How to choose riding pants? All our professional advice
The different types of riding pants
Choosing the right riding pants is essential to ensure comfort, ease of movement, and performance, whether training or competing. Each type of pant meets specific needs related to the discipline, the rider's body type, and their technical preferences.
Classic riding breeches are the most common style. Fitted and close-fitting, they are designed to prevent chafing in the saddle while ensuring freedom of movement. They are usually worn with boots or mini-chaps, thanks to their tight-fitting lower legs, often made of Lycra or elastic material, for easy donning and a good fit.
Jodhpurs, on the other hand, offer a looser fit and stop at the ankle. They are worn with jodhpur boots and matching mini-chaps. Often used for leisure riding or ground work, they prioritize comfort and elegance, sometimes with elastic under the foot to keep the bottom in place.
Finally, technical pants represent the modern evolution of riding apparel. They incorporate innovative materials and silicone grip or synthetic leather reinforcements at the knees and seat. These non-slip areas improve the rider's stability, enhance safety in the saddle, and provide a better connection with the horse. Lightweight, breathable, and ergonomic, these pants are designed to meet the demands of intensive sports practice in all seasons.
What material should you choose for riding pants?
The choice of material for riding pants plays an essential role, both for the rider's comfort and safety in the saddle. Not all materials are created equal, and it is important to choose a fabric that is suited to your riding style, the season, and your technical requirements.
Models made from cotton blended with elastane (or other stretch fibers) are popular for their softness and natural comfort. This type of fabric offers good breathability and flexibility, making it suitable for leisure or occasional riding. However, these pants may lack durability and resistance to wear and tear, especially with intensive use.
Microfiber or technical fabric pants are designed for more demanding riders. Lightweight, breathable, durable, and often water-repellent, they provide optimal moisture wicking and are better suited to temperature variations. The presence of stretch fibers in all directions allows for maximum freedom of movement, even during sustained effort.
A crucial technical feature when choosing pants is the presence of grips or reinforcements at the knees or seat. These areas, made of silicone grip or synthetic leather, provide better grip on the saddle and significantly improve the rider's stability. By limiting slippage and reinforcing contact areas, they directly contribute to safety and precision of aids.
In summary, stretch cotton breeches may be sufficient for occasional riding, but for regular or competitive use, technical fabrics combined with targeted reinforcements are preferable. They guarantee comfort, durability, and increased safety on horseback.
Choosing riding pants based on your riding style
Not all riders have the same needs, and choosing riding pants should be based primarily on the discipline you practice. Depending on whether you ride for leisure, dressage, or competition, the criteria for comfort, technicality, and performance will vary.
For leisure riding or trail riding, comfort is the priority. Cotton blend or breathable stretch fabric breeches are ideal. They should be comfortable to wear, easy to care for, and offer good freedom of movement without necessarily incorporating technical reinforcements. Jodhpurs or looser fits may also be suitable, especially for long hours spent on horseback or on foot.
In dressage, precision aids and a stable position are essential. It is therefore recommended to choose close-fitting breeches with silicone knee patches or a full grip seat to promote stability and connection with the saddle. Technical, breathable, and stretch fabrics ensure a perfect fit and good support throughout the session without hindering mobility.
For cross-country and competition, pants must meet even higher standards. They must offer excellent grip, high resistance to wear and tear, and perfect moisture wicking. Grip reinforcements are essential for securing your position during fast phases and jumps. A technical fabric, often water-repellent and quick-drying, is also preferable to cope with the sometimes extreme conditions of competition grounds.
Our tips for choosing the right size and fit for riding pants
Well-fitting riding pants are essential for ensuring comfort, ease of movement, and performance in the saddle. The wrong size or an ill-fitting cut can cause chafing, hinder movement, or affect the rider's stability. Here are a few tips to help you make the right choice.
First and foremost, the pants should be close-fitting without being restrictive. They should hug the body's contours, particularly around the thighs, knees, and seat, while allowing complete freedom of movement. Stretch fabrics, now widely used in technical designs, offer a good compromise between support and flexibility.
The length of the legs is also important. Riding pants are generally longer than regular pants to prevent them from riding up in the saddle. The bottom of the legs, often made of Lycra or elasticated material, should slip easily into boots or mini-chaps without creasing or creating extra bulk.
High waists are recommended for good lower back support, especially for dressage or long sessions. They also prevent the pants from slipping when you move. Mid-rise or low-rise waists may be suitable for leisure riding or in summer, but they offer less support.
It is also essential to take your body shape into account. Some styles are more suited to slimmer figures, while others offer a more comfortable fit around the hips or thighs. Be sure to consult the size guides provided by the brands and try on several styles to find the one that really suits you.
Finally, a good pair of pants should stay in place throughout your ride without needing to be readjusted. They should move with you, support your posture, and never get in your way. At Horse Pilot, our cuts are designed with riders in mind, with ergonomics optimized for the riding position and repeated movements.
