Base layers in a wide range of colours and styles

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 that will make for great summer riding tops, too.

Jump down for different base layer styles

• General wear and summer long-sleeved base layers
• Short-sleeved and sleeveless base layers
• Thermal and winter base layers

Best long-sleeved base layers for horse riding

Ariat Ascent

Colours: Black, navy or dark green | Sizes: XS–XL | RRP: £95 |

This base layer is about as technical as you can get. It 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.

In the UK? View now at ariat.com, amazon.co.uk, equus.co.uk or naylors.com
In the US? View now at ariat.com

Woof Wear Performance Riding Shirt

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 and with short sleeves.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, equus.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, naylors.com or gsequestrian.co.uk
In the US? View now at amazon.com

LeMieux Base Layer

Colours: 23 colour options | Sizes: XSS–XL | RRP: £39.95 |

This base layer 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.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, equus.co.uk or naylors.com
In the US? View now at amazon.com

Shires Aubrion Team Long Sleeve Base Layer

Colours: Navy, khaki, steel, sage, mulberry, teal or mauve | Sizes: XXS–XXL | RRP: £37.99 |

Designed to keep you comfortable in all temperatures, the quick-drying fabric wicks moisture away and stays soft to the touch. It offers UPF50+ and features a ¼ zip with chin guard and flatlock seams. Also available in children’s sizes and with short sleeves.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, equus.co.uk, naylors.com or gsequestrian.co.uk
In the US? View now at amazon.com

Hy Sport Active Base Layer

Colours: 10 colour options | Sizes: XS–XL | RRP: £33.99 |

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 and without sleeves.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, equus.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk

Weatherbeeta Prime Long Sleeve Top

Colours: Navy, violet, green, maroon, royal blue or turquoise | Sizes: XXS–XXL | RRP: £37.99 |

In the UK? View now at equus.co.uk or gsequestrian.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.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, equus.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk

Mark Todd Base Layer

Colours: Eight options | Sizes: XS–XL | RRP: £24.99 |

In the UK? View now at viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk

Harry Hall Ladies Base Layer

Colours: Pink, light blue or purple | 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.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk

GS Equestrian Momentum Long-sleeved Base Layer

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.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk

Ariat Sunstopper 2.0 ¼-Zip Base Layer

Colours: 15 colour and print options | Sizes: XS–XXL | RRP: £53 |

This popular Ariat base layer has recently had an update and is available in a wide range of colours and prints. It now has a raglan-cut sleeve for a flattering fit and breathable tech mesh panelling.

In the UK? View now at ariat.com, amazon.co.uk, equus.co.uk, naylors.com or sportsdirect.com
In the US? View now at ariat.com, amazon.com or statelinetack.com

Colours: Black, burnt sienna or viridian green | Sizes: XS–XXL | RRP: £40 |

This lightweight base layer benefits from moisture-wicking technology that helps you handle the heat and a UPF rating of 45. With no sleeves, you’ve got completely unrestricted movement as well as a flattering style.

In the UK? View now at ariat.com or naylors.com
In the US? View now at ariat.com

You might also like:

A selection of summer riding tops you’ll want in your wardrobe

15 pairs of riding tights and leggings worth trying out

Find your next set of cross-country colours here

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Georgia is Horse & Hound’s equestrian products expert and our favourite shopping guru as she knows about all the latest products, often before they hit the shelves. She is here to help you make the right purchases, whatever your budget, and manages all the ecommerce opportunities that allow us to give you easy access to the best products at the lowest prices. Georgia has first-hand knowledge of all the equestrian brands and their ever-evolving product lines, having been working with them closely since she started in equestrian media in 2015. She is also editor of H∓H’s sister site, PetsRadar.