Choosing the Perfect Riding Pants for Your Equestrian Discipline

As equestrians, we know how much the right pair of riding pants affects comfort, performance, and confidence in the saddle. With so many styles, fabrics, and seat types on the market, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. This updated guide breaks down breeches, jodhpurs, and tights, plus the suede vs gel seat debate, so you can choose the perfect pair for your discipline, and shop the current Giddyupgirl riding tights and breeches range with confidence.

Breeches, Jodhpurs, and Tights: Understanding the Differences

1. Breeches

Breeches remain the classic choice for most riding disciplines like dressage, show jumping, and eventing. They're tailored with a knee patch or full-seat design for superior grip and stability, and made from durable, stretchable fabric for mobility through long training sessions and competition days.

A standout in this category is our Rosette White Breeches with Black Seat, a competition-ready style with a flattering high-waisted fit, with a traditional zipper and button closure.  This style is prized by riders for comfort that lasts all day without the constant pulling-up you get from lower-quality breeches.

Another two-tone look, is our Garland Cream & Black Breeches which are also available in cream and brown.  These are another popular pick, with a wide comfort waistband, zipper and button closure and a slimming, flattering fit that riders consistently praise for smoothing and comfort in the saddle.

2. Jodhpurs

Jodhpurs (or "jods") are still a go-to for pony club and Hunter show classes. Modern jodhpurs have moved on from the old baggy-thigh, snug-calf silhouette, today’s styles are more fitted and look almost identical to breeches, just longer in the leg with no sock-style hem, so they pair easily with long or short boots.

Browse our current jodhpurs range here for styles built for everyday pony club and lesson wear.

3. Tights

Tights are the modern favourite for riders wanting a streamlined, technical look, perfect for show jumping, eventing, and everyday leisure riding or training. Lightweight, moisture-wicking, and highly flexible, tights typically feature a full gel seat or grip knee patch for extra stability without sacrificing style.

Our Clara Riding Tights are a great example of where this category has landed: high-waisted, made from a supportive 280gsm performance stretch fabric, and finished with a full gel seat featuring our signature silicone-grip crowned "G" motif for extra security in the saddle. They're available in Navy, and in Olive & Dusty Rose Pink for a fresh, countryside-inspired colourway. Pair them with the matching Liberty Base Layer and a Snaffle Bit Belt for a polished, coordinated outfit.

Choosing the Right Seat: Suede vs. Gel

Suede Seat

Suede has long been valued for its grip and durability, giving riders a secure, traditional connection with the saddle. The downside: suede offers little stretch, feels stiffer, and over time the surface can polish up and lose grip.

Gel Seat

Gel seats have overtaken suede in popularity for good reason,  they offer full flexibility, strong grip, and are far easier to care for. This is why gel is now the standard across most of our current tights and breeches ranges, including the Clara Riding Tights above, ideal for riders spending long hours in the saddle or riding year-round.

Which Style Suits Your Discipline?

• Dressage, Eventing & Hacking: Breeches with a full seat or knee patch, try the Rosette White Breeches or Two-Tone Garland Breeches.
• Pony club & lessons: Jodhpurs for everyday durability and comfort,  shop our jodhpurs range.
• Everyday riding, training & leisure: Tights for flexibility and a modern fit shop Clara Riding Tights.

Final Thoughts

Whether you choose the timeless elegance of breeches, the practicality of jodhpurs, or the modern flair of tights, the right pair should feel secure, comfortable, and true to your riding style. Explore the full current Giddyupgirl ladies riding wear collection to find your perfect match.

Happy riding! 🏇🏻