Equestrian Apparel Articles
How to Choose the Best Pair of Breeches & Tights
Kerrits Equestrian Apparel Buying Guide
By Lindsay
Last Updated March 3, 2026
• 8 min read
Think that all riding apparel is the same? Guess again! Kerrits Equestrian, a leading brand in equestrian apparel, crafts its innovative pieces with distinct lines and styles to meet the needs of all riders. Equestrians can feel confident in the irons with Kerrits; from ultra-stretch to smoothing compression to curvy and straight fits, there's a style for every horseback rider.
In this guide, we'll take you through the origins of Kerrits Equestrian to learn about their roots, passion, and inspiration. We'll also distinguish the different Kerrits styles and technologies for both adult equestrian and kids. Whether you're seeking cooling comfort or a durable grip for "sticky" situations, we've got the perfect pair of Kerrits riding breeches or tights for you and your young rider!
Kerrits Equestrian Origins
While riding fashion may have originated from menswear, Kerrits believes that pieces made for women should be just that: made for women. The needs of women's clothing differ depending on their shape, age, and style. It's this philosophy that led to the creation of Kerrits.
In 1986, windsurfer Kerri Kent had finally become fed up with the fit of her bathing suit, which did not function well for a woman in the sport. She went to a local store, purchased $50 worth of fabric, and began making activewear that fit a woman's shape comfortably. Kerri's designs and form-fitting activewear line became such a hit that she ended up selling suits from her gear bag on Hood River Beach. Her by-women, for-women activewear found so much success that she was approached by an equestrian company and was asked to expand her line to include her other passion, horseback riding. From here, Kerrits Performance Equestrian Apparel was born!
Kerrits is still rooted in the Pacific Northwest, not just for the luscious green mountains and crystal blue water, but because the area is a prime testing ground for outdoor gear. Meeting the demands of an ever-changing market, Kerrits continually strives to integrate the latest specialized fabrics and features into their clothing to keep up with the needs of the modern rider.
Kerrits gets their inspiration from everyday women, from the girl saving birthday money for a lesson, to the teen juggling schoolwork and competitions, to the working woman who still finds time to make it out to the barn, to the professional equestrian. Kerrits promises to create high-performance, durable, flattering clothing that keeps you confident in and out of the saddle, without breaking the bank. Whatever your equestrian story looks like, and whatever stage of life you're in, Kerrits aims to create apparel perfect for every woman.
Kerrits Women's Breeches and Tights
Now that we know where Kerrits comes from and the inspiration behind their designs, it's time to take a look at the breeches and tights themselves! Read on to learn more about each style of Kerrits riding breeches and tights available at Riding Warehouse.
Kerrits Coolcore Tights
During the extreme summer heat, we love the temperature regulation provided by the Coolcore Riding Tights. No matter how hot it is, the Coolcore tights work hard to lower your temperature; the innovative material is extremely lightweight and naturally disperses body heat! We appreciate the slick feel of these tights that allow any dirt and hair to quickly wipe off, and these riding pants are the most effective at wicking away sweat. No swamp butt for us around here! We feel true peace of mind in the sun while wearing Coolcore, knowing the integrated UPF 50+ sun protection is helping to prevent any sun damage.
| Coolcore Stretch Interlock Fabric: | Kerrit Sticks Silicone Grip: |
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Fit Note:
Coolcore tights run true to size, with a mid-rise waist and mid-level stretch.
Kerrits GripTek II Breeches
The GripTek II Riding Breeches certainly live up to their name, because these breeches are so grippy that we actually need to size up to get them on! Especially loved by eventers during cross country, these breeches will keep your bum glued to the saddle thanks to the Kerrits-exclusive GripTek full seat (even if they get wet). These slick-feeling riding pants offer us the coverage and moisture-wicking we need when the competition heats up. Thanks to their flattering, classic design, we feel empowered to take on any riding course in the GripTek II breeches!
| Dynamic Extreme Fabric | GripTek Grip |
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Fit Note:
GripTek II Breeches tend to run small, so the RW Crew suggests sizing up in these mid-rise, mid-level stretch breeches.
