Base layers are an incredibly popular for horse riding. They are smart, can be worn on their own, as part of a layering system or even as your cross-country colours. Base layers lend themselves very well to the matchy-matchy trend, too, and can be teamed with matching riding leggings, saddle pads and more. Many brands offer a very wide range of colours, so while black and navy are a staple, there is plenty more choice if you want it – lights and brights make for great pictures.
The best base layers for horse riding are made of technical materials that keep you cool, dry and comfortable by efficiently wicking away sweat and drying. Some also have a UPF rating, which demonstrates how much UV they block out. Base layers should also offer a great freedom of movement and, due to their slim fit, should be designed to flatter. Most are long-sleeved – and are still cool enough to be worn in the summer – but there are some short-sleeved and sleeveless options, too, which can be found in our selection of the best summer riding tops. Here’s a selection of the best long-sleeved base layers for horse riding…
Best long-sleeved base layers for horse riding
Ariat Ascent ¼-Zip Long-Sleeved Base Layer
Colours: Black or navy | Sizes: XS–XL | RRP: £80 |
This 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 short sleeves.
View now at ariat.com, amazon.co.uk, equus.co.uk, rideawaystore.com or naylors.com
Woof Wear Performance Riding Shirt
2022 colours: 14 colour options | Sizes: XS–XL | RRP: £39.99 |
This top is made of a soft, supple and lightweight fabric with breathable and wicking properties. It also offers UPF 30+ protection and is available in children’s sizes.
View now at amazon.co.uk, equus.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, rideawaystore.com or naylors.com
LeMieux Base Layer
2022 colours: 19 colour options | Sizes: XSS–XL | RRP: £39.95 |
This base later is designed to co-ordinate with other items in the LeMieux range. It is made of a sweat-wicking thermal and anti-microbial fabric that should regulate your temperature whatever the season. It features softs seams with flat-lock stitching to reduce chafing and unwanted pressure points.
View now at amazon.co.uk, equus.co.uk or naylors.com
Shires Aubrion Newbury Long Sleeve Base Layer
2022 colours: Blue, dusky pink, white or ombre | Sizes: XXS–XXL | RRP: £33.99 |
Designed for comfort, this quick-drying base layer features perforated side panels for ventilation. It offers UPF 50+ and features a ¼-zip, flatlock seams and a concealed zip phone pocket. Also available in children’s sizes.
View now at amazon.co.uk, equus.co.uk, rideawaystore.com or naylors.com
Hy Sport Active base layer
2022 colours: 10 colour options | Sizes: XS–XL | RRP: £29.99 |
This close fit base layer with ¼-zip is finished with flat-lock stitching for a seamless and flexible fit. Also available in children’s sizes.
View now at amazon.co.uk, equus.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or rideawaystore.com
Weatherbeeta Ruby Printed Long Sleeve Top
2022 colours: Turquoise swirl, blue/orange swirl, blue swirl or pink swirl | Sizes: XXS–XXL | RRP: £41.99 |
This top is made of a bi-stretch jersey fabric that wicks away moisture and dries quickly to keep you cool and dry. It also has mesh side panels, under sleeves and back yoke for extra ventilation to keep you cool. It features a stand collar with ¼-zip placket front.
View now at amazon.co.uk, equus.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, rideawaystore.com or naylors.com
Dublin Blaze ¼-zip long-sleeved tech training top
2022 colours: Blueberry or navy | Sizes: XS–XXL | RRP: £44.99 |
This technical baselayer is made of a stretch polyester that is breathable and moisture wicking. It features a cord detail ¼-zip placket and laser-perforated mesh panels for additional ventilation.
View now at equus.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or rideawaystore.com
Premier Equine Ombretta Technical Riding Top
2022 colours: Grey, black, navy, royal blue, white, wine or green | Sizes: UK 6–16 | RRP: £41 |
This four-way stretch top is designed to keep you both cool and comfortable. It is slim fitting, with a straight hemline and raglan sleeves.
View now at ebay.co.uk
Coldstream Lennel base layer
Colours: Black, Windsor wine, navy/raspberry sorbet, grey or white | Sizes: XS–XL | RRP: £39.99 |
Crafted for ultimate performance, durability and comfort, this technical base layer from Coldstream has a tailored fit that delivers a sleek and stylish look. It has a UPF rating of 40+ and will help to regulate your temperature. It features flat lock seams and soft fabric that benefits from advanced moisture-wicking properties to keep you cool.
View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, equus.co.uk or rideawaystore.com
Equetech Active Extreme long-sleeved base layer
Colours: Navy | Sizes: XS–3XL | RRP: £44.95 |
This base layer features raglan sleeves with mesh details that wrap around the body to offer you ultimate comfort and breathability. Also available with short sleeves.
View now at equus.co.uk
QHP Yvet sport shirt
2022 colours: Navy or powder pink | Sizes: EU 34–44 | RRP: £37.73 |
This sporty, UV-resistant shirt features mesh inserts on the underside of the sleeves. It is finished with a large glitter print along the left arm.
View now at rideawaystore.com
Mark Todd Summer Vented Base Layer
2022 colours: Navy/burgundy, sky blue/navy or hunter green/silver | Sizes: XS–XL | RRP: £34.99 |
This vented, breathable and wicking base layer features additional ventilation under the arm and sleeve. It has a front ¼-zip.
View now at ebay.co.uk
Harry Hall Ladies Base Layer
2022 colours: Rose or jade | Sizes: UK 8–18 | RRP: £39.95 |
Made from a four-way stretch fabric that fits like a second skin, this base layer has breathable and wicking properties that will leave you feeling dry and cool. It has subtle branding down the arm in a silicone print with matching diamonds to the back.
View now at amazon.co.uk
GS Equestrian Momentum long-sleeved base layer
2022 colours: Black, navy, aubergine or teal | Sizes: UK 6–14 | RRP: £29.95 |
Made from a combination of polyester and spandex, this base layer is designed to be a slightly longer length so that it doesn’t ride up or come untucked. The stitching offers a tapered look, while the colour-matching zip is protected by a chin guard.
Mochara Technical base layer
2022 colours: 12 colour options | Sizes: XXS–XXL | RRP: £40 |
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 sleeveless version.
Aztec Diamond Icon base layer
2022 colours: 13 colour options | Sizes: XS–XL | RRP: £50 |
This base layer has laser-cut ventilation holes added under the arms for extra air flow as well as closed mesh waist and back panels for breathability. Other features include elasticated cuffs, a high neck with zipper opening and subtle branding.
Gray Equestrian Base Layer
2022 colours: 10 colour options | Sizes: UK 4–16 | RRP: £35 |
This stretchy base layer is made of a technical fabric that is designed to keep you warm in the winter but cool in the summer.
Holland Cooper Lace Sleeve Base Layer
Colours: Ice white | Sizes: XS–XL | RRP: £89 |
This elegant base layer has been designed with soft, cooling fabric to ensure breathability and comfort at all times. The internally brushed fabric aids moisture management, and it is finished with lace sleeves that have a comfortable stretch and diamanté crystal details.
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