The best riding tights and leggings have proved to be very popular in recent years. An alternative to jodhpurs and breeches, riding tights are more to a pair of leggings you might wear at the gym or a yoga class. They should be lightweight, very comfortable and offer great freedom of movement. Being pull-on in design and usually made of a four-way stretch material means they’re easy to get on, too.
Most will feature some sort of grip to help you remain secure in the saddle and this could be in a full-seat or knee-patch style. Other features to look out for include flat seams (unless seamless), reflective detailing and mesh panelling. Many come with pockets on the thigh to fit your phone in while riding, but some styles also offer zipped pockets on the leg or at the back of the waistband for added security.
These tights are designed with flattering compression panels to offer additional support to your muscles and joints. They have a deep rise design to promote core strength and provide ultimate comfort, a half-seat grip and an envelope closure pocket on each thigh.
H&H’s features editor Martha Terry tested these leggings and found them to be really comfortable and supportive both in and out of the saddle. She liked the look and feel of them and found the envelope flap on the phone pocket reassuring.
These riding leggings are designed to be suitable for other sporting activities, too. The fabric is breathable, moisture-wicking and treated to prevent UV penetration for sun protection and to reduce heat absorption. They also have two phone-sized pockets. Same style available with recycled fabric.
H&H’s deputy art editor Sophie Cheeseman tested these leggings and found them to be comfortable and flattering. Sophie tested them for all sorts of activities and received so many compliments.
Colours: Black, ink navy, dove grey, spring green or washed red
Sizes: XS–L
Reasons to buy
Water repellent
Wide range of colours
Elastic tape on inner waist
Reasons to avoid
Logo on the leg might not suit your style
Crafted from high-performance stretch fabric, while the water-repellent finish ensures protection in all weathers. Signature Holland Cooper branding along the leg. Featuring a secure phone pocket, silicone knee grips. Ideal for use in and out of the saddle.
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
Horzehoods V-Seam Air2 Riding Leggings
Seat: No grip or full seat
Colours: Black, grey/black, navy, mulberry/black or blue/black
Sizes: XXS–XXXL
Reasons to buy
Flattering v-seam design
Stretchy and breathable fabric
Wide range of sizes
Reasons to avoid
Due to the lightweight fabric they can be perceived as slightly generous so double check size chart before ordering
Breathable, super stretchy, quick-dry fabric to keep you cool and comfortable. The V-seam design at the crotch provides a flattering fit and breathability when astride. Available with or without grip.
This particular style is only available without grip
Comfortable and flattering, these leggings are super-soft and high waisted, which means they’ll stay up. Plus there’s extra knee padding and flat-lock stitching for comfort, too. The material is stain-resistant, breathable, fast-drying and durable, and there is a large buttoned phone pocket on the leg.
They are available in a shorter length so if you’re are a petite rider there is no need to roll up the ends. I’m 5ft4in and have a pair of the shorter leggings, which are the perfect length on me. I also love how supportive they feel and I don’t feel conscious at all.
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
Dublin Everyday Riding Tights
Seat: Full seat
Colours: Black, beige or naval academy
Sizes: UK 6–16
Reasons to buy
Technical fabric to keep you cool
Useful side pockets
Reasons to avoid
Mid-rise waistband might not suit your style
These mid-rise riding tights are made of a wicking fabric that helps to keep you cool, comfortable and dry. They also feature thigh pockets and a full gel-grip seat. Also available in children’s sizes.
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Pikeur Linnet Riding Tights
Colours: Sandstorm, nightblue or black
Sizes: 18–32in, in regular or long leg
Reasons to buy
Practical pockets
Available in regular and long
Body sculpting
Reasons to avoid
Higher price point
These super-stretchy riding tights have a wide elastic waistband, screen printed full seat and no knee seam. There is a large mobile phone pocket on the outer thigh.
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
Woof Wear Original Riding Tights
Seat: Full seat or knee patch
Colours: Petrol blue, black, navy, slate or stone
Sizes: UK 6–18
Reasons to buy
Wide size range
Available with knee or full seat grip
High supportive waistband
Reasons to avoid
Not available with no grip
Designed with a supportive high waistband and a silicone grip, these high-waisted riding tights are made with a four-way stretch breathable fabric. They have a flattering silhouette and feature a large, discreet phone pocket with an embossed logo on each leg.
Made with ultra-stretch, wicking fabric with high waisted, anatomical design. These tights offer a second skin feel with contoured support for added confidence. The fabric is UPF50+, highly breathable and quick drying, and the tights feature a perforated thigh logo and ankle cuffs for comfort.
