Best Cooling Breeches & Tights of 2023

As the days grow longer and the temperatures rise, equestrians turn to lightweight riding apparel to stay comfortable in the summer heat. Summer breeches and tights are a great choice for riders looking for cooling comfort, as they are typically made from light and breathable fabrics. Some are designed with technologies that wick moisture away to keep you dry, while others protect against the sun's harmful rays, making them perfect for heat-sensitive riders or those who spend long hours in the saddle.

As with most apparel in the equestrian world, the plethora of choices can make finding the right riding pants difficult (and sometimes even frustrating). To make picking the perfect summer breech or tight easier for you, the Riding Warehouse crew has compiled a list of our favorites! We considered fabric content, material weight, wicking capabilities, UV protection, and overall style when selecting our recommendations.

Read on to discover our top cooling breech and tight picks; then you can decide on which piece to add to your riding wardrobe to help beat the heat this season!

Our Top Breech/Tight Picks:

AriatTEK Ascent Silicone Half Grip Tights

The sporty-looking Ariat Ascent Tights are designed with the equestrian athlete in mind. We really appreciate the lightweight, performance material that has just the right amount of stretch to move with you while remaining compressive. The sporty panels not only look stylish but are made with mesh to promote airflow and support the wearer's muscles. The half-grip silicone seat has a very mild feel and is perfect for riders who don't want that "stuck" feeling in the saddle. Plus, the dual envelope pockets are big enough to carry your phone, pony treats, and more!

Ariat Tri Factor Grip Breeches

Beloved by riders, the Tri Factor Breeches by Ariat keep you cool in the show ring and around the barn. We find these breeches impressive because they can react to changes in your body temperature to ensure you stay cool as things heat up. Being breeches, they are slightly thicker than tights; however, Ariat's Moisture Movement Technology pulls moisture away to the outside of the breech so it can quickly evaporate. The V3 waistband offers the right amount of stretch and prevents any unsightly gapping along the back of the breech. Available in knee patch, full seat, and even a minimal EQ breech for the Hunter ring, we love that there is a Tri Factor option for every equestrian out there!

Kerrits Ice Fil Cooling Tech Tights

For everyone from Endurance to English riders, the Kerrits Ice Fil Tights are a top choice when it comes to warm-weather riding. This cool tight is made from Ice Fil fabric, which converts sweat to air conditioning and can reduce the wearer's skin temperature by up to 5°F. The UPF +50 sun protection keeps you covered for long days in the saddle, and the anti-slip Kerrits Sticks along the inner leg and seat provide a flexible grip that won't leave you sweaty. Designed in core and seasonal colors, there is always an Ice Fil tight go with your summer outfit!

Performa Ride Evolve Full Seat Tights

The silky smooth feel of the Performa Ride Evolve has quickly made it a favorite among the RW Crew! Designed to fit like a second skin, the Evolve tights are made from extremely stretchy performance fabric. The additional flexibility allows most riders to actually size down! The wide waistband is extremely flattering for a variety of body shapes, while the sticky full seat keeps the wearer glued to the saddle. To round things out, the two thigh pockets are large enough to hold all of your essentials!

Ovation Women's Aerowick GripTec Tights

Looking for a riding tight that has the feel of your favorite yoga pant? Then look no further from the Aerowick Tights! Made with sleek and smooth performance fabric, these impressive tights offer all the stretch you need in the saddle; yet, they retain their shape for support on the flat, over fences, or out on the trail. The abrasion-resistant material repels hair and dirt to keep you fresh, while the UPF 30 protection ensures sun coverage for long days at the barn. Available in a variety of colors, you can pick the perfect Aerowick Tight to suit your summer style.

TuffRider Ventilated Schooling Tights

The TuffRider Ventilated Schooling Tights are our favorite pair of everyday tights that won't break the bank! We think they are perfect for summer schooling thanks to the extremely lightweight, stretchy material. These tights also feature ventilated panels along the back and down the side of the legs for exceptional airflow. Cooling fabric pulls moisture away from the skin to keep you cool and dry, and silicone knee patches ensure a non-slip ride.

AriatTEK Eos Compression Tights

When compression is your number-one concern, the Ariat Eos is the riding tight of choice! Made from a flattering compression fabric, the Eos supports your muscles while the mild Hex grip (in either knee or full-seat styling) keeps you secure in the saddle. Updated details include two side pockets, a wide waistband with a zippered back pocket, and perforated leg panels for cooling comfort. This tight is perfect for hours on the back of a horse, running errands around town, and even a gym workout!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: Are riding breeches or tights better to use during the summer?

A: Although there are clear differences between breeches and tights, one is not necessarily better than the other when it comes to summer riding. Most riders typically have a preference for either breeches or tights; they may instead opt to look for cooling, wicking fabrics in the style of riding pants they already like.

Riding tights are commonly made with lighter, thinner materials and are therefore a popular choice during the warmer months. However, if you look for breeches with UV protection and technical features that have cooling properties, a breech can keep you just as comfortable as a tight!

Q: Can I ride my horse in shorts when it's hot out?

A: As the old adage goes, "Just because you can, doesn't mean you should." Although shorts are perfect for most activities in summer, we don't believe horseback riding is one of them. Wearing proper riding attire such as breeches or tights will protect your legs from getting irritated, rubbed, or burned from friction against the saddle. They also offer some skin protection in case of an "accidental dismount!"

If you're not sure how to begin looking for breeches or tights, check out our article on how to choose the best pair of English breeches.

Q: What are the best breeches and tights for horseback riding?

A: As with most things in the equestrian world, "best" is subjective to a rider's own personal preferences. When looking for your next breech or tight, consider the season you will be riding in (summer tights and winter tights are very different!), what you will be using the riding pant for (such as showing or schooling), and whether there are any specific needs you have (such as leg opening, material type, rise, etc).

To help you get started, check out our top choices for the best riding tights and the best riding breeches of the year!

Closing Thoughts:

Prioritizing your comfort during the hotter months can make a big difference in your overall performance while you're riding your horse. Whether you choose to ride in breeches or tights (or both), we hope our top picks helped you find your next riding pants for this summer season! If you have any further questions or need more assistance, please reach out to our helpful customer service team at info@ridingwarehouse.com or at 1-800-620-9145.