Choosing a good pair of winter, waterproof breeches can be the difference between having a happy or horrid winter. Once you’ve found your favourite pair, you won’t be able to fathom how you ever survived a winter or went riding in the rain without them. The best waterproof riding trousers are undoubtedly useful, especially on the yard, but waterproof breeches will give you more feel when you’re riding.
Whether you’re looking for complete waterproofness, something warm for those chilly hacks or a dirt-resistant, showerproof style, I’ve rounded up the best on the market for you.
Best waterproof breeches: H&H’s quick guide
Best waterproof breeches overall: LeMieux Drytex
Best value waterproof breeches: Apollo Air Storm
Warmest waterproof breeches: Weatherbeeta Thermal
Best waterproof breeches for petite riders: Agaso Winter
Best waterproof breeches for winter riding
LeMieux Drytex Waterproof Breeches
Waterproof rating: 10,000mm (highly waterproof)
Colours: Black, grey, navy, taupe, beige or white
Sizes: UK 6–16
Reasons to buy
- Waterproof
- Wide range of colours
Reasons to avoid
- Higher price tag but are worth the investment for a dedicated all-weather rider
These breeches are a brand new style and a must have for the dedicated winter rider. They are described as waterproof and windproof, which makes them ideal for all-weather riding. They are made from a breathable yet durable material, which is abrasion resistant and anti-piling, with a unique membrane that makes the rain simply bead and run off. The material has a generous stretch that offers unrestricted comfort, and the full silicone seat offers added stability in the saddle, while the soft fleece lining retains warmth on cold winter days. These breeches are also available with a knee grip style.
H&H’s Carol Phillips tested the LeMieux Drytex Carbon waterproof breeches, which were the previous model and she rated them 9/10. Carol said “These breeches are warm and comfortable to wear in all situations and the level of grip provided by the silicone seat is the best I’ve experienced, providing grip without restriction.”
Read H&H’s full and independent LeMieux waterproof breeches review.
Apollo Air Ladies Storm Breeches
Colours: Beige, flint or navy
Sizes: 24–36in
Reasons to buy
- Unique membrane so rain beads off them
- Generous stretch material
Reasons to avoid
- These don’t have a fleece lining so might not be warm enough if you feel the cold
These breeches are described as water repellent and windproof. They are made from a breathable yet durable fabric which is abrasion resistant and anti-piling, with a unique membrane where rain simple beads off them. The generous stretch material allows for unrestricted comfort making them perfect for all-weather riding. Also available for men in sizes 28-36in.
Weatherbeeta Thermal Waterproof Breeches
Waterproof rating: 10,000mm (highly waterproof)
Colours: Black
Sizes: UK 8–16
Reasons to buy
- Waterproof
- UPF 50+ sun protection fabric
Reasons to avoid
- No zip pockets
These breeches have been designed with the dedicated winter rider in mind. They’re made from a four-way stretch, waterproof fabric with thermal brush backing for added warmth. With a high waterproof rating of 10,000mm they are perfect for the dedicated winter rider without the added bulk. They also feature a full-seat gel print for added stability in the saddle and practical side pockets.
Agaso Winter (Fleece Lined) Breeches
Colours: Black
Sizes: 22–34in, in regular or short length
Reasons to buy
- Available in a regular and short leg length
- Fleece lined
Reasons to avoid
- Full silicone seat style might not be needed
Described as water-repellent and dirt-resistant, these breeches are made from a four-way stretch fabric for ultimate comfort and have a soft fleece lining for warmth. They also feature a full silicone seat for added security in the saddle. They are available in a regular and short leg length, so if you’re a petite rider like me and struggle with the length of breeches these are worth looking at.
Fouganza Kipwarm Waterproof Jodhpurs
Colours: Black or dark blue
Sizes: XXS–XL
Reasons to buy
- Fleece lined
Reasons to avoid
- Style might not suit everyone
These water-repellent jodhpurs have a laminated membrane that is said to keep you dry for one hour in the rain and provides grip in the saddle. They also have fleece lining for added warmth and stretchy Lycra hems.
Rhinegold Ladies Alaska Waterproof Winter Breeches
Waterproof rating: 3,000mm (waterproof)
Colours: Black
Sizes: 24–34in
Reasons to buy
- Thermal lining
- Waterproof
Reasons to avoid
- Only available with a full silicone seat
Described as waterproof and windproof, these breeches from Rhinegold are made from a four-way stretch fabric with thermal lining that has a soft fleece feel. They feature a full silicone seat, large hip pockets and Lycra sock detail for added comfort.
These breeches are also available with the same features in a men’s style.
