Riding tights (or leggings) have gained popularity at a speedy rate, especially for the summer riding, but there also a number of designs on the market that allow you to wear something just as comfy in the winter. Generally considered more comfortable (but arguably less supportive) than the best winter breeches, the best winter riding tights will offer everything your favourite summer riding tights provide — they should be really comfortable and easy to move in, as well as keep you warm. Due to their flexible and often seamless design, they are a great option for wearing underneath waterproof riding trousers, too.
Some designs will have higher waistbands, full silicone seats, knee grips or shaped ankles, so check out a few different styles before making your final decision. A material that holds its shape and washes well is also important, so that your winter riding leggings remain well fitting, flattering and comfortable. Phone pockets are also highly desired, so check the list of features if this is important to you – many earlier designs have been updated to include these, so check you’re buying the latest version.
Best winter riding tights
Dublin Warm It Thermodynamic Riding Tights
Colours: Navy or black
Sizes: Adult UK 8–18, child age 6–14
RRP: £41.99
These mid-rise tights are made with a technical thermal fabric, which is water and stain repellent, and fleece lining. They have belt loops, a phone pocket with flap cover each legs and a seamless full silicone seat.
In the UK? View ladies’ sizes now at amazon.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk
In the UK? View children’s sizes now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk
Shires Aubrion Coombe Riding Tights
Colours: Charcoal
Sizes: Adult XXS–XXL, child age 7/8–13/14
RRP: £52.99 (adult) £40.99 (child)
These winter riding tights feature a reflective print to help keep you visible in low light. They have a fleecy inner lining, full silicone grip seat, and a thigh phone-sized pocket on the thigh.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk
In the UK? View children’s sizes now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk
Hy Equestrian Glacial Softshell Riding Tights
Colours: Beige, black or grey
Sizes: XS–XL
RRP: £89.99
These softshell riding tights are described as flattering and flexible. They have a stretch waistband for comfort and a brushed fleece lining for warmth. Other features include silicone knee patches, a phone-sized pocket and belt loops.
In the UK? View now at viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk
Ariat Venture Thermal Half Grip Insulated Riding Tights
Colours: Black, blue, red or green
Sizes: Adult XS–XL, child XS–XXL
RRP: £110 (adult), £82.50 (child)
These riding tights have a half silicone seat and are made with thermal fabric and compression technology, which as part of the Venture collection offer defence against cold, wet weather in the saddle.
In the UK? View adult sizes now at ariat.com, amazon.co.uk or ebay.co.uk
In the UK? View children’s sizes now at ariat.com
Mark Todd Winter Riding Leggings
Colours: Navy, burgundy or grey
Sizes: UK 8–16
RRP: £59.98
These leggings are made of a technical sports fabric with a wide waistband and full silicone seat. The latest version now also has the added feature of double front pockets big enough to hold a large smart phone.
In the UK? View now at viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk
LeMieux Thermal Leggings
Colours: Ice grey or orchid
Sizes: XS–XL
RRP: £29.95
Slightly different to the other leggings in this guide, these are designed to be worn underneath your usual breeches. They are seamless to ensure comfort and prevent chaffing, and feature elasticated foot straps to keep them in position. They are made of a soft microfibre yarn that wicks sweat away from skin, and benefit from a technology that helps to control odour so that you feel fresh and dry no matter how hard you work.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk
Equetech Aqua-Shield Winter Riding Tights
Colours: Charcoal, navy or white
Sizes: XS–3XL
RRP: £62.50
These water-resistant, fleece-lined riding tights have a full silicone seat. They feature a phone-sized thigh pocket and a wide, supportive waistband with belt loops.
In the UK? View now at ebay.co.uk
You might also like:
Stay dry in the saddle with these waterproof winter breeches
20 pairs of riding tights and leggings worth trying out
6 pairs of waterproof trousers to keep you warm and dry in the saddle this winter
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