The Best Jodhpurs and Riding Tights
Jodhpurs and riding tights both give you a seam-free, close-fitting leg for comfort in the saddle. Modern riding tights are pull-on, stretchy and increasingly popular; traditional jodhpurs are smarter for shows. Look for a silicone grip seat or knee patch and a comfortable high waist.
Once you've decided to keep riding, a good pair of jodhpurs or riding tights transforms your comfort in the saddle. The whole point is a smooth, close-fitting leg with no thick seams to rub — which is exactly why jeans are so uncomfortable to ride in. Beyond that, it comes down to grip, waist style and whether you want traditional or modern.
Jodhpurs versus riding tights
Jodhpurs are the traditional choice — a proper trouser with a zip and belt loops, smart enough for lessons and shows. Riding tights are the newer, hugely popular alternative: pull-on, stretchy, high-waisted and phone-pocketed, prioritising comfort and warmth. Many riders now own both — tights for everyday schooling, jodhpurs for anything smart. Neither is 'better'; it's personal preference.
- Everyday pull-on riding tights — stretchy, comfortable and warm — the modern default for schooling and hacking.
- Full-seat silicone jodhpurs — grip across the whole seat for security in sitting trot and jumping.
- Knee-patch jodhpurs — grip just at the knee; classic, versatile and a little cooler.
- Competition jodhpurs in white or beige — a smart pair kept aside for shows and lessons.
What to look for
Prioritise a silicone grip — a full-seat for security or a knee patch for versatility — and a high, comfortable waistband that stays put when you bend and mount. Check the fabric is breathable and holds its shape, and always try a brand's sizing before stocking up, as it varies wildly. Machine-washable, quick-drying fabrics earn their keep on a muddy British yard.
How to choose jodhpurs and riding tights
The right pair comes down to how and when you ride. Think about grip first — a silicone full-seat gives maximum security for sitting trot and jumping, while a knee patch grips where it matters most and stays cooler for hacking. Consider the waistband: a high, comfortable waist stays put when you bend and mount, which matters more than you'd think. Weigh up fabric — breathable, quick-drying and machine-washable earns its keep on a muddy British yard, while a warm brushed lining is a boon in winter. Finally, match the style to the occasion: pull-on tights for everyday schooling, traditional jodhpurs for anything smart, and white or beige competition breeches kept aside for shows. Sizing varies enormously between brands, so always try a make before you stock up. Here are the main options worth considering.
1. Everyday pull-on riding tights
What it is: Stretchy, high-waisted, pull-on tights that have become the modern default. Best for: everyday schooling, hacking and anyone prioritising comfort and warmth.
Key features: four-way stretch fabric, high waist, phone pocket, silicone grip options.
Pros: supremely comfortable, warm, quick to pull on and often pocketed. Watch out for: less formal, so keep a smarter pair for lessons and shows.
Typical price: £30–£70. Check the latest price on Amazon →
2. Full-seat silicone tights
What it is: Riding tights with grip across the entire seat, not just the knee. Best for: riders working on sitting trot, canter and jumping who want security.
Key features: full silicone seat, compressive stretch fabric, high supportive waist.
Pros: excellent stickability in the saddle and a secure, planted feel. Watch out for: the full grip can feel too 'stuck' for some, and shows wear over time.
Typical price: £45–£90. Check the latest price on Amazon →
3. Knee-patch jodhpurs
What it is: Traditional riding trousers with a grip patch at the knee only. Best for: all-round riders who want a classic, versatile, cooler option.
Key features: woven stretch fabric, zip and belt loops, silicone or suede knee patch.
Pros: smart, breathable and grippy where it counts; good for lessons. Watch out for: less secure than a full seat for advanced work.
Typical price: £35–£80. Check the latest price on Amazon →
4. Winter / thermal jodhpurs
What it is: Brushed or fleece-lined jodhpurs and tights built for the cold. Best for: anyone riding through a British winter who feels the chill.
Key features: brushed inner lining, wind-resistant fabric, high cosy waist.
Pros: keep your legs genuinely warm without bulky over-trousers. Watch out for: too warm for milder months, so best as a seasonal second pair.
