Blog

Jodhpurs, Breeches & Riding Tights. All are different types of equestrian legwear worn for horse riding, but what's the difference? 

With so much choice available, it can be hard to work out which style you need! But consider the positives, equestrian manufacturers have taken traditional legwear and created more options than ever before to give us better fit and functionality.

Take a look at our handy guide below to find out more about each type of riding trouser:

What are Jodhpurs?

• Defining Features:

Jodhpurs or 'jods' are designed to be worn in conjunction with jodhpur boots. They are full length, close fitting riding trousers that reach the ankle. Traditionally the ankle cuffs are slightly thicker to allow for the clipping on of jodhpur clips, to hold the jodhpurs over the outside of the jodhpur boots.

• Style & Design:

Jodhpurs feature a simple panel design construction. They usually have a mid or low rise waist, and a zip and fly fastening, although some children's jodhpurs can have a pull on design with drawcord waist. They can include a self seat design or knee patches for extra durability and grip in the saddle.

• Material:

Jodhpurs are usually made out of a cotton based material, this can be a thick soft cotton, or cotton-spandex or cotton-lycra blend for additional stretch when riding. The seat is usually made of an additional layer of the same material (self-seat) or can have a suede/faux suede knee for grip.

• Worn By:

Jodhpurs are generally worn by young riders (both girls and younger boys) and sometimes women. They are usually worn for riding lessons, everyday riding, and for showing.

What are Breeches?

• Defining Features:

Breeches are designed to be worn in conjunction with long boots, and traditionally finish at the mid-calf, so as not to create bulk around the ankles. As material became more advanced, breeches progressed to be full length with tighter velcro ankles, and have now moved onto a sock bottom style, made of a super stretchy lightweight material.

• Style & Design:

Breeches are usually more decorative than jodhpurs, with piping, different coloured sections, and even some occasional sparkles.

• Material:

Breeches are made of high-performance materials, designed to be lightweight, stretchy, and breathable, for more competent riders.

Breeches have patches of grippy material to give the rider extra security in the saddle, these can be suede leather or a synthetic material, like silicone. ‘Knee patch’ or ‘full seat’ refers to where these patches are on the garment.

More recently, breeches have become much more adventurous in style with everything from super-comfy stretch denim to on-trend prints.

• Worn By:

Breeches can be worn by men, women and children, for both everyday riding and in the competition arena.

What are Riding Tights?

• Defining Features:

Riding tights are the new kids on the block, and are taking horse riding by storm. These tights reach the ankle, in a modern and trendy legging style garment. Think of them as the gym leggings of the equestrian world, they could easily take you straight from the yard to a yoga class.

• Style & Design:

Riding tights give a tight, figure hugging, high waist fit. They are usually pull up in design, with wide flattering waistbands. Riding tights often feature a silicone grip knee patch or full seat, as the material itself can be quite slippery.

• Material:

Usually constructed from smooth, sculpting, ultra-stretchy fabric that is designed to help you move more freely and comfortably when riding. Summer riding tights are lightweight and can include breathable material and mesh panelling for extra ventilation, winter designs are often fleece lined for extra cosiness.

• Worn By:

Riding tights are designed to flatter the female figure and are worn by girls and ladies. They are ideal for riding, training, mucking out and grooming, but are also incredibly versatile and can be used when running errands or heading to the gym.

Riding Legwear: Extra Features

When you are deciding whether to opt for riding tights, breeches or jodhpurs, here are some of the great product features you might want to look out for in choosing your riding legwear:

• Silicone Grip Seat (Sticky Bum) - whatever you call the ‘grippy’ material (usually made from silicone or suede), this is designed to give you extra security in the saddle.
• 4-way stretch – material that has 4-way stretch is the most comfy to ride in, allowing you flexibility in all directions. It also helps the garment to keep its resilience and bounce back after being stretched, for long lasting performance.
• Sock bottom – this is thin, lightweight, and often perforated fabric at the bottom of breeches, so there isn’t too much bulk under your long boots.
• Moisture wicking – if you're working hard with your horse the chances are you'll get a bit of a sweat on. Moisture management technology in fabric (wicking) helps to efficiently move any moisture to the outer of the fabric so it can evaporate, leaving you cool and comfy.
• Quick dry material - does what it says on the tin, whether you've splashed through a water jump or the heavens opened on your ride, you'll dry off quickly!
• Softshell outer – this material is water repellent and wind resistant - perfect for keeping you warm and dry on those winter rides.
• Cooling technology – mesh panels, perforated sections, and breathable fabrics, to keep you cool when riding in the warmer months.
• Warming technology – fleece lining insulation and water/wind resistance materials to keep you warm in the winter.
• Pockets – zip secured, envelope closure and slit pocket, each style provides a different level of security for your belongings. They can be on the front, the back, and on the thigh of the garment.
• Belt loops - mostly found on breeches or jods, meaning you can add a belt to complete your outfit and secure your legwear.
• Wide waistband – as well as being super comfy, a wide waistband helps to provide a more flattering shape at the waist, and provides support to your back and your core.
• ‘V’ in waistband – not only does this add comfort, it also allows for multi-direction stretch for all hip shapes and sizes so your legwear will give you the perfect fit.

Now we've given you the lowdown on riding legwear, it's time to find your perfect pair.

Browse our collection of jodhpurs, breeches and riding tights from high-quality brands such as Holland Cooper, Ariat, Blackfort. We've carefully selected a range of styles to ensure you find a product that is comfortable, durable and long lasting!