Riding pants: how to choose breeches, tights, and show pants
A good pair of riding breeches combines three things: elasticity to move in the saddle, grip to prevent slipping, and comfort to endure hours of riding without chafing. This guide explains the differences between breeches, tights, and show breeches so you can choose wisely.
Types of riding pants
- Breeches (classic riding pants) — mid-calf length, with a silicone seat or grip in the area that makes contact with the saddle. The standard for training and competition.
- Riding tights — legging-style fit, more elastic. Comfortable for daily training; some have full silicone grip.
- Show breeches — white or beige, with a full seat, technical fabric, and flat seams. Required in dressage and jumping competitions.
- Western pants — straight cut, looser fit. For vaquera or 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 (full seat) — maximum grip. Ideal for dressage and riders looking for stability.
- Silicone knee patch (knee grip) — partial grip. More versatile; popular in jumping and mixed use.
- Reinforced fabric — no extra grip. Economical, sufficient for hacking and light work.
Sizing for riding pants
The size of women's riding pants usually corresponds to the standard European size (36, 38, 40…). For men, US or European sizes are used. Check our guide to women's riding pants for size comparisons by brand.
For children, check the kids' pants collection with sizes starting from age 4.
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 sizes in the pants collection.
Key fact: Rincón del Valle offers more than 622 riding pants — breeches, tights, and show breeches — for women, men, and children, from 8 brands. Free shipping on the peninsula from €70. View all pants →