Typical price: £40–£85. Check the latest price on Amazon →
5. Competition breeches (white/beige)
What it is: Smart, traditional breeches in show colours, worn with long boots. Best for: riders heading into dressage, showing or affiliated competition.
Key features: close-cut woven fabric, full or knee grip, tidy show finish.
Pros: the correct, polished look for the ring and formal lessons. Watch out for: white shows every mark — kept for best, not for muddy schooling.
Typical price: £45–£120. Check the latest price on Amazon →
6. Summer / breathable riding tights
What it is: Lightweight, moisture-wicking tights for warm-weather riding. Best for: riders who overheat or ride through the summer months.
Key features: thin breathable stretch fabric, mesh panels, UV-protective options.
Pros: cool, quick-drying and comfortable when it's hot. Watch out for: thinner fabric offers less warmth and can be less hard-wearing.
Typical price: £30–£65. Check the latest price on Amazon →
7. Children's jodhpurs
What it is: Scaled-down, hard-wearing jodhpurs for young riders. Best for: children in lessons who grow (and get muddy) at speed.
Key features: stretchy pull-on or zip styles, knee grip, machine-washable fabric.
Pros: comfortable, affordable and easy for children to manage. Watch out for: outgrown quickly, so buy sensibly and look at good second-hand pairs.
Typical price: £18–£40. Check the latest price on Amazon →
8. Riding leggings with phone pocket
What it is: Casual-look riding leggings that pass for gym wear off the horse. Best for: beginners and hackers wanting comfy, low-key everyday kit.
Key features: soft stretch fabric, deep phone pockets, light knee grip, no zip.
Pros: comfortable, versatile and easy to wear on and off the yard. Watch out for: lighter grip and less structure than proper competition breeches.
Typical price: £25–£55. Check the latest price on Amazon →
9. Full-length grip breeches
What it is: Traditional breeches designed to be worn inside long boots. Best for: riders in long boots who want a clean line and no bunching at the ankle.
Key features: ankle-length cut, sock-style or velcro cuff, knee or full grip.
Pros: sit neatly inside long boots with no bulk and give a tidy leg. Watch out for: only really needed once you've moved into long boots.
Typical price: £40–£110. Check the latest price on Amazon →
10. Waterproof over-trousers / chaps
What it is: A wet-weather layer pulled over your jodhpurs for hacking in the rain. Best for: anyone hacking or doing yard work through a soggy British winter.
Key features: waterproof breathable fabric, full-length side zips, elasticated waist.
Pros: keep your legs and jodhpurs dry on wet rides and around the yard. Watch out for: bulkier than jodhpurs alone, so they're a layer rather than a base.
Typical price: £30–£70. Check the latest price on Amazon →
A note on fit and sizing
More riders are disappointed by jodhpurs because of fit than because of quality, so it's worth labouring the point. Equestrian sizing is notoriously inconsistent — a size 12 in one brand can feel like a 10 or a 14 in another — so wherever possible, try before you buy or order from a retailer with easy returns and get two sizes to compare. Pay attention to the rise (a low waist gapes at the back when you bend to do up a girth), the leg length, and whether the grip sits exactly where your knee meets the saddle. Sit down and bend as you would in the saddle when trying them on, not just stand in front of a mirror. Once you find a brand and cut that fits you well, note it down and stick with it — that hard-won knowledge saves endless returns.
Our verdict for beginners
For most people starting out, a pair of comfortable pull-on riding tights with a knee patch or full seat is the ideal first buy — warm, forgiving, easy to wash and pleasant to wear for hours. Add a smarter pair of knee-patch jodhpurs once you're taking regular lessons or the occasional show beckons, and a thermal pair if you'll be riding through the winter. Don't overthink grip in your first months; a knee patch is plenty until you're doing serious sitting trot or jumping. Above all, buy for fit and comfort over brand or colour — a well-fitting pair you forget you're wearing will do far more for your riding than a fashionable one that digs in or slips down every time you rise to the trot.
Pair them with the right boots and helmet, and cold-weather riders should layer up — see winter care. Not sure what to start in? Read what to wear for your first lesson.
