Equestrian Apparel Articles
Kerrits Buying Guide: Summer Riding Tights & Breeches
The Best Women's Horseback Riding Breeches & Tights
By Lindsay
Last Updated July 22, 2025
• 9 min read
Whether you spend your days finessing your skills in the dressage court or jumping courses, the right pair of riding breeches or tights can be an important part of feeling your best as you do what you love. After hours of testing on horseback, on foot, during barn work, and based on customer feedback, our equine experts have picked our favorite English riding pants. When we choose a pair of breeches or tights, or help riders pick their perfect pair, these are some of our considerations:
- Fit: Breeches should rise to a point just below your waist, providing coverage while flattering your figure. Your breeches should be snug throughout the leg without being overly tight. Tights should rise to a point just below your waist, providing coverage while flattering your figure. They should complement your curves without sagging or being overly tight.
- Material: The material should allow you the freedom of movement to perform without getting stretched out. Many modern styles of breeches and tights also offer technology to keep you cool and dry.
- Grip: The grip, whether knee-patch or full seat, should make you feel secure in the saddle. Depending on how "stuck" riders like to feel, they may choose silicone or suede-like grip on their breeches.
- Compression: Some riders prefer compression from their tights for extra support. Compression helps tights hold their shape for long days in the tack and can even give the rider some gentle muscle support!
- Budget: You don't always have to spend an arm and a leg for a pair of breeches or tights you love! Both of these types of riding pants are offered at a variety of price points to suit individual budgets.
We've chosen our favorite pairs based on these considerations to keep you comfortable and confident as you trot down centerline, jump through a combination, or as you put in miles on the trail. Check out our picks below!
Best Fitting Breeches
Mountain Horse Women's Diana Breeches
The Diana Breeches from Mountain Horse are a popular favorite amongst the RW Crew. Offered in both full-seat and knee-patch options, these breeches feature a super-flattering high waist while still providing the comfort you require with a soft elastic lining. A stretch cuff on the lower leg helps ensure the perfect fit, while two helpful front zip pockets allow you to keep your essentials close and complete the look. The comfortable 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!
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Best Fitting Tights
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 Knee Patch 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!
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Breeches with the Best Material
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.
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Tights with the Best Material
Performa Ride Evolve Full Seat Tights
The Evolve Tights by Performa Ride will ensure that you're riding in ultra comfort! These tights are made from a material that has a perfect balance of stretch, thickness, and breathability. The full seat silicone offers a light grip without adding any weight or stiffness to the feel of the tight. The high-waistband, combined with just the right amount of compression, provides nice coverage that will have you feeling your best!
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Breeches with the Best Grip
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.
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Tights with the Best Compression
Kerrits Coolcore Riding Tights
The Coolcore Full Leg Tech Tights by Kerrits use a high-performance compression fabric that provides support without feeling stiff or restricting. Compression helps fight off muscle fatigue, and with a UPF 50+ rating, these tights will keep you protected and feeling strong on your longest-riding days. Flattering, smoothing coverage and a mid-rise complements your shape. The added benefit of Coolcore technology keeps you feeling cool, dry, and even helps fight off odors!
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Best Budget Breeches
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.
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Best Budget Tights
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!
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I wear riding breeches or tights instead of a regular pair of pants?
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!
How do I decide whether to wear breeches or tights?
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 hyrid between a breech and a typical atheltic tight. Tights are constructed of thinner, often more lightweight and compressive materials, while still featuring a knee patch or full seat grip. For more guidance on how to choose the best type of riding pant for you, be sure to check out our guide on How to Choose the Best Pair of English Breeches!
Are some breeches and tights better for certain seasons?
Yes! Some breeches and tights are designed to enhance a rider's comfort in certain seasons. Specifically, certain styles of breeches and tights are designed to keep equestrians cool and comfortable during the hotter summer months, while others are intended to keep riders warm and cozy in the saddle on cold winter days. If you're on the hunt for a summertime pant, be sure to check out our picks for the Best Summer Breeches and Tights! Alternatively, our guide to the Best Women's Winter Riding Tights and Breeches highlights our favorite options for winter warmth.
Closing Thoughts
Finding the perfect pair of riding breeches or tights can be hard. Some have the right shape but not the right fabric. Others feel great but don't quite have the right look. Everyone's personal style and shape will affect how they judge breeches and tights. That's why we want to showcase some that we think hit all the marks! Of course, we understand that our favorites might not be the same as your favorites, so we encourage you to look around and start your journey to finding the best pair for you.
For personalized advice and expert assistance, please don't hesitate to contact our knowledgeable team at 1-800-620-9145 or via email at info@ridingwarehouse.com. We are here to ensure you ride in comfort and confidence!
