saddle, others find full-seat grip too restrictive or prefer being able to adjust their position more easily.

Many riders rode in traditional breeches long before silicone seats became widely used. Choosing no grip does not mean sacrificing support, comfort or performance. It simply creates a different feel in the saddle.

The best option comes down to your riding style, discipline, saddle and personal preference.

No Grip Versus Full-Seat Grip Riding Tights

The key difference is how much contact and movement you feel in the saddle.

Full-Seat Silicone Grip

Full-seat riding tights feature silicone across the seat and inner legs. This helps create additional hold against the saddle.

They may suit riders who:

• Enjoy a more anchored feeling
• Want additional security in the saddle
• Prefer extra contact through the seat and legs
• Are already accustomed to silicone riding tights
• Ride in disciplines where a stable, supported feel is preferred

No-Grip Riding Tights

No-grip tights have a smooth seat without silicone. This allows easier movement against the saddle and gives them the look and versatility of premium activewear.

They may suit riders who:

• Prefer greater freedom in the saddle
• Find silicone grip too sticky or restrictive
• Like to adjust their position easily
• Want tights suitable for riding and workouts
• Prefer a clean, smooth activewear finish
• Ride several horses and remain in their tights all day

Neither option is universally better. The right choice is the one that makes you feel most comfortable and natural while you ride.

Do No-Grip Riding Tights Feel Slippery?

No-grip tights feel smoother against the saddle than silicone-seat riding tights, but that does not necessarily mean they will feel excessively slippery.

How they feel can depend on:

• Your saddle material
• Your position and riding style
• The fabric of the tights
• Whether you usually ride in full-seat grip
• Your personal preference for movement or hold

If you have always ridden in silicone tights, no grip may initially feel different. Some riders quickly appreciate the additional freedom, while others continue to prefer the anchored sensation of a full-seat grip.

Why Riders Choose No Grip

More Freedom in the Saddle

Without silicone attaching to the saddle, your seat can move and adjust more easily. This can appeal to riders who dislike feeling locked into one position.

Greater Versatility

No-grip riding tights transition naturally between riding, stable work, walking, gym sessions and everyday activities. You do not need to change out of a sticky-seat riding tight before moving on with your day.

A Smooth Activewear Finish

Without a visible silicone pattern, no-grip tights have a clean, streamlined appearance similar to premium gym leggings while retaining rider-specific features.

No Silicone to Wear Down

Silicone grip naturally wears with use and washing. Because no-grip tights do not have a silicone seat, there is no grip print to wear away over time. The fabric should still be washed and cared for according to its individual instructions.

Comfort Beyond the Saddle

Silicone can feel unnecessary when you are driving, working, exercising or completing stable jobs. No-grip tights provide the technical support of equestrian apparel without the sticky feel away from your horse.

No-Grip Performance Riding Tights

Light Compression for Riding and Everyday Movement

Our No Grip Performance Riding Tights are ideal if you love the lightweight feel of BARE Performance Tights but prefer a smooth seat.

Their four-way stretch performance fabric provides light compression and unrestricted movement, while moisture-wicking technology helps keep you comfortable during active days.

A high, wide waistband creates a flattering and secure fit, and strategically placed seams help reduce rubbing. Selected styles also include a practical phone pocket, making them a versatile choice for riding, stable work and everyday wear.

Styles such as Black Rider, Oxford Navy and Stormy Rider give riders a choice of classic colours and signature BARE details.

Choose No Grip Performance Tights if you prefer:

• Light compression
• Lightweight performance fabric
• Four-way stretch
• Moisture-wicking comfort
• A high, wide waistband
• A smooth, silicone-free seat
• A riding tight that also works as activewear

No-Grip FlexForm Sculpting Tights

High Compression and Full Coverage

For greater support and compression without silicone, choose our No Grip FlexForm Sculpting Riding Tights in Black or Midnight Navy.

FlexForm fabric is thicker and more compressive than our Performance fabric. It smooths and supports while providing full coverage and a secure, sculpted fit.

The mid-high stay-put waistband supports the midline, while two thigh pockets offer plenty of room for your phone and essentials. Breathable, moisture-wicking fabric and temperature-regulation technology make FlexForm suitable for riding, high-movement exercise and active days throughout the seasons.

