Riding pants: how to choose breeches, tights, and show pants
Good riding pants combine three things: elasticity for movement in the saddle, grip to prevent slipping, and comfort to endure hours of riding without chafing. This guide explains the differences between breeches, riding tights, and show pants so you can choose wisely.
Types of riding pants
- Breeches (classic riding pants) — reach mid-calf, with silicone or grip seat in the area of contact with the saddle. The standard for training and competition.
- Riding tights — legging-like fit, more elastic. Comfortable for daily training; some have full silicone grip.
- Show pants — white or beige, with full seat, technical fabric, and flat seams. Required for dressage and show jumping events.
- Western riding pants — straight cut, looser. For western riding.
In our collection of riding pants (622 models) you can filter by type, size, color, and brand.
Seat: silicone, grip, or fabric
The seat (the reinforced area on the seat and/or knees) determines the grip:
- Full silicone seat — maximum grip. Ideal for dressage and riders seeking stability.
- Silicone knee grip — partial grip. More versatile; popular in show jumping and mixed use.
- Reinforced fabric — no extra grip. Economical, sufficient for hacking and light work.
Riding pants sizing
Women's riding pants sizing usually corresponds to standard European sizes (36, 38, 40…). For men, US or European sizes are used. Consult our women's riding pants guide for brand-specific sizing comparisons.
For children, consult the children's pants collection with sizes from 4 years old.
Brands at Rincón del Valle
We work with ELT, Equestrian Stockholm, Equestro, Equetech, HKM, Harcour, Haute Couture Equestrian, Hispano Hípica. You can compare prices and sizing in the pants collection.
Key fact: Rincón del Valle offers over 622 riding pants — breeches, riding tights, and show pants — for women, men, and children, from 8 brands. Free shipping throughout Spain from €70. See all pants →
