Is your next purchase going to be a pair of riding tights?
Till now, the traditional breeches have been the go-to in riding wear, but the discovery of the comfortable leggings has gain traction, and the riding tights are here to stay.
It can feel a bit overwhelming to search for a pair of riding tights, if you are not already familiar with this type of riding wear. There is a great supply, and if you do not know what you are searching for, there is simply too much to choose from. Both functionality and design are of the essence, and you need to know what you should be looking for.
The riding tight is a popular choice
If you want to give yourself the best conditions for being successful as a rider, you need good trousers. It is of importance, that these provide you with a stable contact to the saddle and a good grip for a steady seat and a better balance.
The riding tights are a special kind of leggings, that have become very popular among riders that are looking for a greater comfortability, freedom of movement and a good functionality in their riding wear. Riding tights can be compared to traditional running tights. However, there are some modifications in the riding tights in regard to qualities that are necessary for the rider - extra length in the back, anti-slip coverage and so on and so forth.
The difference between riding tights and breeches
There are several differences between riding tights and breeches for women. If you have tried both, you know!
The traditional riding breeches often comes with full grip. They are also heavier in the fabric and thereby less stretchable and flexible. Common for the breeches and the riding tights is, that they both have a tight fit and can provide different grip coverages - this gives you the option to choose the better solution for your particular need for support.
The similarities end here, though. Riding tights are often made form a lighter, synthetic material, that provides the rider with a better breathability and more flexibility. The tight can be almost seamless, and there are no annoying buttons, seams or zippers to bother your ride.
Why you should choose a pair of riding tights
The riding tight for women will almost always adapt and adjust to the body - no matter the size or the proportions. There is a lot of stretch in the fabric, which provide you with a light, free sensation, when you wear a pair of good riding tights.
These are the obvious choice, if you are looking for comfortable riding wear, that grants you the best support, breathability and flexibility. The good quality riding tights are designed with a high waist fit, which secures the hold and the support despite the light fabric.
The benefits of the riding tights are:
- Good freedom of movement
- Seamless - or partially seamless
- Great flexibility
- Easy and flattering fit
- Shaping effect
- Durability
- Good breathability
- Some; hidden pocket for a phone, keys or other belongings
The perfect combination for both riding and stable work
A pair of riding tights can be the perfect and comfortable combination of work wear and riding wear. A pair of good riding tights can withstand hard work and are flexible and supportive at the same time. Mostly, this riding wear item has a quick-dry material, and is long-lasting, durable and washable. A pair of riding tights will provide you with support, comfort, freedom of movement and a shaping effect.
How to combine the riding tights with you other riding gear
It is very easy to combine a pair of riding tight with your other belongings. The tights come in a variety of colors and designs, and it should be a walk in the park finding a pair that goes with your other riding wear. Furthermore, you can mix and match you riding tights with your horse’s equipment too - in that way, you can complete the look.
How to find the right riding tights
What kind of riding tights you need, depends on several factors; the weather, your discipline of choice, your training conditions and so on and so forth. Also, the fit is important - it will affect your riding, if your clothes becomes a disturbance, why riding wear needs to be comfortable.
Showjumping or dressage?
There is a difference between the tights that is meat for the dressage rider, and those for the showjumper. The dressage rider needs stability and stillness and to have a steady seat. The showjumper needs freedom of movement and flexibility. The level of comfort, the material and the fit will be the same whether the tights are used for dressage or jumping. The difference will therefore be found in the anti-slip coverage. A dressage rider har more use for a full grip seat, where the showjumper often prefers the partial grip tights. And these differences should be considered before purchase
Which kind of grip is needed?
The showjumper gets more benefits from the partial grip model, and the dressage rider has more use of the full grip. Beginners - either kids or adults - who still lack balance and feeling with the movement of the horse, would benefit from the full grip, as they will secure a steadier seat.
Summer or winter?
The riding tights come in both a winter and a summer model, where the winter model is heavier and better insulated. The winter models are still flexible and designed with a 4-way stretch. The heavier the tight, the better it will keep you warm in the winter, but the warmer the tight is, the lesser is the breathability. A pair of summer tights comes with a good breathability but are not warm.
Windproof - a gift
A pair of good riding tight is surely a good choice for a hack out in the nature - almost, no matter if it is windy or not. But whether it is windy, or you are just moving at a certain speed, you will often have a wind-like feeling against your legs when you are hacking out. Therefore, a pair of windproof riding tights can be exactly what you need to improve your ride and not get cold right away. It is worth noticing, though, that the windproof fabric is not as breathable as the regular, since the material gets tighter when the windproof membrane is worked into the fabric.
Riding tights with build-in compression
Leg compression is not new to the sporting industry - and it is used in riding wear too. The theory behind the compression is, that the tightness of the design construction will increase the blood circulation and thereby minimize the risk of injuries. Compression also reduce your need for restitution and is a good choice for the more intense training sessions.
Size and fit
A pair of riding tights need to fit your exact proportions - this goes for all riding wear. A pair of well-fitted riding tights for women will give you the best conditions for your rides and the most comfort both in the saddle and on the ground.
If you have any doubts as to what size it the right one for your particular measures, you can almost always find a size guide for the specific models. You should always make sure, that the fit is perfect from top to bottom.
The perfect pair of riding tights has:
- A good support if the lower back
- The 4-way stretch for optimized freedom of movement
- Suitable for the weather conditions
- Good ventilation and breathability
- Quick-dry function
- Shaping effect
- Good and durable grip coverage
- A high quality that can withstand riding and stable work
- Seamless
- Pocket or other practical qualities