How to Choose the
Best Pair of Riding Jeans

There's nothing quite like a good pair of jeans, especially when they keep you covered and comfortable during long days in the saddle. At Riding Warehouse, we believe everyone deserves jeans that help them feel great and ride better. Take our expert advice to find the perfect pair of riding jeans based on rise, cut, material, and more!

The rise on jeans refers to the distance between the crotch and the waistband of the jean. They can come in a low, mid, and high rise.

Low-rise jeans sit low on or below the hips. These jeans often measure seven to eight inches from the waistband to the fork (where the legs meet the crotch).

Mid-rise jeans sit between the hips and the navel, just below the natural waist.

High-rise jeans have the longest distance from the waistband to the fork. These jeans sit near to or above the belly button. They can give the appearance of longer legs and a flatter stomach.

Mid-rise or high-rise jeans provide the most coverage and support while riding, so you don't have to constantly pull them up or worry about gapping in the back.

The cut refers to how the jeans fit. There are many different types of cuts, and some are more appropriate for riding than others.

Bootcut: The most common cut of jeans for riding. Traditionally defined as a jean that tapers at the knee then loosens around the ankle. These jeans are made so that a boot can be worn underneath.

Cowboy Cut: Similar to bootcut, the main difference is the width of the lower leg. Cowboy cut jeans are tight through the thigh and do not widen from the knee down. This cut fits over your cowboy boots but will be tighter around the lower leg.

Straight Leg: This cut is not as wide as a bootcut and does not have any flare to it. The width of the pant stays the same from the hip all the way to the ankle. Straight leg jeans look best on hourglass, apple, and athletic shapes.

Trouser: Fitted in the waist and through the hips, the width of the pant leg expands through the thigh and knee. Finished with a wide tailored "trouser hem," these jeans can give you the illusion of longer legs. A very popular cut right now, trousers often come in high-waisted and longer inseam options.

Flare: This style of trousers becomes wider from the knees downward, forming a bell-like shape. Considered a fashion-style jean, the cut flares out much more than necessary to accommodate a boot.

Skinny: Skinny jeans fit tight from the waist all the way to the ankle. These can be low-rise, mid-rise, or high-rise and are usually made with stretchy fabric.

Boyfriend: This jean style is typically fitted at the hips and in the seat with a more generous, relaxed cut through the legs. Boyfriend jeans look great on apple and athletic shapes.

Girlfriend: Known as the more feminine version of a boyfriend jean. These have a more classic fit that is tighter and higher on the hip, with a tapered slim straight leg.

Blend

In today's market, many jeans use a blend of 98% cotton and 2% spandex. Some jeans have a lower percentage of spandex with some polyester added. Most consumers prefer some stretch and give to their denim, however, there are denim companies that still offer 100% cotton jeans. Denim made solely from cotton does not stretch or give whatsoever and tends to be sought after by riders who look for a more traditional feel to their jeans.

Weight

The idea of categorizing a jean by weight comes from the weight of a square yard of fabric in ounces, which relates directly to the density of yarn used.

Lightweight denim is easy to break in and tends to feel comfortable from the first day of use. This weight won't feel heavy on your legs, but as lightweight denim fades, it will look much more worn compared to a heavier denim.

Mid-weight denim is the most common raw denim on the market today. While this weight can start off hard to the touch, the upside is that mid-weight denim creates a much longer lasting jean. Since the denim is a bit thicker, it's a nice choice for fall and winter.

Heavyweight denim is extremely stiff, and jeans made from this type of denim will take a very long time to break in before they are comfortable. On the plus side, these jeans will last a lifetime. Typically, men's jeans are made from heavyweight denim due to high durability that doesn't have to be skin tight.

Wash

Dark wash jeans are universally flattering to all shapes and sizes because dark colors tend to give the illusion of a slimmer look. Since the dark color resembles a slack, dark wash jeans can be a good choice for formal occasions. Keep in mind that dark colors do tend to absorb heat, so these might make you a little toasty during summer rides.

Medium wash jeans are the most popular wash option on the market. The color is achieved with a longer washing process during manufacturing to remove the indigo dye color. Medium wash jeans tend to be softer compared to raw denim and produce more of a casual look than dark wash jeans.

Light wash is created using a long washing process to remove even more of the indigo dye from the jean. Light wash jeans tend to be a popular choice for fashion since this color shows dirt when riding or doing barn chores. Light wash jeans don't absorb heat like medium or dark wash jeans, so they can be a good choice for riding in warmer weather.

Pockets: While jeans with embellished or "bling" pockets are eye-catching, the embellishments can leave marks on the seat of your saddle. Flat-stitched pockets are a better choice to keep the integrity of your saddle.

No-Gap Waistband: Some jeans feature a band made from stretchy material sewn into the waist. This keeps your jeans in place while working and makes sure you do not have a gap in the back while sitting in the saddle. You will find that most jeans with a no-gap waistband are mid-rise.

Flexible Knee: Bootcut, cowboy cut, and trouser jeans are looser through the knee, so you won't feel restricted in the saddle. Boot cut or trouser jeans will fit over most riding boots.

Flat Seams: Most riding jeans have flat seams down the inside of the leg since these are much more comfortable when pressure is applied. Raised seams can dig into the side of your leg while in the saddle.

Finding the perfect fit can be tough when you don't get to try your jeans on before you buy them. Ensure you get the right size by comparing your measurements to the sizing chart on the product page. Measure yourself using a soft measuring tape around the smallest part of your waist and the widest point around your hips.

It's also important to know your inseam measurements for riding jeans, as you'll want to make sure they are plenty long when your knee is bent in the saddle. The best way to find your inseam measurement is by measuring from the fork to the hem on a pair of jeans you already own.

After you've found your perfect pair of jeans, it takes a little care to keep them in their best shape. To maintain the fit and integrity of your jeans, it is best to wash them in cold water with like colors. Be sure to hang dry your jeans to avoid shrinking. If you find your jeans becoming a bit stretched out with age, you can toss them in the dryer on medium heat to tighten the fibers in the jean back up and give them shape again.

With brands like Kimes Ranch, Wrangler, and Ariat in just about every style imaginable, you are sure to find your next pair of riding jeans at Riding Warehouse! Call our friendly customer service department if you need assistance, and remember that we offer free shipping and returns on qualifying orders. Happy shopping!