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Best Horse Riding Leggings for Women: Comfort & Style for Casual Riders
Posted 10 Aug 2025
If you’re a horse rider searching for the best riding leggings for women, you’re not alone. Riding leggings – also called equestrian tights – have taken the equestrian world by storm, and for good reason. These pull-on wonders swap stiff, traditional breeches for soft, stretchy comfort that fits an active lifestyle. Unlike heavy jodhpurs or jeans, riding leggings are made of lightweight, flexible materials “perfect for staying cool and comfortable all day”. They let you move freely at the barn, on a trail ride, or even running errands, all while looking stylish. In this article, we’ll explore what women riders value most in riding leggings – from grip and comfort to style – and answer common questions to help you find your perfect pair.
Why Horse Riders Love Riding Leggings (Lifestyle Meets Function)
Casual riders are embracing riding leggings as their go-to stylish horse riding apparel for everyday rides. Why? The answer is simple: comfort and versatility. Many women find quality riding tights “flattering fit, tough, wash brilliantly, comfortable” enough to wear for hours every day. Unlike traditional breeches, which can feel restrictive, leggings feel like a second skin. Riders often compare them to yoga pants – one longtime equestrian even said a $40 pair from Amazon were “the most comfortable things I’ve ever worn in 25 years of riding”. For casual riders who might be at the barn one hour and the grocery store the next, that all-day comfort is a game-changer.
Another lifestyle perk is that riding leggings effortlessly transition from stable to street. Their modern, athletic look means you can finish your ride and head to coffee with friends without an outfit change. Riders love the fun colors and patterns many brands offer, letting them express personal style while in the saddle. And unlike old-school riding pants, most new leggings come with handy pockets. (One rider joked she always wears leggings “with [a] pocket for carrot,” so she can tote treats for her horse!) Affordability is a bonus as well – you don’t need to spend a fortune for decent tights. As one veteran rider noted, she doesn’t feel the need to pay $80+ for breeches when riding leggings for casual riders get the job done, especially now that many have useful features like knee patches and pockets built-in.
In short, casual women riders adore leggings because they feel good and fit their lifestyle. You can muck stalls, ride, and then relax, all in the same comfy pair. Next, let’s break down the key features that make a pair of riding leggings truly great.
Comfort Comes First: Soft, Stretchy & Supportive
Modern riding leggings are made of soft, flexible fabrics that move with you for total comfort in and out of the saddle.less prone to change. Start challenging your muscles instead!
Above all else, riding tights must be comfortable equestrian tights that riders forget they’re even wearing. Look for four-way stretch fabrics (like spandex or polyester blends) that offer a “soft, stretchy and breathable” feel. The best riding leggings feel buttery-soft on your skin and non-restrictive, allowing you to mount, dismount, and ride freely. Riders often describe their favorite tights as “like my favorite yoga pants” in terms of weight and stretch. This flexibility isn’t just a luxury – it’s important for maintaining a correct position while riding without fighting your clothing.
Fit is another huge part of comfort. Most women prefer a high-rise waistband on riding leggings, which provides support through the core and prevents any sagging or discomfort when you’re bent in two-point or cleaning hooves. A wide, high waistband also keeps leggings from sliding down mid-ride – a common annoyance with cheaper leggings. Some quality brands even add silicone grips or drawstrings at the waist for extra stay-put power. As one equestrian reviewer noted, the “high waistband does not roll or bunch up” and “does not slide down at all like with many other riding legging[s]” she had worn before. A snug, well-designed waist means you won’t be tugging up your pants every few strides.
Keep an eye on sizing to ensure the optimal fit. Riding leggings should fit like a second skin – comfortably snug but not cutting off circulation. If they’re too loose, you might experience uncomfortable rubbing or shifting. (One rider found out the hard way that a too-large pair “slid around… and caused a lot of rubs and discomfort” until she sized down.) When sized correctly, good riding tights “fit great while staying up and not slipping the entire ride”. In sum, soft, stretchy fabric and a secure fit are absolute must-haves for comfort. They allow you to focus on enjoying the ride, not adjusting your clothing.
Grip in the Saddle: Non-Slip Security
A major advantage of riding leggings over generic activewear is the addition of grip – usually in the form of silicone patterns on the inner leg or full seat. These non-slip horse riding leggings keep you secure in the saddle, especially during those big canter transitions or unexpected spooks. Many riders swear by silicone “sticky” seats or knee patches that provide extra traction without being uncomfortable. As one forum rider explained, “the whole point of riding pants is [that] the seams are away from your seat and legs so they don’t chafe... [and] there’s the ‘sticky bum’ feature that helps stop you slipping about in the saddle.” In other words, riding tights are purpose-built to help you stick to your horse.
