Riding tights and leggings are popular because they’re comfortable, ideal for everyday wear and in general they’re cheaper than the best breeches. While some of the best pairs of riding tights could set you back over £100 – and in many cases you get what you pay for – there are also plenty of cheaper riding tights if you’re on a tight budget.
We’ve rounded up our favourites (yes, we’ve been testing them out!) that are £50 and under – with the cheapest being just £19.99. You might think you need to compromise to get a great pair of riding tights for less than half the cost of the priciest pairs, but whether you’re looking for full-seat grip or a large phone pocket, we’re sure there’ll be a pair of cheap riding tights in this selection that are just what you need.
Best budget riding tights
Aztec Diamond Icon Riding Leggings
Colours: 11 options
Sizes: XS–XL
RRP: £50
H&H Rating: 10/10, H&H Approved
These flattering leggings come in a wide range of colours and are made of recycled performance fabric that gives full coverage. They have a thick elasticated waist band, silicone knee grip and a side pocket.
We loved these leggings from the moment we opened the bag – and found them to be really stylish and smart.
Read H&H’s review of the Aztec Diamond riding leggings.
Mochara Technical Riding Leggings
Colours: 8 options
Sizes: XXS–XXL
RRP: £40
H&H Rating: 9/10, H&H Approved
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.
These leggings come in a great range of gorgeous colours and we found them to be comfortable and flattering. They don’t have any grip, so are the closest to sports leggings of all the riding tights we’ve tested.
Read H&H’s review of the Mochara riding leggings.
GS Equestrian Dexterity knee patch riding tights
Colours: Petrol or navy
Sizes: UK 6–14
RRP: £39.95
H&H Rating: 8/10
Made from a combination of nylon and spandex, these tights have a thick, comfortable waistband and two phone pockets as well as a smaller rear zipper pocket. They have a silicone grip knee patch and mesh ankle cuff.
We found these to be a good, affordable everyday pair of leggings. We felt they would be more suited to a younger rider who desired less support, but we thought the grip was effective and we liked the mesh ankle cuff.
Read H&H’s review of the GS Equestrian Dexterity riding tights.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk
LeMieux Naomi Pull-On Breeches
Seat: Full seat
Colours: Forest, iris, navy or black
Sizes: UK 6–18
RRP: £49.95
These stretchy, seamless riding tights have a supportive elasticated waistband. The tapered lower leg design allows you to easily pull-on socks or riding boots without the fabric bunching up and causing discomfort. There’s a full-seat silicone pattern that gives you extra grip and security in the saddle.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk
Hy Equestrian Synergy Riding Tights
Colours: Black or navy
Sizes: XS–XL
RRP: £44.99
H&H Rating: 6/10
These tights have a ¾ silicone grip seat. They feature a non-bulk mesh sock ankle for optimum comfort, and a mesh pocket.
We found these were really good on the VPL front – you couldn’t see anything – although, they’d benefit from a more substantial pocket.
Read H&H’s review of the Hy Synergy riding tights.
In the UK? View now at viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk
Fouganza 100 Light Riding Leggings
Colours: Asphalt blue, bright damson, dark petrol blue or Bordeaux
Sizes: XXS–XXL
RRP: £39.99
H&H review: 7/10
These stretchy leggings are made from a 77% recycled fabric. They have a high waist and silicone grip seat.
We think these leggings are a fairly good buy – we particularly liked the phone pocket and found the design much better than other Fouganza styles.
Read H&H’s review of the Fouganza 500 riding leggings.
In the UK? View now at decathlon.co.uk
Shires Aubrion Elstree Mesh Riding Tights
Colours: Black or navy
Sizes: XXS–XXL
RRP: £44.99
To help keep you cool, these riding tights feature ventilating mesh panels on the outer leg. The tights also have a full silicone grip seat and legs and a phone-sized pocket on the thigh. Also available in children’s sizes.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk
You might also like:
20 pairs of riding tights and leggings worth trying out
Comfy and casual riding tights for young riders – ages 3-16
8 pairs of riding tights and leggings that are designed especially for winter
Don’t miss your chance to save 35% on Horse & Hound subscriptions in this special Black Friday deal
Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.