The best summer riding tops are technical, comfortable, smart and flattering, plus they’ll stand up to the test of daily wear in the summer months. Technical materials do a lot more than you might think and go a long way to keeping you cool and comfortable. Some fabrics are highly effective at wicking moisture away from your skin, which allows it to evaporate and provides a cooling effect – similar to a cooler rug.
Some materials also offer great protection from the sun – this is measured by a UPF rating (this a similar to SPF – the higher the rating the more protection is offered). Other technical features include dirt- and dust-resistant finishes, which allow dirt to be brushed off without marking and prevents stains from things like sun cream or fly spray.
A smart, flattering fit is also important and goes a long way to keeping your comfortable – some of the summer riding tops we’ve chosen are short-sleeved base layers, but others are more T-shirt style so there’s something for everyone. A slightly dipped hem at the rear will offer better coverage in the saddle, while capped or longer sleeves will offer more protection from the sun and in the case of a fall. And if you can find something that complements your summer breeches or riding tights, or matches your saddle pad, then you’re on to a style winner.
Best summer riding tops in a range of fits
Mountain Horse Tyra tech top
2022 colours: Blue, pink/gold, dark navy, aqua blue, beige melange or cranberry red | Sizes: XS–XXL | RRP: £27 |
Made with stretchy quick-drying fabric that has a hydrophilic finish to wick away moisture, this Mountain Horse top has a feminine fit, V-shaped neck and laser cut details on the short sleeves.
View now at amazon.co.uk or gooutdoors.co.uk
Pikeur Ayuna zip-neck top
Colours: Black, peach, night sky, silk purple or fossil | Sizes: UK 4–18 | RRP: £69.95 |
The Ayuna is made from highly breathable and four-way stretch easy-care mesh. It has a ¼-zip at the neck and Pikeur lettering on the back.
View now at equus.co.uk
Ariat Ascent ¼-Zip Short-Sleeved Base Layer
Colours: Black or navy | Sizes: XS–XL | RRP: £70 |
This crew-neck base layer features engineered compression panels that prompt correct riding posture while allowing maximum range of motion. The material is breathable, wicking and odour-resistant, and has a UPF rating of 50, which makes this a highly technical top. There is a grip strip on the hem to ensure a secure fit. Also available with long sleeves.
View now at ariat.com, equus.co.uk or rideawaystore.com
LeMieux Activewear Short Sleeve Base Layer
2022 colours: Bluebell, watermelon, papaya, navy, sage or azure | Sizes: UK 4–18 | RRP: £39.95 |
Made of a lightweight, sweat-wicking four-way stretch material, this base layer has under-arm vents to help keep you cool. The shaped collar and zip neck detailing give the shirt an elegant finish.
View now at amazon.co.uk, equus.co.uk or naylors.com
Stierna Jessica sleeveless top
Colours: Navy, white, pink or lemon | Sizes: XS–XL | RRP: £52 |
The fabric of this fitted top is permeated with natural bamboo charcoal, which is naturally antibacterial and has anti-odour properties to keep you fresh and cool. It is UPF30+ and highly effective at transporting moisture, as well as having chafe-free seams and an asymmetrical hem for a better riding fit.
View now at rideawaystore.com
Hy Equestrian Synergy T-Shirt
2022 colours: Fig, aqua, navy, rose, grape and riviera | Sizes: XS–XL | RRP: £24.99 |
This tee is made of a super-soft material and has mesh panels to help you stay cool. It is available in a choice of six colours, has a subtle V neck and discrete logo on the chest.
View now at viovet.co.uk, equus.co.uk or rideawaystore.com
Equetech Active Extreme short-sleeved base layer
Colours: Lavender or navy | Sizes: XS–3XL | RRP: £41.95 |
This base layer features raglan sleeves with mesh details that wrap around the body to offer you ultimate comfort and breathability. Also available with long sleeves.
View now at equus.co.uk
Fouganza Short-Sleeved Mesh Polo Shirt 500
Colours: Dark blue or pink | Sizes: XS–XXL | RRP: £19.99 |
Made from very lightweight and wicking fabric, this polo shirt has a secure back pocket for storing lightweight items.
View now at decathlon.co.uk
Covalliero Polo Shirt
Colours: Navy, greige, sand, avocado, dark rose or aqua | Sizes: XXS–XXL | RRP: £34.50 |
This top has a stand up collar that is designed to sit neatly under a hoodie or jacket. It’s made from functional, four-way elastic fabric that is breathable and moisture-wicking. It is close-fitting and fastens smartly with a zip.
