How to Choose the Best Pair of English Breeches or Tights

Mountain Horse Women's Diana Breeches

The Diana Breeches from Mountain Horse are a favorite amongst the RW Crew. Offered in both full-seat and knee-patch options, these breeches feature a super-flattering high waist with a soft elastic lining that moves with you and keeps your shirt neatly tucked in. A stretch cuff on the lower leg accommodates a variety of calf sizes, while performance-stretch fabric is not only moisture-wicking, but also repels dirt and spills, so you can put your best foot forward every time you sit in the saddle!

Ariat Women's Eos 2.0 Knee Patch Tights

Ariat knows a thing or two about creating a superior riding tight, so it should come as no surprise that their Eos 2.0 Tights check all the boxes. The combination of a compression fabric and a wide waistband creates a tight that will not only flatter any shape, but keep you comfortable and supported in the saddle. Plus, with features such as AriatTEK Technology for all-weather comfort, Hex Silicone Grip knee patches, and perforated calf panels, the Eos 2.0 is truly built for all-around success!

Affinity by Kerrits Pro Knee Patch Breeches

Why do we love the Affinity by Kerrits Pro Knee Patch Breeches so much? It is all about the ProStretch Twill fabric. As soon as you put on these breeches, you can feel the difference. We love the perfect blend of stretch, support, and coverage for an ultra-flattering look. The fabric smooths and contours in all the right places, making you feel confident and polished. Available in both casual and show-ready colors with knee patch and full seat silicone grip options to suit your preference, the Affinity breeches will be your go-to for daily training and the show ring.

Performa Ride Evolve Full Seat Tights

The ultra-comfortable fabric of the Evolve Tights by Performa Ride has our hearts for this pick. Made from a material that has a perfect balance of stretch, thickness, and breathability, the Evolve flatters riders of all body types and shapes. The full seat silicone offers a light grip without adding any weight or stiffness, while the high-waistband, combined with just the right amount of compression, provides the coverage you crave from a tight!

Ariat Women's Tri Factor Grip Full Seat Breeches

Let's be honest, we want security in the saddle without feeling like we are superglued in. As a favorite among RW staff and customers alike, the Tri Factor Grip Full Seat Breeches from Ariat offer just the right amount of stickiness, and their trendy silicone print full seat ensures security. The mid-weight stretch compression knit material provides the coverage riders seek while still enabling the freedom of movement needed in the saddle. These breeches are also packed with well-known and well-loved Ariat features, such as Core Control, ClimateTEK cooling, and Moisture Movement Technology, making them a sure-fire option for secure and comfortable rides.

Kerrits Coolcore Riding Tights

We chose the Coolcore Tights by Kerrits because they use a high-performance compression fabric that supports without feeling stiff or restrictive. The compression also helps fight off muscle fatigue, making them a trail rider's best friend! A UPF 50+ rating offers protection from long days under the sun, while the added benefit of Coolcore technology keeps you feeling cool and dry and helps fight odors!

Royal Highness Ladies' Meryl Active Knee Patch Breech

If you want the classic look and comfort of a higher-priced breech without breaking the bank, the Meryl Active Breeches by Royal Highness are a no-brainer! These breeches feature a mid-rise to flatter different sizes and shapes of riders, while the four-way stretch fabric moves with you as you ride. Available in a wide variety of colors from black or tan to rust or olive, you're sure to find a color that complements your style. With added features such as moisture-wicking technology and mesh sock panels for some extra airflow, Meryl offers great value for any rider.

Ovation Women's Aerowick GripTec Full Seat Tights

The Aerowick Grip-Tec Knee Patch Tights by Ovation have a great construction that provides maximum flexibility while holding their shape; this gives these tights a beautiful smoothing effect that has a flattering look. Also, the high waistband uses supportive elastic that provides light tummy control. From neutral tones to fun, vibrant colors, the great price point of this tight allows you to buy them in a multitude of colors, giving you the freedom to express your individuality!

Let us start by deciding whether you are in need of a full seat or knee patch breech. Riders who jump often find knee patch styles work best for getting out of the saddle and into a two-point position. Dressage riders lean toward full seat styles to help keep their seat secure while sitting the trot. However, it really comes down to what you feel most comfortable in.

You will notice the knee patch and full seat breech grips come in many different materials, including (but not limited to) leather, suede, and silicone. Which material is best for you is dependent upon the level of grip you are looking for in the saddle. Leather and suede are traditional options that provide slight traction. Silicone offers more sticky traction and comes in varying patterns and textures.

Although breeches are traditional for English riding, some riders may choose another stretchy alternative known as riding tights.

Riding tights are a hybrid of a breech crossed with an athletic tight. They do not have any front or zip closures, but still feature a knee patch or full seat grip. The majority of tights are made of thinner materials for lightweight comfort, or for hot-weather riding. Meanwhile, other tights are thicker and slightly compressive for riders desiring more warmth or support. Tights are a popular choice for schooling as well as for riders who spend hours in the saddle. Or, for those who just love the similar look and comfortable feel of yoga pants!

