Discover the Best Riding Breeches, Tights, and Jodhpur Brands
Over the past 30 years, I’ve worn a lot of different riding pants. Now that I have my own horse to support, it’s more important than ever to make every dollar count.
That’s especially true when it comes to buying quality riding pants that are comfortable and durable so I can wear them multiple times per week for years (like I do with my Kerrits Ice Fil Tech Tights).
Here are the best brands of riding breeches:
- Kerrits Ladies Ice Fil Tech Tight (I ride in these tights ALL the time.)
- Ariat Freja Cooling Tight
- TuffRider Ladies Ventilated Tight
- Horseware Riding Tight
- Horze Leah Women’s UV Pro Riding Tight
- Noble Outfitters Balance Riding Tight
- Ovation Euro Melange Knee Patch Breech
- Goode Rider Jean Rider Breech
- SmartPak Piper Tight
- Kerrits Ladies Power Sculpt Tight
- R.J. Classics Harper Breech
Men, we didn’t forget you. Skip to the FAQs for our 5 best men’s riding breeches!
Kerrits Ladies Ice Fil Tight
I wear these Kerrits Ice Fil Tech Tights about eight months of the year (except when it’s cold enough for winter breeches) and own at least four pairs.
These are the only breeches I’ve found that truly are cool in the summer heat. The knee grip is great (there’s a full-seat version too), but the side cell phone pocket is my favorite feature.
These also made our list of the 9 Best Breeches for Hot Weather Relief.
Pros:
- Proprietary Ice Fil fabric turns sweat into a natural coolant that lowers your body temperature up to five degrees
- Quick-access cell phone pocket on the side makes for easy selfies
- Knee patch grip pattern helps keep you in the saddle
- SPF 50+ sun protection keeps you safe even when the sun is blazing
- Comes in a bunch of fun colors (10+)
Cons:
- Sizing runs small (I normally wear a medium but buy a large in this tight)
- Some riders think the fabric is too lightweight (especially for larger body types), but it’s never bothered me
- After a few years, the waistband can start to shrink a little bit (but not much)
See the latest customer reviews on Amazon
Note: Check out my favorite boots to wear with these breeches.
Ariat Freja Cooling Tight
I didn’t think I could love any riding tight as much as my
These buttery soft tights are now a beloved part of my riding pant rotation–especially in the summertime.
These also made our list of the 9 Best Breeches for Hot Weather Relief.
Pros:
- Wide waistband that’s super comfortable
- Very soft fabric that’s both cool and flattering
- Grippy knee patches help keep you in the saddle
- Cell phone side pocket
Cons:
- Limited color choices (only two)
- Runs a tad small, so you may want to size up
See the latest customer reviews on Amazon
TuffRider Ladies Ventilated Tight
When I signed up for a riding retreat in Costa Rica, I wanted to get a lightweight pair of riding tights that would be as cool as possible galloping on the beach.
I chose the TuffRider Ventilated Tight in safari. (Side note: That trip was amazing!) If I were riding in high humidity and heat, I’d get these out a lot more at home.
These also made our list of the 9 Best Breeches for Hot Weather Relief.
Pros:
- Wide, low-rise waistband for comfort
- Ventilated fabric down the full length of the leg and upper back waist
- Grippy knee patches help keep you in the saddle
Cons:
- No cell phone pocket
- Seams are a bit unfinished and can be a little itchy
- Runs a tad large so you may want to size down
See the latest customer reviews on Amazon
Horseware Riding Tight
Glowing reviews surround the Horseware Riding Tight, and it’s no wonder why. They’re high-quality, cute enough to wear at the barn or out about town, and they have two cell phone pockets.
They also come in some really fun patterns like “Galaxy” and “Marble.”
Pros:
- Cell phone pockets on both sides (with overlap flat for security)
- Extra wide pull-on waistband for comfort
- Mesh panels on the side and lower leg for breathability
- Microfiber (vs. rubber grip) knee patches
Cons:
- If you prefer a thicker weight fabric, this may not be the breech for you
- For extra grip, go with a full-seat breech instead
- They may run a bit large
See the latest customer reviews on Amazon
Horze Leah Women’s UV Pro Riding Tight
It’s easy to feel like you’ve seen it all when it comes to riding tights, but I was pleasantly surprised by the design of the Leah UV Pro.
I’m not normally a “bling” kind of gal, but I’m seriously considering changing my tune for these.
These also made our list of the 9 Best Breeches for Hot Weather Relief.