Affinity by Kerrits Pro Breeches
The Affinity by Kerrits Pro Breeches look great on any body, courtesy of the figure-flattering seams and soft ProStretch Twill fabric that smooths every curve. With ergonomically shaped silicone knee grips, these breeches offer more grip in the irons compared to suede knee patches. Plus, the breathable design is ideal in high heat conditions when we tend to sweat more! We love these riding pants for those hot days when we want a bit more coverage but still need to stay cool. Specifically engineered by Kerrits for high performance, these breeches should earn a medal for how flattering they are on every horseback rider!
| ProStretch Twill Fabric | Affinity Silicone |
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Fit Note:
Affinity by Kerrits Breeches run true to size, with a mid-rise waist and mid-level stretch.
Kids' Kerrits Riding Tights
When we say Kerrits have a style of tights or breeches for every rider, we mean every rider, including the kiddos! Continue reading below to learn more about the Kerrits offerings Riding Warehouse has available for even the littlest of equestrians.
Kerrits Sprout Starter Tights
On the hunt for that perfect first pair of riding tights for your aspiring young equestrian? The Kerrits Sprout Starter Tights fit the bill! These entry-level pants are lightweight, soft, durable, and comfortable both in and out of the saddle. Faux suede knee patches offer a bit of grip for pony shenanigans! These tights also feature belt loops, making them versatile and suitable for the show ring at a great price point. The Sprout tights are ideal for any little kid attending a seasonal camp or just starting riding lessons.
| Stretch Knit Fabric | StretchLite Suede |
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Kerrits Crossover Breeches
Made for little equestrians who spend lots of time in the saddle, the Kerrits Kids' Crossover Breeches are a great mix of a classic breech look with the comfortable feel of a riding tight. The Crossover Breeches are designed with a front snap fly and belt loops for a more traditional aesthetic, and the durable Dynamic Extreme fabric can stand up to riding, barn chores, and play dates. Finished with GripSoft knee patches, the Crossover is polished enough for the show ring but strong enough for everyday riding.
| Dynamic Extreme Fabric | GripSoft Patches |
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know which size to buy?
To find your size in Kerrits tights and breeches, start by taking a few simple measurements. First, measure around the smallest part of your waist, keeping the tape parallel to the floor for the most accurate reading. Next, measure around the fullest part of your hips, again ensuring the tape stays level. Finally, measure your inseam from the crotch down to the bottom of your ankle.
Thanks to Kerrits' high-performance, four-way stretch fabric, most riders find that separate short or long inseam options aren’t necessary.
Once you have your measurements, refer to the size charts below to find your best fit. All measurements are listed in inches.
Women's Size Chart:
| Kerrits | US Size | Your Waist | Your Hips | Your Inseam |
| XS | 0-2 | 25-27 | 34-36 | 30-32 |
| SM | 4-6 | 27-29 | 36-38 | 30-32 |
| MD | 8-10 | 29-32 | 38-41 | 30-32 |
| LG | 12-14 | 32-35 | 41-44 | 30-32 |
| XL | 16-18 | 35-38 | 44-47 | 30-32 |
| 1X | 20-22 | 38-41 | 47-50 | 30-32 |
| 2X | 24-26 | 41-44 | 50-53 | 30-32 |
Kids' Size Chart:
| Kerrits | US Size | Their Waist | Their Height |
| XS | 4-5 | 19-21 | 34-40 |
| SM | 6-7 | 21-23 | 40-46 |
| MD | 8-10 | 23-25 | 46-52 |
| LG | 12-14 | 25-27 | 52-58 |
| XL | 16-18 | 27-29 | 58-64 |
Is Kerrits apparel just for women and girls?
Designed with the female equestrian at the forefront, Kerrits caters more toward women and girls; however, these pants work well for anyone who wants to ride. Especially in kids' riding clothes, male-specific options can be hard to find and fit. If your child fits in and enjoys Kerrits clothing, then that is all that matters!
Are Kerrits clothes only for summer or are there winter options?
While Kerrits is a leader in summer wear and cooling technology, they also have warmer options that are perfect for chilly rides. Founded in the Pacific Northwest, Kerrits is deeply rooted in keeping riders warm and dry during even the wettest of winters.
Closing Thoughts
Kerrits is a team of riders who understand the importance of comfort and function. Their products are designed for women of all walks of life, shapes, and senses of style. Whether lightweight stretch is your go-to, or supportive structure is more your jam, there is a Kerrits piece for you. No matter your goals in the saddle, Kerrits has gear that is made to help you feel and perform your best without spending your whole paycheck to do it. Should you have any lingering questions, please reach out to our friendly customer service team at 1-800-620-9145 or info@ridingwarehouse.com for assistance. Happy riding!
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