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 similar in design to a pair of leggings you might wear at the gym or to 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, 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 (or 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.
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.
The summer riding tights were tested by Horse & Hound’s Martha Terry and Sophie Cheeseman so we can give you a great insight as to what they’re really like – find out more about how we test products.
Best riding tights and leggings for the summer
LeMieux Summer Pull-on Breeches
Colours: Bluebell, aubergine, grey, navy, ocean or white
Sizes: UK 4–18
H&H Rating: 10/10, H&H Approved
These lightweight leggings have a seamless design for comfort and a wide elasticated waist band for a flattering fit. They feature a generous, elasticated phone pocket on each thigh and have a full silicone seat.
We found the pocket on these riding tights to be really secure and the tights themselves to be supple, comfortable and supportive without feeling restrictive or tight. They were great value for money – and Sophie’s favourite pair of all those she tested.
Read H&H’s review of the LeMieux riding tights.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk or ebay.co.uk
Ariat Ascent Half Grip Tights
Colours: Navy or black
Sizes: XS–XL
H&H Rating: 10/10, H&H Approved
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.
We things these leggings really looked the part, were comfortable and really supportive. The phone pocket was excellent, particularly the reassuring envelope flap.
Read H&H’s review of the Ariat Ascent riding tights.
In the UK? View now at ariat.com, amazon.co.uk or naylors.com
In the US? View now at ariat.com
Aztec Diamond Icon Riding Leggings
Colours: Black, navy, grey, maroon, charcoal, taupe, khaki, burgundy, chocolate, metal or beige
Sizes: XS–XL
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.
Pikeur Gia Athleisure Riding Leggings
Colours: White, taupe, beige, green, light olive, steel grey, dark grey, dark shadow, black, nightblue, or Bordeaux
Sizes: 18–32in, in regular or long
H&H Rating: 9/10, H&H Approved
These super-stretchy leggings have a soft inner side and a wide, elastic waistband. The full seat has silicone and there is a large mobile phone pocket on the outer thigh.
Read H&H’s review of the Pikeur Gia Athleisure riding tights.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk or naylors.com
Equetech Signature Luxe Riding Tights
Colours: Black or lavender
Sizes: XS–3XL
H&H Rating: 9/10, H&H Approved
These riding tights have vented panels on the lower leg and a ‘no-roll’ supportive waistband. They have flat-lock seams that are positioned for comfort in addition to a matt silicone grip seat and a deep pocket on the thigh.
We thought these riding tights were stylish, flattering and comfortable. The snaffle bit silicone design is eye catching and provides ample grip in the saddle.
Read H&H’s review of the Equetech riding tights.
In the UK? View now at ebay.co.uk
Mochara Technical Riding Leggings
Colours: Mauve, charcoal grey, black, indigo blue, berry or slate grey
Sizes: XXS–XXL
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.
Toggi Sculptor Full-Seat Riding Tights
Colours: Black or pink
Sizes: 24–34in
H&H Rating: 8/10
These full-seat riding tights are made from a technical and supportive fabric. They have two side leg pockets, mesh ankle panels and a high waist with a drawcord.
Our tester, Martha, said these “felt like a second skin without feeling like you’d forgotten your trousers”.
Read H&H’s review of the Toggi Sculptor riding tights.
In the UK? View now at gsequestrian.co.uk or ebay.co.uk
GS Equestrian Dexterity knee patch riding tights
Colours: Petrol or navy
Sizes: UK 6–14
H&H review: 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
Coldstream Ednam Riding Tights
Seat: Knee grip
Colours: Black, mulberry purple, fern green, slate blue
Sizes: XS–XL
Made from technical fabrics. Mesh panelling optimises airflow with a wide waistband for comfort and a secure side phone pocket.
In the UK? View now on viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk
Woof Wear Original Riding Tights
Seat: Full seat or knee patch
Colours: Navy, slate or black
Sizes: UK 6–18
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.
In the UK? View now at gsequestrian.co.uk
Equetech Performance Aqua-Shield Riding Tights
Seat: Full seat
Colours: Navy, grey or white
Sizes: XS–3XL
Technical four-way stretch construction with Coolex fabric giving a cool feel against the skin. Water-repelling finish and flatlock seams to mitigate chafing. Two thigh pockets.
In the UK? View now at ebay.co.uk
Shires Aubrion Optima Riding Tights
Seat: Full seat
Colours: Navy, black, beige or white
Sizes: 24in–36in
Ultra-stretch, wicking fabric with high waisted, anatomical design. UPF50+, highly breathable and quick drying. Perforated ankle cuffs for comfort.
In the UK? View now at viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk
WeatherBeeta Veda Technical Tights
Seat: Full seat
Colours: Pewter, teal, green, mulberry, pine or black
Sizes: UK 8–18
These technical leggings are crafted from nylon 4 way stretch material for ultimate comfort and maximum movement in and out of the saddle, featuring Comfort Dry Technology fabric that provides moisture control for all day comfort. This system ensures any moisture dries quickly to keep you cool, comfortable and dry. These elegant panelled tights with full silicone gel seat for rider stability offer zip pockets at the high hip with a fitted stretch waistband for a smooth hugging fit.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, equus.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk or naylors.com
LeMieux Lydia Mesh Leggings
Seat: Knee grip
Colours: Walnut, navy or thyme
Sizes: UK 6–18
Features mesh panels on the side to boost airflow and keep the rider cool and comfortable. Seamless design made from four-way stretch fabric and elasticated waistband.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk
Toggi Sculptor Stripe Riding Tights
Seat: Full seat
Colours: Navy
Sizes: UK 6–18
High waist design with drawcord and two side pockets. Technical, supportive fabric designed for maximum freedom of movement.
In the UK? View now at gsequestrian.co.uk
Hy Equestrian Synergy Riding Tights
Colours: Black or navy
Sizes: XS–XL
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
Dublin Cool It Everyday Riding Tights
Seat: Full silicone seat
Colours: Olive, true navy, beige, black or dark grey
Sizes: UK 8–18
These mid-rise riding tights are made of a wicking fabric that helps to keep you cool, comfortable and dry. They also feature belt loops, thigh pockets with flap covers and a full silicone-print seat. Also available in children’s sizes.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, equus.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk
In the US? View now at amazon.com
Fouganza 100 Light Riding Leggings
Colours: Dark blue
Sizes: UK 2–14/16
H&H review: 6/10
These leggings have a wide waistband for comfort and mesh zones to promote ventilation.
We think these leggings are a good budget buy – they don’t have many of these features other riding tights have, such as grip, and the pocket was a bit small, but the material didn’t show any VPL, which was a real positive.
Read H&H’s review of the Fouganza riding leggings.
In the UK? View now at decathlon.co.uk
Coldstream Kelso Riding Skins
Seat: Full silicone seat
Colours: Beige, black, white or Windsor wine
Sizes: 24–34in
These high-waisted leggings are designed to give the support of breeches combined with the movement of riding tights. They have a full silicone seat, no-bulk elastic stretch ankles and are made of an anti-VPL fabric.
In the UK? View now at viovet.co.uk or ebay.co.uk
Aztec Diamond Core Riding Leggings
Seat: Knee grip
Colours: Black, navy, fawn, chocolate, green, ash blue, or beige
Sizes: XS–XXL
Medium weight fabric made from recycled plastic bottles. Breathable, sweat wicking and quick drying. Internal silicone grip in the pocket.
You might also like:
Our pick of the best riding tights on a budget
8 pairs of riding tights and leggings that are designed especially for winter
16 of the best competition breeches to wear in the saddle this season
10 pairs of breeches that are worth adding to your summer wardrobe
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