Pros:
- If you’re into bling, you’ll love the subtle sparkle of the pocket top crystals
- Silicone grip seat offers extra staying power in the saddle
- Really fun color choices you don’t typically see in riding pants
Cons:
- The waist is mid-rise, so if you prefer a low or high rise this may not be your cup of tea
- For the first few wears, the waistband can feel snug
- Sizing runs quite small, so order a size or two up
See the latest customer reviews on Amazon
Noble Outfitters Balance Riding Tight
Unlike some other breeches (that didn’t make my list), the “never fade” Noble Outfitters Balance Tight holds its color over the long run.
It’s also a more classically designed breech, so if you like a New England look but a modern feel, give these a try.
Pros:
- Opti-Dry Technology wicks away sweat during hot summer months
- Handy side cell phone pocket on the front thigh
- Extra hidden pocket on the inside of the back waistband
Cons:
- If you like silicone grip fabric, you may not love the ultrasuede finish
- Front thigh versus side leg pocket is a bit more noticeable while you’re riding
- Not a huge fan of the color selection
See the latest customer reviews on Amazon
Ovation Euro Melange Knee Patch Breech
If your personal preference is wearing boots over the top of your jeans (like mine is), the Ovation Euro Melange is a great option.
It’s perfect for english and western riders, alike, and it’s suuuuper comfy.
Pros:
- Spandex denim has the look of fashion jeans and the function of riding tights
- Denim is more concealing than solid color (especially light) breeches
- Great alternative to riding in skinny jeans (no inside seams!)
Cons:
- Only a handful of basic color choices
- Euro contrast stitching on the seat has the appearance of full seat breeches only
- Can run a bit short in the legs for some riders, but otherwise true to size
See the latest customer reviews on Amazon
Goode Rider Jean Rider Breech
I loved the Goode Rider Jean Breech from the very first time I saw it. Finding a good pair of jeans is hard enough, but finding a good pair of horse riding jeans can seem nearly impossible.
English riders will especially love having a denim option instead of typical breeches and tights.
Pros:
- Suede full-seat provides the highest level of grip
- Classic jean look with full riding function (no inner seams and stretchy fabric)
- Seat and knee patches have stretch and give so there’s no restricted movement
Cons:
- Tend to run short, so if you’re a long-legged rider you’ll probably be disappointed
- Can run a little small, so you may need to order a few sizes to find the perfect fit
- Some riders report the knee patch areas get a bit baggy over time
See the latest customer reviews on Amazon
SmartPak Piper Tight
I bought two pairs of the SmartPak Piper Tight (navy and grey heather) because it looked similar to my favorite
While I don’t love it quite as much, they’re solid riding tights at a good price. I’d recommend them as a nice starter pant.
Pros:
- Silicone grip knee patches help keep you in the saddle
- One cell phone pocket with an overlay flap
- Most similar to the
Kerrits Ice Fil Tight, but usually a bit less expensive
Cons:
- Cell phone pocket is more on the front of the thigh than the side
- Waistband seams aren’t flat inside and can be itchy
- The knee grips are suuuper grippy, so these are tough for posting
See the latest customer reviews on SmartPak
Kerrits Ladies Power Sculpt Tight
If you love the look and feel of the
Kerrits makes a very similar riding pant with compression fabric so you can feel confident in the saddle–and everywhere else.
Pros:
- Power Sculpt fabric is lightweight while providing flattering compression
- Wide waistband (2.5”) is comfortable and includes belt loops
- Gripstretch suede knee patches provide extra stability in the saddle
Cons:
- If you like a looser fitting pant, you won’t love the compression fabric
- The black stripping on the thighs looks odd on the lighter color breeches
See the latest customer reviews on Amazon
R.J. Classics Harper Breech
If you like more traditional breech styling, consider R.J. Classics’ Harper breech. It has a natural rise, front zip, and euro seat with silicone knee patches for ultimate comfort and performance.
Pros:
- Quick dry, stretch fabric
- Fabric covered interior waistband for ideal comfort
- Silicone logo in waistband to help keep shirt neatly tucked in
- Mesh lower leg panel
Cons:
- The mesh lower leg panel may feel a little bulky under tall boots
- Sizing runs a bit roomy, so you might want to size down
See the latest customer reviews on Amazon
See more styles at RJ Classics
Tights vs. Breeches vs. Jodhpurs
If you’re new to horseback riding, the terminology might be confusing. Here’s a quick-hit reminder of the differences between riding pant types:
- Tights: Think of riding tights as the yoga pants of the equestrian world. They’re too casual for competition and typically for english riders only, but they’re lighter weight, super comfy, and great for everyday use. They usually have wider waistbands for comfort. Riding tights are the yoga pants of the equestrian world without the issues of yoga pants for horseback riding.