When shopping, you’ll find options with knee-patch grip (silicone on the inner knees) or full-seat grip (silicone extending across the seat and inner thighs). Casual riders often like knee patches for freedom of movement, whereas full-seat offers maximum stick for jumping or young horses. Quality matters here – good silicone grip should be effective but not overly glue-like, and durable enough not to peel off. Look for products where riders mention the grip positively in reviews. For example, many customers rave that certain tights “have great grip… like industrial-strength double-sided tape that allows me to move and bend, but still helps keep my seat in the saddle”. Another rider cheerfully noted “the sticky seat is very helpful!” for keeping her phone in place and herself secure while riding.
The ideal grip strikes a balance: enough stick to boost your confidence, but not so much that you feel “stuck” or can’t adjust your position. The best riding leggings use silicone patterns that are distributed for even support. Riders report that their favorite tights “stick well to the saddle and keep them secure in the seat” without restricting movement. If you’re a casual rider who enjoys the occasional canter in two-point or a small jump, a bit of grip can make a big difference in stability. It’s an invisible helper that lets you relax and focus on your ride. And if you prefer a looser feel, you can opt for leggings with minimal grip (or just knee patches) for more freedom. It all comes down to your comfort level – but grip is certainly a feature to consider when picking your perfect pair.
Silicone grip patches on riding leggings (visible as patterned dots or shapes) provide traction to help keep casual riders stable and confident in the saddle.
Breathability to Keep You Cool (and Warm)
Nothing ruins a fun ride like feeling sweaty and overheated – or conversely, chilled to the bone. That’s why breathability is key, especially for riders who go from barn chores to riding in the same outfit. Most riding leggings are made from moisture-wicking, quick-dry fabrics that keep you cool in hot weather. In fact, many women switch to tights in the summertime specifically because they’re so much cooler than thick breeches or jeans. One rider tested her leggings in “90+ degree temps” and found “they are definitely cool and don’t make me sweat while keeping me comfortable and secure in my saddle” Lightweight leggings allow air circulation and wick away moisture, so you stay drier on those sweltering afternoon rides.
For winter or cooler days, some brands offer thermal riding leggings that are fleece-lined or made of thicker fabric to add warmth while still stretching with you. If your favorite tights are thin summer-weight material, you can also layer them over base layers. One savvy Amazon reviewer from a cold climate noted that because her tights “are thin… I wear fleece leggings underneath for the cold”. The beauty of riding leggings is that even the thicker ones tend to be less bulky than traditional winter breeches, so you can layer up without feeling like the Michelin Man.
When choosing leggings, consider your local climate and riding activities. For predominantly warm weather riding, prioritize ultra-breathable, lightweight fabrics that “don’t make you sweat”. If you ride year-round in a colder area, you might invest in a second pair with added insulation or plan to wear thermals underneath on freezing days. Either way, quality tights will manage moisture and temperature well, keeping you comfortable through seasonal changes. Breathability isn’t just about comfort – it also helps prevent chafing (no one likes that sticky, clammy feeling after riding). By choosing leggings that are breathable and climate-appropriate, you ensure maximum enjoyment whether you’re schooling in summer sun or hacking out on a crisp fall morning.
Flattering & Functional Style (Look Good On and Off the Horse)
Just because riding leggings are practical doesn’t mean they can’t be cute! In fact, style and fit are big reasons casual riders are swapping their old breeches for sleek leggings. The goal is to find tights that make you feel confident strolling into town and comfortable mucking stalls. Many riders praise their leggings as “flattering” and even “the most comfortable riding pants I have ever put on my body!!”, noting that they stay in place and highlight your figure in all the right ways. The stretchy materials in riding leggings tend to hug curves without pinching, and designs now often include wide waistbands that avoid the dreaded muffin-top. One equestrian blogger was surprised that her tights “concealed my lumps and bumps more than expected”, giving her a smooth silhouette. The result? You can focus on riding rather than worrying about how you look.
Style features in riding leggings have come a long way. You’ll find them in every color of the rainbow, from conservative black or navy to bold prints that express personality. Some have subtle equestrian-themed accents (like a cute horseshoe pattern in the silicone seat) to set them apart. Most importantly, nearly all modern riding leggings now include pockets – a serious game-changer for convenience. Typically, a phone-sized pocket is positioned on one or both thighs, often with a secure closure. Riders are thrilled to finally have a place for their phone, keys, or horse treats. As one reviewer said, “The pocket fits my phone perfectly and it stays in while riding”, and others love that pockets are “big enough for your phone, treats, keys, etc.”. No more handing your phone to a friend or leaving it behind during a hack!