Now it's time to consider whether you will mainly use your breeches at home or in the show ring. If you are schooling, anything goes, and you can base your breech color choice on what fits your personality and outfit.

If you are going to be showing, consider which riding discipline you will be participating in. What works in hunter jumpers may not work in dressage, and vice versa. Show breeches need to abide by the rules governing each horse sport. Review the rule book prior to showing, to be sure you are riding in alignment.

Meawhile, horseback riding tights are offered in a larger variety of colors and designs in comparison to breeches, making them perfect for showing off your individuality.

Hunter Jumpers - Hunter or equitation riders traditionally stick to a classic beige with a simple knee patch.

Jumpers - Jumper riders have the freedom to choose their breech color, as long as the prize list calls for "standard jumper attire." "Proper" or "formal" attire specifies white or fawn breeches.

Dressage - Dressage riders usually choose white breeches, but have the option to use other light breech colors as well.

Eventing - Event riders can change breeches for each phase, time permitting. White and light tan are most popular for dressage and show jumping, while eventers can show off more unique colors during cross country.

For more details about what apparel is permitted in the show ring, be sure to check out our other articles on how to dress for a Hunter Jumper show and how to dress for a Dressage show!

Breeches come in three different weights: light, medium, and heavy. Before choosing a weight, it is important to consider what type of weather you will be riding in—as well as how much coverage you would like. Thin tights are great for summer riding, but do not leave much to the imagination when it comes to coverage. A lightweight breech on the other hand has a more substantial feel, while still being ideal for warmer summer temperatures.

Most breeches made for everyday riding are mid-weight, typically offering a good amount of stretch with moderate coverage. Heavyweight breeches are constructed from the thickest materials and specifically made for wintertime. They are usually lined with fleece to keep you snuggly warm when riding in cold weather! Other heavyweight breeches can even be fully waterproof, to protect you from rain, mud, or snow.

If you're on the hunt for a pair of breeches or tights for warmer or cooler weather, take a look at our picks for the best Summer or Winter riding tights and breeches.

Denim breeches are another great option for schooling. A hybrid blend of breeches and jeans, these pants offer the best of both worlds with good stretch and coverage in a denim feel. Denim breeches are available in knee patch and full seat versions to suit any rider's need. Best of all, they can easily transition from the barn to town—simply slip on a pair of sneakers after your ride for a stylish look!

With style, color, and weight narrowed down, let us determine what breech rise and length best fit your body. The rise refers to the distance between the crotch and the waistband of the breeches.

Low-rise breeches offer the least amount of coverage, but may be a better option for riders with a shorter waist or torso. Mid-rise breeches should hit you right between your hips and belly button, meanwhile low-rise breeches are worn right at your hips. High-rise breeches sit right below or at your belly button, offering the most coverage.

Some breeches are offered in short and long inseam lengths for a more customized fit. Riders with especially short or long limbs may require breeches with one of these options for the cleanest look, so be on the lookout for inseam length! English riding breeches also come in plus-sized versions for inclusivity, to help you feel your best in the saddle.

Other English riding breech factors to consider are the placement of zippers, seams, and pockets. Most breeches are front zip; however, side zippers can be less conspicuous. Seam placement differs based on breech brand and style. Euroseat breeches have increased in popularity with a seam that runs across the backside and down the legs.

Pockets are another cute, flattering addition—allowing you to keep your phone, valuables, or horse treats close. Breeches also offer varying materials and fits at the calf, such as a stretchy sock-like panel, mesh, or velcro. There are also bootcut tights: a full-length option that flares out at the ankle, completely covering your riding boots. You can also tuck them under half chaps or fold them over inside tall boots!

Jodhpur breeches have a longer knee patch for more grip and are designed in mind for youths starting lessons, with an elastic strap that slips under the child's heels to help hold the breeches in place. Combine these full-length breeches with paddock boots, so your young rider can stay comfortable with the proper use of their jodhpurs.

As opposed to a regular pair of pants, breeches and tights include special designs and materials to enchance your ride. They are constructed of breathable yet still flexible material to offer riders coverage while still providing the freedom of movemetn required for riding. Added features such as knee patches or grippy full seats provide equestrians with extra security that a traditional pant otherwise wouldn't. In short, riding breeches and tights are designed specifically for horseback riding to enhance performance and comfort!

When it comes down to it, the decision of whether to wear riding breeches or tights is really a matter of personal preference! Breeches are considered to be the more traditional option for English riders. They offer both structure, coverage, and security in the saddle while still allowing the freedom of movement required for comfortable and effective riding.

Meanwhile, tights are more of a hybrid between a breech and a typical athletic tight. Tights are constructed of thinner, often more lightweight and compressive materials, while still featuring a knee patch or full seat grip.

With many breech and tight brands widely varying in their sizing, it can be a little overwhelming to know which size you need. If you are in between sizes, we encourage ordering both for comparison's sake—just in case you do need one size or the other! Reference the chart below for a general international size conversion of women's pants; however, please always review the manufacturer's specific sizing guidelines prior to purchase.