Hy Equestrian Arctic Polar Softshell Breeches
Colours: Beige or navy
Sizes: 24–34in
Reasons to buy
- Full silicone seat
- Fleece lining
Reasons to avoid
- High waist design might not suit everyone
These breeches are described as water-repellent and wind-resistant. They are designed in a softshell fabric with a flattering high waist for a comfortable fit in the saddle. They also featuring a fleece lining to help keep you warm and full silicone seat for added security in the saddle. It’s great that beige is a colour option for competition and hunting, so you no longer need to get cold and wet while you’re out over the winter months.
Toggi Winter Flexi Breeches
Colours: Black
Sizes: 24–34in
H&H review: 9/10, H&H Approved
Reasons to buy
- Comfortable fit
- Useful zip pocket
Reasons to avoid
- Silicone seat is slightly restrictive at first
These water-repellent breeches from Toggi are made from a fleece-lined four-way stretch woven fabric that is insulating, lightweight and supportive. They feature a full silicone seat, zip phone pocket, mesh ankle panels and are finished with reflective branding.
H&H’s Carol Phillips tested these breeches are rated them 9/10 and she said these were “a smart and comfortable pair of breeches that are suitable for most winter leisure riding and schooling – good value for money”.
Read H&H’s full and independent Toggi Winter Flexi breeches review.
Dublin Thermal Breeches
Colours: Sky Captain
Sizes: UK 8–16
Reasons to buy
- UPF 50+ sun protection fabric
- Thermal lining
Reasons to avoid
- Better suited to dry cold days as they are thermal lined with a splash proof outer
These breeches have been designed to keep you warm on comfortable on those dry and cold winter days. They’re made from a thermal brushed back, four-way stretch fabric. The outer fabric is splash proof top repel dirt, dust, hair and hay ideal for keeping you clean and smart even after grooming and mucking out. They also feature a full-seat gel print for added stability in the saddle and secure side pockets with zip closure.
Pikeur Candela Softshell Breeches
Colours: Black, dark shadow or nightblue
Sizes: 20–34in, in regular or long length
Reasons to buy
- High waistband with belt loops
- well positioned pockets
Reasons to avoid
- Higher price tag than some others with more winter features
These highly water-resistant breeches are tailored in a popular high-waisted style, which offers extra winter warmth, with a full-grip applied seat. They utilise a highly insulating fabric that is made with recycled wine corks, feature two slanting front pockets and have a stretch ankle finish.
PC Racewear Adults Weatherproof Breeches
Colours: Navy, black, red, royal blue or green
Sizes: 24–34in
Reasons to buy
- Curved rear waistband to prevent your back from getting cold
- Taped seamed phone pocket on the leg
Reasons to avoid
- Synthetic suede seat patch might not suit your style
Water-resistant and breathable, these stylish unisex weatherproof breeches have a raised rear waistband to help ensure your back is protected from the wind, Lycra side panels for a comfortable fit and they’re finished off with lycra tube socks to avoid added bulkiness in your boots.
Different styles of waterproof breeches
The best waterproof breeches will be made of a stretchy and non-restrictive material so that you can move freely in the saddle, while also having grippy knee patches or full seats to help keep you secure. Look out for styles that are windproof and have additional linings for added warmth. It’s important to know that some styles are waterproof, offering complete protection from the elements, while others are water-resistant, which in many scenarios is plenty to keep you protected. Most styles are widely available in darker colours, but some also come in beige, which make them great for hunting or winter competitions.
Waterproof vs water-resistant
A waterproof pair of breeches will give you protection from rain or other water for a significant period of time, while a water-resistant material will prevent water penetration, but only to a certain level. If you’re a rider who avoids riding in the rain or will only be riding for short periods of time then a pair of water-resistant breeches may be sufficient, but if you envisage yourself riding out in all weathers, a pair of fully waterproof breeches is the way to go.
Some manufacturers will provide waterproof ratings – and we’ve listed those ratings on each product in the guide.
Waterproof ratings explained:
- 0–1,500mm = water resistant/snowproof, suitable for very light rain
- 1,500–5000mm = waterproof, suitable for light to average rain
- Over 5,000mm = very waterproof, suitable for moderate to heavy rain
- Over 10,000mm = highly waterproof, suitable for heavy rain
Why do breeches need to be breathable?
Breeches ideally need to be breathable so that any moisture that accumulates on the inside can escape through the fabric. If the moisture (sweat) cannot escape, when it cools, it’ll leave you damp and you’ll get cold.
You may also be interested in…
8 pairs of riding tights and leggings that are designed especially for winter
6 pairs of waterproof trousers to keep you warm and dry in the saddle this winter
7 winter riding coats we’ve tried, tested and awarded H&H Approved status
7 pairs of winter riding boots designed to keep your toes warm
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