Some leggings even add zippered pockets for extra security (so you can gallop without your essentials bouncing out). High-quality brands pay attention to these details. For example, one rider raved that her new tights’ pockets “are deep enough for your phone AND have a zipper so nothing is in danger of falling out”. Little touches like this elevate riding leggings from gym-wear knockoffs to truly functional riding apparel. Other popular design elements include: belt loops (if you want to accessorize with a belt or attach a pack), reflective strips (for visibility on evening rides), and even ventilated mesh panels for style and cooling.
From barn to brunch, a well-designed pair of riding leggings will keep you looking and feeling great. You can pair them with a tank top in summer or under an oversized sweater in winter and still present a pulled-together, sporty look. The confidence boost of wearing something that’s both stylish and purpose-built for riding is real – when you glance in the arena mirror and like what you see, you’ll ride a little taller in the saddle.
Durability & Easy Care for Busy Equestrians
For any rider, but especially busy casual riders, durability and easy care are important considerations. You want tights that can handle stretching, riding, washing, and repeat – without falling apart. The good news is that many riders report their favorite leggings last a long time even with frequent use. “I wear them for hours every day and they are still going strong after 3 years,” one horsewoman noted about her go-to pair. Quality riding leggings are designed to withstand the friction of riding and the strain of barn work. Look for comments about fabric strength and longevity in reviews. Phrases like “tough”, “hold up well”, or “still in great shape” after washing are green flags.
However, not all leggings are created equal. Cheaper options might use thinner fabric or lower-quality stitching, which can lead to issues. Common problems riders mention include pilling or small holes in high-wear areas, loosened seams or belt loops, or the silicone grip wearing off over time. erhaps the number one complaint is thin material that can be see-through or flimsy. “They are so thin that they are see-through. I’ll be using [them] for workouts at home rather than riding,” one disappointed buyer wrote. No rider wants transparent leggings in the saddle! To avoid this, choose tights made of substantial, high-density fabric (many brands advertise “squat-proof” material – meaning opaque even when stretched). If you stick to reputable equestrian brands, you’re more likely to get the needed thickness and durability. As one rider quipped, “Lol. These are NOT riding breeches” when she found a super thin pair – highlighting that true riding leggings should be built for the job, not just any leggings with a horsey label.
Another aspect of durability is how the leggings wash and care. Busy riders will appreciate machine-washable tights that don’t require special treatment. Most riding leggings are easy to care for: toss them in the wash (avoid fabric softener if they have silicone grip), hang or lay flat to dry, and they’re ready to go. High-quality tights won’t lose their stretch or have the waistband roll after washing. One rider happily reported that her leggings “launder well” and the waist stayed snug without needing a belt. Of course, always follow the manufacturer’s care instructions, but rest assured that good riding leggings are designed for real life. They know equestrians are out in the dirt and sweat, and gear has to clean up easily.
In summary, invest in quality within your budget. A $30 pair might be fine for starting out, but if you find yourself riding often, upgrading to a sturdier pair can pay off in the long run. The right leggings will handle your routine – from scrambling up hay bales to a post-ride wash – and be ready for more. Durable, low-maintenance riding tights let you focus on your horse, not on babying your wardrobe.
FAQs: Your Riding Leggings Questions Answered
Even once you’re sold on trying riding leggings, you might have a few questions. Below are answers to some frequently asked questions casual riders have when shopping for their perfect equestrian tights:
• What’s the difference between riding leggings and regular leggings?
While they look similar to yoga pants, riding leggings are specifically designed for horseback riding. They use tougher, often thicker fabric that won’t tear easily, and place seams where they won’t rub against the saddle. Most importantly, riding tights include features like knee patches or full-seat silicone grip to give you that “sticky bum” security in the saddle. Regular fashion leggings usually lack these and might be too slippery or prone to riding up. In short, you’ll be much more comfortable and safe in leggings made for riding.
Do riding leggings stay up, or will I be pulling them up constantly?
Good-quality riding leggings should stay put if you have the right size and design. Look for high-waisted styles with wide waistbands. Many riders find these don’t budge – as one reviewer said, “they stay in place and the waistband does not slide down at all” when she rides. Some brands add drawstrings or extra silicone on the inner waist to prevent slipping. If you’re in between sizes, consider sizing down for a snug fit that won’t sag. A well-fitted pair of leggings lets you ride and work around the barn without any wardrobe adjustments.
Are riding tights suitable for plus sizes and different body shapes?
