Best Cooling Breeches & Tights of 2024

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 sun.

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 simpler 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, so you can more easily decide on which piece to add to your riding wardrobe to help beat the heat this season!

Our Top Summer Cooling Breech & Tight Picks:

Ariat Breathe EOS Compression Half Grip Tights

The sporty-looking Ariat Breathe EOS Compression 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 on the legs and back waist not only look stylish, but they're made with mesh to promote extreme 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 phone pockets are big enough to carry your phone, pony treats, and more!

Ariat Tri Factor 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 to quickly evaporate any wetness. The V3 waistband offers the right amount of stretch and prevents any unsightly gapping along the back of the breech. Available in knee patch and full seat options, 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 Coolcore Full Leg Tech Riding Tights

For everyone from Endurance to English riders, the Kerrits Coolcore Tech Riding Tights offers you all of the characteristics you have come to know and love in the Kerrits products, but with a new and improved thermo-regulating technology. Engineered with Coolcore, these tights offer unparalleled cooling and moisture-wicking power; ensuring you stay cool and dry with no unsightly sweat stains, your skin will stay happy thanks to the chemical free fabric.

We love the Kerrits brand, because they take great pride in making equestrian clothes that flatter a women's figure—these tights are no exception! With the higher waist sitting at the natural waist line, the wide waist band and smoothing, light compression gives the support and coverage you need in a summer tight to feel good. A high level of sun protection with the UPF+50 makes these tights a great option for long endurance rides by naturally keeping you protected from sun exposure. The Kerrit Sticks™ silicone from the thigh to calf provides medium stickiness to give you stability - without feeling locked into the saddle. The dual side pockets also give you plenty of room to store your phone and other essentials!

Performa Ride Evolve Full Seat Tights

The silky smooth feel of the Performa Ride Evolve tights quickly made them 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 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 from Ovation! 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.

LeMieux Lydia Mesh Knee Patch Legging Tights

When looking for a tight that flatters your assets both in and out of the saddle, choose the LeMieux Lydia Mesh Knee Patch Legging Tight. We are loving the v-shaped rear stitching that accentuates your silhouette, as well as the supportive wide waist band featuring an added elastic band at the top to keep your tights in place while riding. The silicone LeMieux branding and minimal knee patch is great for riders that like more freedom in the saddle. The high stretch and medium compression adds to the flattering look of these tights, while giving you that sporty feel. Designed with ventilated mesh on the thigh and calf, which is both stylish and practical, airflow is increased to keep you cool and comfortable on even the hottest of summer days. Dual, deep pockets can hold barn essentials, or you can take your keys with you while keeping fit on your summer run. From the barn to the gym and everywhere in between, these asset-accentuating tights will be your next wardrobe staple!

Ariat Eos 2.0 Compression Full Seat Tights

When compression is your number one concern, the Ariat Eos 2.0 is the riding tight of choice! Made from a flattering compression fabric, the Eos 2.0 supports your muscles while the mild Hex grip keeps you secure in the saddle. Updated details include an ultra supportive and extra wide waistband, a perforated calf waist for cooling comfort, and Moisture Movement Technology which wicks moisture away from the skin to keep you dry all day long. 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 your ideal pant, 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 Horseback Riding Tights and the Best Horseback 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 have helped you find your next pair of 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. Happy riding!