View now at rideawaystore.com
Woof Wear Short Sleeve Riding Shirt
2022 colours: Lilac, berry, black, brushed steel, ocean, navy or white | Sizes: XS–XL | RRP: £34.99 |
This top is designed to match with the Woof Wear Colour Fusion and Vision collections. It’s made of a breathable four-way stretch fabric with wicking properties UPF 30+ sun protection.
View now at rideawaystore.com
Shires Aubrion Elverson Tech T-shirt
Colours: Navy, pink or aqua | Sizes: XXS–XXL | RRP: £17.99 |
This V-neck T-shirt from Shires has a relaxed fit and is made from lightweight, quick-dry fabric. It features sporty side paneling and has flat seams for added comfort. Also available in children’s sizes.
View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, equus.co.uk, rideawaystore.com or naylors.com
Weatherbeeta Victoria Premium Short Sleeve Top
Colours: Navy, maroon or black | Sizes: XS–XXL | RRP: £46.99 |
This technical short-sleeved base layer is made of a premium stretch nylon fabric with UPF50+ protection. The fabric repels hair, hay and dirt, and is designed to match the Prime range.
View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, equus.co.uk, rideawaystore.com or naylors.com
Horseware Aveen short sleeve tech top
Colours: Navy, blue or green/navy | Sizes: XXS–XXL | RRP: £34.95 |
This high-performance, mid-layer from Horseware is made of antibacterial, breathable and wicking material with UPF30 treatment and mesh side panelling. The high-neck collar has an auto-lock zip and zip guard for maximum comfort. Also available in a long-sleeved version.
View now at amazon.co.uk, naylors.com, equus.co.uk or elandlodge.com
Musto Evolution Sunblock short sleeve polo 2.0
Colours: Brilliant blue, true navy, white, charcoal, true red or blue curacao | Sizes: 8–18 | RRP: From £30 |
With a UPF of 50, this top is a great shield to the sun and is made of fast-wicking and -drying fabric to keep you dry, cool and comfortable during intense activity.
View now at musto.com
QHP Pascal sporty T-shirt
Colours: Olive or powder pink | Sizes: EU 34–44 | RRP: £29.34 |
This top is made from a breathable and stretchy fabric, with mesh sleeves for extra ventilation. The leopard print design is ideal if you’re looking for something that’s not plain but still smart and stylish.
Aztec Diamond Performance Bodysuit
Colours: Black, white or maroon | Sizes: XS–L | RRP: £40 |
If you’re tired of forever tucking your top into your breeches, this could be the solution for you. Created in 3D woven seamless technology fabric, this light and breathable bodysuit has shaped panelling to ensure a comfortable fit and flattering shape. It features under arm ventilation, a high neck with zipper opening, ruched back detailing to allow movement and minimal front popper fastening to ensure comfort in the saddle
Mochara Equestrian Sleeveless Base Layer
2022 colours: 9 colour options | Sizes: XXS–XXL | RRP: £38 |
Available in a wide range of colours, this base layer is made from high quality technical fabric with UPF 40+ technology. Also available in a long-sleeved version.
Gray Equestrian Short Sleeved Base Layer
Colours: Pink, grey or blue | Sizes: UK 4–16 | RRP: £30 |
This is a short-sleeved version of the Gray Equestrian base layer, with all the same features, including the side panelling. It is made of a lightweight, technical moisture-wicking fabric that helps to keep you cool.
Premier Equine Remisa Technical Riding Top
Colours: Anthracite grey, black or navy | Sizes: UK 6–16 | RRP: £30 |
This fitted technical riding top has been designed to provide unrestricted 360° stretch. The material is highly breathable and moisture wicking, and incorporates ventilation panelling for optimum airflow. The top also features a ¼ zip and standard-height collar.
Holland Cooper Short Sleeve Base Layer
Colours: Black or navy | Sizes: XS–XL | RRP: £79 |
This base layer is designed to keep you cool in in the summer while providing an insulating layer in the winter. It has a super-soft feel and is finished with sports-inspired graphics and embroidered logos.
Toggi Summer Reflector
Colours: Grey | Sizes: 8–18 | RRP: £39.50 |
Crafted from super-sleek, stretch fabric, this top from Toggi features mesh panelling at the sides and sleeves, a practical zip neck and reflective prints to aid visibility.
Ginger & Jardine V-neck bamboo tee
Colours: White or navy | Sizes: XS–3XL | RRP: £24.95 |
Crafted from a lightweight, breathable and sustainable bamboo fabric with a touch of elastane, this tees is highly moisture wicking. It is designed with no inside neck tag and has been cut in a slightly longer length in the body.
You might also like:
18 base layers in a wide range of colours
20 pairs of riding tights and leggings worth trying out this summer
14 pairs of breeches that are worth adding to your summer wardrobe
The best sun creams for protecting your horse’s pink skin this summer
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