Yes! Riding leggings are available in a wide range of sizes and are generally very forgiving and form-fitting. Their stretchiness accommodates curves and different body types more easily than stiff breeches. In fact, many riders with wider hips or who struggle with breeches love leggings because they mold to your shape instead of forcing you into a fixed cut. Look for brands that advertise inclusive sizing (some offer XS through 3XL). The key is to check size charts and read reviews – riders will often comment if a style runs large or small or if it’s especially good for curvy figures. Overall, the flexible fabrics and high waistbands of riding tights tend to be flattering on all shapes.
How do I care for riding leggings?
Most riding leggings are machine washable (cold water is best to protect stretch and color). It’s recommended to hang dry or lay flat to dry, rather than use high heat in the dryer, as heat can degrade elastic and silicone prints over time amazon.com . Avoid using fabric softeners, which can gunk up moisture-wicking fabrics and silicone grips. Washing leggings with similar soft items (not denim with zippers, for example) will prevent snags. The good news is they generally dry quickly. And because they’re made for active use, good leggings “hold up washing” without losing shape. Always check the care tag, but overall, maintenance is easy – toss them in the wash, air dry, and they’re ready to ride!
Do I need full-seat or knee-patch grip?
This comes down to preference and riding style. Knee-patch grip (silicone on the knee area) is often enough for casual riding, providing stability during posting trot and light jumping. Full-seat grip (silicone extending through the butt and inner thighs) offers extra stick, which can be great for strong horses, dressage work, or if you just like feeling really secure. Some casual riders feel full-seats are “too sticky” or can restrict them slightly, while others love the confidence it gives. Try a knee-patch first if you’re unsure – you can always get a full-seat pair later if you want more grip. Remember, even a little silicone goes a long way in preventing slips, as customers note even knee-patch tights “keep them secure in the seat” during rides.
Lifestyle Benefits of Great Riding Leggings
To recap, here’s a quick list of lifestyle benefits you can enjoy by choosing the right pair of riding leggings:
• All-Day Comfort: Enjoy soft, stretchy freedom of movement while riding, doing barn chores, or lounging with your horse. No pinching waistbands or stiff fabrics – just leggings that “are amazingly comfortable” from morning till night
• Confidence in the Saddle: Ride with the security of silicone grips that give you a non-slip seat. You’ll feel more confident knowing your tights are helping keep you stable without sacrificing mobility
• Stylish Versatility: Transition seamlessly from stable to street. Modern riding leggings look like athletic wear, so you can run errands or grab lunch with friends and still look chic. With flattering cuts and fun styles, you’ll look as good as you feel.
• Convenient Features: Little details make life easier – think pockets for your phone (finally!), high-rise waists that don’t roll, and breathable fabrics that prevent that post-ride sweat slump. These tights are designed for real life, so you can focus on your ride.
• Easy Care & Durability: Spend more time with your horse and less time worrying about laundry. Quality leggings are tough enough for regular use and simple to wash. No special dry-cleaning or ironing – they’re built to be used and loved. And when your gear holds up, it saves you money in the long run.
With benefits like these, it’s no wonder so many women riders are practically living in their riding leggings!
Ride in Comfort & Style with BARA
By now, it’s clear that the ideal riding leggings blend comfort, grip, breathability, style, and durability – all the things casual riders value most. That’s exactly what we set out to achieve with BARA Sportswear’s new riding leggings. Engineered for the modern horsewoman, BARA’s tights combine a buttery-soft, stretch fabric with a figure-flattering high waist that never slips down. The design features full-length leg grip in a chic pattern to give you confident security in the saddle without restricting movement. And of course, we included deep, secure pockets so your phone and essentials stay put while you ride (or while you’re chasing your horse in the pasture!).amazon.com . Avoid using fabric softeners, which can gunk up moisture-wicking fabrics and silicone grips. Washing leggings with similar soft items (not denim with zippers, for example) will prevent snags. The good news is they generally dry quickly. And because they’re made for active use, good leggings “hold up washing” without losing shape. Always check the care tag, but overall, maintenance is easy – toss them in the wash, air dry, and they’re ready to ride!
Our goal at BARA is to create stylish horse riding apparel that performs beautifully – and these leggings are no exception. They’re breathable enough for summer trail rides, yet sturdy enough to handle brisk autumn hacks. Plus, the sleek style easily pairs with your favorite tops and boots, taking you from the barn to town in effortless fashion. We’re excited to share this blend of Scandinavian-inspired design and rider-tested functionality with our community.
Ready to ride in ultimate comfort and style? Treat yourself to the difference that BARA’s riding leggings can make. Whether you’re a casual rider lessoning on weekends or a devoted equestrian spending every spare minute at the stables, these leggings are designed to support your passion. Don’t settle for anything less than confidence in the saddle and comfort on the ground – try BARA’s new riding leggings and feel the lifestyle upgrade for yourself. Happy riding!
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