The best competition breeches are lightweight and breathable, enabling you to stay cool while working hard in warm temperatures. Competition breeches are typically either white, cream or fawn in colour to fit with the rules of the major disciplines – so finding a pair that uses stain-repelling technology is a real bonus. If you’re looking for something a bit more casual, check out our pick of the best summer breeches, riding tights and leggings. And if you’re after the best men’s breeches, we’ve got that covered, too.
Technical fabrics also offer wicking properties as well as compression and the best competition breeches will have sufficient stretch to allow you freedom of movement in the saddle, combined with good support and grip.
Some riders – usually dressage riders – prefer a full seat, while others – particularly showjumpers – favour the knee grip design as they spend more time out of the saddle. Really it’s down to personal preference but luckily there are plenty of design options to suit. Obviously you want look and feel your best when out competing, so style and fit are also key to finding the best pair of competition breeches for you.
Here are some of the best competition breeches on sale this season…
Ariat Tri Factor X breeches
Colours: White or black | Sizes: 22–36in, in regular or long | RRP: £135
Adaptable to all environments, these breeches feature FreezePoint smart-cooling technology to help regulate your body temperature. The compressive performance fabric also delivers a slimmer appearance, while silver trims on the pockets and jewelled buttons bring a touch of glamour.
View at ariat.com
Aztec Diamond competition breeches
Colours: White, navy, grey, burgundy or khaki | Sizes: 12–16 | RRP: £90
Developed with performance and style in mind, these double-lined breeches feature a “second-skin fit”, discreet grip locking system and Lycra sock around the lower calf. Made with a quick-dry and anti-stain fabric.
View at aztecdiamondequestrian.com
Cavalliera Toscana full-grip dressage breeches
Colours: White, beige, grey or navy | Sizes: EU 36–46 | RRP: £275
Made from a four-way stretch jersey that offers breathability and freedom of movement, with UV-resistant and antibacterial properties. The transparent seat grip provides stability, while the stretch-knit socks improve the fit.
More info at cavalleriatoscana.com
View at equiport.co.uk
Cavallo Caja competition breeches
Colours: White, navy, espresso, oak, twilight or black | Sizes: EU 32–48 regular or 68–96 long | RRP: £188
These breeches have a silicone full seat, a straight cut waist and are finished with two zipped front pockets.
More info at cavallo.info
View at harryhall.com
Dublin Edge gel full-seat breeches
Colours: White and sand | Sizes: 8–18 | RRP: £121.99
These breeches feature an Ezi-Grip gel full seat, dust-resistant fabric coating and an air-panel cuff for a close fit without adding bulk.
More info at dublinclothing.co.uk
View at viovet.co.uk
DVR Equestrian Penny soft breeches
Colours: Milton white | Sizes: XS–XL | RRP: £145
These super-lightweight mid-high waist breeches are made of a breathable and stretchy high-performance fabric – and they’re environmentally friendly, too. They have two zipped pockets, contrasting lower leg panels and silicone grip on the inside of the leg.
View at dvrequestrian.com
Ego7 EJ jumping breeches
Colours: White, beige, black, navy, Bordeaux, green grey or hunter green | Sizes: EU 32–46 | RRP: £168
These jersey breeches feature knee grip patches, flattering front pockets and zip detail on the back. The fabric has a four-way stretch that provides unrestricted movement, support and shape retention.
More info at ego7.it
View at amazon.co.uk
Equetech Regency breeches
Colours: Honey | Sizes: 24–34in | RRP: £83.50
The showing breeches come in a timeless rich honey colour. They are made from technical woven stretch twill with silicone grip knees for complete security.
More info at equetech.com
View at equus.co.uk
GhoDho Tinley Pro Meryl knee patch breeches
Colours: White or beige | Sizes: 22–32in | RRP: £160.38
Made of technical Meryl fabric, these breeches are moisture wicking and have water- and stain-resisting properties. They also have piping details, silicone knee patches and a soft flexible ankle.