Choose No Grip FlexForm Tights if you prefer:

• High compression
• A thicker, full-coverage fabric
• A smooth and sculpted silhouette
• A supportive, stay-put waistband
• Two thigh phone pockets
• A grip-free tight for riding and workouts

No-Grip ThermoFit Winter Riding Tights

Warmth Without the Sticky Seat

Cold weather does not mean you have to return to silicone grip.

Our No Grip ThermoFit Winter Riding Tights feature a soft brushed inner and winter-weight compression fabric designed to provide warmth while wicking away moisture.

Four-way stretch allows freedom of movement, while the high, wide waistband stays securely in place. Two phone pockets make them practical for cold mornings, coaching, stable work and winter workouts.

Choose No Grip ThermoFit Tights if you prefer:

• A warm brushed inner
• Winter-weight compression
• Four-way stretch
• A high, secure waistband
• Two phone pockets
• Warm riding tights without silicone grip

Can No-Grip Riding Tights Be Worn to the Gym?

Yes. Their versatility is one of their biggest advantages.

BARE no-grip tights are designed for riding, high-movement activities and leisure. Depending on the style you choose, they can be worn for:

• Horse riding
• Stable work
• Gym training
• Walking
• Running
• Pilates or yoga
• Travel
• Everyday errands

Their equestrian construction and durable technical fabrics make them ready for the demands of a rider’s day, while the silicone-free finish feels natural away from the saddle.

If you want activewear designed with the equestrian lifestyle in mind, explore the full BARE Equestrian Activewear Collection.

Are No-Grip Tights Suitable for Competition?

This depends on your discipline and the dress requirements of the event.

For riders permitted to compete in tights, our No Grip Snow White Riding Tights provide a smooth, silicone-free competition option.

Always check the current rules for your discipline, level and governing organisation before competing. Some events require traditional breeches or have specific colour and attire requirements.

How Should No-Grip Riding Tights Fit?

No-grip riding tights should feel secure and supportive without restricting your movement.

The waistband should sit flat and remain in place, while the fabric should move comfortably with you through the hips, thighs and knees. Seams should sit in their intended positions without pulling, twisting or creating pressure points.

Avoid choosing a smaller size simply to create additional compression. Wearing tights that are too small can overstretch the fabric, affect coverage and cause the waistband to roll. If you want a firmer feel, select a higher-compression style such as FlexForm in your correct size.

Which BARE No-Grip Tights Are Right for You?

Choose No Grip Performance Riding Tights for lightweight fabric, light compression and versatile all-day comfort.

Choose No Grip FlexForm Sculpting Tights for high compression, greater coverage and a smooth, supportive fit.

Choose No Grip ThermoFit Winter Tights for warmth, winter-weight compression and a soft brushed inner.

Choose No Grip Snow White Tights for a lightweight, silicone-free competition option where riding tights are permitted.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 'no grip' mean on riding tights?

No grip means the tights do not have silicone through the seat or legs. They have a smooth fabric finish that allows greater freedom of movement against the saddle.

Are no-grip tights the same as normal leggings?

No. No-grip equestrian tights are designed specifically for riders, with technical fabrics, supportive waistbands, rider-friendly seams and practical pockets. They simply do not include silicone grip.

Can beginner riders wear no-grip tights?

Yes. Both beginners and experienced equestrians can ride in no-grip tights. The choice between no grip and silicone grip comes down to comfort and personal preference rather than experience level.

Are no-grip riding tights better for the gym?

No-grip tights are more versatile for gym training because they do not have a silicone seat. They offer the performance and durability of equestrian leggings with a smooth activewear finish.

Should I choose full-seat or no-grip riding tights?

Choose full-seat grip if you prefer additional hold and a more anchored feeling in the saddle. Choose no grip if you prefer greater freedom of movement or want one pair of tights for riding, training and everyday wear.

Which no-grip riding tights offer the most compression?

BARE No Grip FlexForm Sculpting Tights provide the highest level of compression and coverage. No Grip Performance Tights have a lighter feel and gentler compression.

Discover Riding Tights Without the Sticky Seat

From lightweight Performance Tights to sculpting FlexForm and warm winter ThermoFits, there is a BARE no-grip style for every season and every kind of active day.

SHOP ALL NO-GRIP RIDING TIGHTS