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
LeMieux Lydia Mesh Leggings
Seat: Knee grip
Colours: Aqua, black, dusk blue, walnut or navy
Sizes: UK 6–18
Reasons to buy
Seamless design for added comfort
Wide size range
Elasticated waistband
Reasons to avoid
Mesh side panels might not suit your style
These leggings feature mesh panels on the sides to boost airflow and keep the rider cool and comfortable. They have a seamless design, are made from four-way stretch fabric and have an elasticated waistband.
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
Toggi Sculptor Curzon Riding Tights
Seat: Knee grip
Colours: Deep blue
Sizes: 24–34in
Reasons to buy
Supportive waistband
Knee grip
Reasons to avoid
Only available in one colour
These riding tights have a high waist with drawcord and two side pockets. They are made from technical, supportive fabric that is designed for maximum freedom of movement. Finished with metallic prints.
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
Hy Equestrian Fordwich Riding Tights
Seat: Full seat
Colours: Beige or navy
Sizes: XS–XL
Reasons to buy
Less bulk around ankles
Flattering wrap around waistband
Reasons to avoid
Perforated lower leg might not suit your style
These tights have a high waistband with a wrap over design and full silicone grip seat. They feature a non-bulk mesh sock ankle for optimum comfort, and a phone pocket. Also available in children’s sizes.
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
Aztec Diamond Core Riding Leggings
Seat: No grip, knee grip or full seat
Colours: Black, navy, beige, mauve, green, forest, ash blue, petrol or fawn
Sizes: UK 4–16
Reasons to buy
Different grip options available
Medium weight material
Reasons to avoid
You prefer a wide waistband
These premium riding tights are made with recycled fabric riding tights and feature sculpting panels for a flattering fit. They are high-waisted and sweat-wicking, with quick-dry properties, and have silicone grip and a side pocket.
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
Mountain Horse Jayne Tights
Seat: Full seat
Colours: Grey
Sizes: XS–XXL
Reasons to buy
Quick drying fabric
Full seat silicone grip
Reasons to avoid
Only available in one colour
Crafted from a full-stretch, quick-drying fabric, these pull-on riding tights offer a slight silicone grip at the seat, inner leg, and knee area for enhanced stability. They also have a wide waistband and pockets on both legs.
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
Horseware FormFit Riding Tights
Seat: Full seat or knee grip
Colours: Black or navy
Sizes: UK6–22
Reasons to buy
Antibacterial fabric
UPF 50+ sun protection
Reasons to avoid
Only available in dark colours
Designed with premium stretch, moisture-wicking fabric for unrestricted movement and a supportive fit, these lightweight, breathable tights incorporate added ventilation and laser perforations on the lower legs to enhance cooling. They also have deep mesh thigh pockets and offer UPF 50+ protection.
What’s the difference between breeches and riding tights?
Riding tights or leggings are an alternative to breeches. More like leggings you might wear to the gym, riding tights do not have any front or zip closure, but still usually feature either a grip full seat or knee patches – although not all do – to help you stay secure in the saddle. Riding tights are also often available in a wider range of colours and styles.
This guide is all about summer riding tights, but if you’re looking for something warmer for the cooler weather, check out this selection of the best winter riding tights.
How to choose the best riding tights
When thinking about all the popular features mentioned earlier on, the first consideration you’ll need to make is how much grip you want. Leggings are inherently less grippy than breeches as the material is usually smoother, but you’ll be able to choose between full seat, knee patch and no additional grip – if you want more security in the saddle, go for more grip.
Secondly, it’s important to consider the style – do you prefer high-waisted or like the look of mesh inserts? There are lots of variations to choose between. Finally, the small but everyday practicality differences, such as pocket size, are what will make a good pair of leggings a great pair that you love to wear. Some pockets are large enough to hold the bigger phones, while others have zips or envelope flaps to make them more secure – these are all features you should look out for and that our testers have considered.
Some of the riding tights were tested by the H&H team so we can give you a great insight as to what they’re really like – find out more about how we test products.
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Franchesca is Horse & Hound’s Products Editor. She produces all of our buying guides and gift guides, as well as organising product testing and bringing you news about the latest products to hit the market. If there’s a new launch, Franchesca is the first person to hear about it. She brings you the best deals and is passionate about arming Horse & Hound’s readers with honest, unbiased product reviews. Franchesca loves letting riders and horse owners know what products are coming out, how to make their lives easier and how to spend their money wisely.