View at ghodho.com
Harry Hall Equipel competition breeches
Colours: White | Sizes: 24–34in | RRP: £89.95
These stain-repellent breeches have a high-rise fit and feature silicone grip on the knee and seat. Designed to flatter, these breeches should fit like a second skin.
View at harryhall.com
Holland Cooper Hickstead breeches
Colours: White, black or ink navy | Sizes: 6–16 | RRP: £125
These breeches are designed to follow your figure and help you feel stylish in the saddle. They have a full grip seat and are cut in a flexible fabric to allow you freedom of movement.
View at hollandcooper.com
Hy Equestrian Roka Rose breeches
Colours: White | Sizes: 24–34in | RRP: £89.99
These exquisite breeches feature rose gold and navy diamantes to the front and rear pockets. They also have a full silicone seat and bulk-free stretch hem ankles for the perfect fit.
View at viovet.co.uk
Mochara Equestrian full-seat breeches
Colours: White, stone, black or navy | Sizes: 6–16 | RRP: £95
These stretchy breeches have a full silicone seat and elasticated sock, with subtle silver detailing that adds an extra special touch. The white pairs are fully lined to ensure they’re not see through.
View at mochara.co.uk
Mountain Horse Diana breeches
Colours: Navy or white | Sizes: EU 34–46 | RRP: £89
The high waist and wide waistband of these breeches offers extra support, while the seams are positioned carefully and the motion fit back yoke follows your movement. They also have a double folded flexible cuff at the leg.
View at mountainhorse.co.uk
Pikeur Candela grip breeches
Colours: White, beige, black, dark shadow, navy, slate, or midnight sky | Sizes: 20–30in, in regular or long | RRP: £178.95
These high-waisted breeches feature a mock suede or silicone grip full seat – the choice is yours – as well as two slanting pockets (not in white) and elasticated ankle finish. RRP: £178.95
View at pikeur.mybreeches.com
PS Of Sweden Louisa breeches
Colours: White | Sizes: 6–18 | RRP: £132
These stretchy competition breeches are made of an opaque material with four-way stretch and wicking properties. They feature a regular high waist with belt loops, knee grip, elastic ankles and navy detailing.
More info at psofsweden.com
View at discount-equestrian.co.uk
Shires Aubrion Thompson breeches
Colours: White, beige, black, navy, olive or grey | Sizes: 24–34in | RRP: £57.99
These lightweight breeches are made from performance fabric and feature matte silicone knee grips and a contour seat. As the cheapest pair of breeches in this guide, they show you can still feel the part on a budget.
More info at shiresequestrian.com
View at naylors.com
Stierna Sally knee grip breeches
Colours: Sand, white, black or navy | Sizes: EU 32–42 | RRP: £155
These breeches are described as combining high performance fabric with minimalist design and great fit to give maximum comfort in the saddle. They have chafe-free seams, a zipped leg pocket and shaped waistband with belt loops.
View at stierna.com
Tredstep Rosa II breeches
Colours: Tan, nebula blue or warm grey | Sizes: 24–34in, in regular or long | RRP: £99.99
These traditional-looking mid-rise breeches are an updated version of the Rosa, with a new patterning, cuff fabric and stitch detailing. They are stain resistant and feature a definition waistband that eliminates gaping and the gathering caused by a belt.
More info at tredstep.com
View at ebay.co.uk
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What’s the difference between full-seat and knee-patch breeches?
Full-seat breeches tend to be favoured by riders who hack or do dressage as they are great for helping you stay secure in the saddle by promoting stillness from your seat down. For this reason, they can be a little more restrictive and can make it harder to adjust your position. Knee-patch breeches only have grip at the knee – this offers less security, but makes it easier to come out of the saddle and adopt the two-point position if you’re jumping. Traditionally the seat or patches were suede, but more recently variations of silicone grip have become most popular.
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