- Breeches: These are the most classic riding pant and suitable for all english riders. Unlike tights, which are usually pull-on style, breeches typically have a zip and button/snap closure and a shorter waistband. Denim varieties can also be suitable for western riders.
- Jodhpurs: Most often worn by kids or saddleseat riders, jodphurs go over the top of paddock boots with a strap under the foot to keep them in place.
Expecting a baby? You’ve probably noticed there are very few options out there for maternity riding pants. You’ll find our best recommendation (and more important info to consider while riding while pregnant) in our Guide to Horseback Riding While Pregnant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the best horse riding pants overall?
All the brands on our list are great options. But, if we have to pick only one, it’s the Ariat Freja Cooling Tight.
The fabric is buttery soft, it features a cell phone pocket, and the wide waistband is insanely comfortable.
Just remember they run a little small, so we suggest sizing up.
Q: What are the best riding tights?
In addition to the Ariat Freja Cooling Tights mentioned above, we also love the Kerrits Ice-Fil Tights.
Not only can you typically find them for a lower price than Ariats, they’re unbeatable for summer heat. That’s why they made our list of the best horse riding breeches for hot weather.
Q: What are the best jodhpurs?
Jodhpurs are most commonly worn by children, unless you’re riding saddleseat.
Here are our favorite options for adults and children:
Q: What are the best mens riding breeches?
Don’t worry, gents. You’re not forgotten! While there aren’t as many options for male riders out there, there are some wonderful breeches available in a variety of price ranges, colors, and cuts.
Here are our 5 frontrunners:
- Ovation Euroweave Four Pocket Full Seat Dx Breeches
- Ovation Euroweave Four Pocket Knee Patch Breeches
- TuffRider Ribb Patrol Breech
- B Vertigo Sander Self-Patch Breeches
- Shires Richmond Full Seat Breeches
Q: What are the most flattering breeches?
We find riding tights to be more comfortable, generally, than breeches with their snap or button closures and thinner waistbands. However, form-fitting tights may not be as flattering on all body types.
If you’re looking for a riding pant that flatters a wide range of body shapes, we recommend breeches that feature things like front and back pockets, accent stitching, and a clean waistband with belt loops.
Our favorite options are:
- Goode Rider Denim Breech (perfect for English and Western riders)
- Elation EuroSeat Breeches (flattering shape, pockets, and waistband)
Q: What are the best full seat breeches?
Horze makes a wonderful full seat option called the Nordic Performance Breech. It features:
- Full seat with silicone grip (so you’ll stay cooler)
- Elastic stretch lower leg that’s slim under your boots
- Lightweight yet durable fabric that becomes more (not less) comfortable with each wash
- Sticky grip that’s perfect for schooling and training
Q: What are the best riding leggings?
When people ask about horse riding leggings, they’re typically talking about riding tights. Learn why you probably don’t want to wear your regular “leggings” in the saddle.
Our favorite riding tights include:
- Ariat Freja Cooling Tights (super soft fabric, phone pocket, comfy waistband)
- Kerrits Ice-Fil Tights (cool in hot weather, phone pocket, lots of colors)
Both of these tights also made our list of the best horse riding breeches for hot weather.
Q: What are the best denim breeches?
You won’t be disappointed by the Goode Rider Denim Breech.
Not only are they flattering for all body types, they’re versatile enough for English and Western Riders.
Q: What are the best riding breeches with a cell phone pocket?
Go with the Ariat Freja Cooling Tight, and you’ll be able to ride in comfort and access your phone quickly if the perfect selfie moment arises.
The fabric is super soft, has a thigh cell phone pocket, and a wide waistband that’s so comfortable.
If you can’t find a breech or tight with a pocket that you also like for riding, fear not. You can pick up the Woofhoof cell phone holder and use them with any pants. (I own two of these and especially love them for
Q: What are the best breeches for jumping?
Most riders want a lot of grip for jumping, so go with a full seat breech or tight.
The Horze Nordic Performance Breech features:
- Full seat with silicone grip (to keep you cooler)
- Elastic stretch lower leg that won’t feel bulky under your boots
- Lightweight yet durable fabric
- Sticky grip to keep you secure over fences
Fashion Shouldn’t Sacrifice Function
Itchy seams, suffocating waistbands, and slippery seats should be a thing of the past. The pants we choose to ride in should not only be comfortable, but also safe and functional for years. Now, you’ve got nine great choices!
P.S. Enjoy this article? Trot on over to:
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