Riding Tights, Leggings, Breeches or Jodhpurs?
How to Choose The Right Riding Leggings?
Traditionally, equestrians wear breeches or Jodhpurs while riding. However, leggings are a brilliant modern alternative. Lightweight, breathable, and comfortable, they make for great everyday riding clothes. Good leggings are essential if you want to enjoy your time riding without any discomfort.
Normal leggings do not work since the inside seams can cause rashes, and provide no grip whatsoever. Leggings made to fit you that provide comfort, ventilation, and grip go a long way when on a horse.
Here are some things to look out for when confronted with the many types of riding leggings available in the market.
Cooling
When temperatures are soaring, riding can feel very sweaty and distressing. For such times, leggings that are built to bring your temperatures down are your best friend. Ventilation is a must. So are lightweight fabrics that don’t add to the layers.
Many come in fabrics such as polyester spandex and also have open seams to help airflow. There are also some state-of-the-art leggings available that actively work to cool down your skin, instead of simply ventilating them. Some also come with UV ray protection.
Seat Grip
Seat grip is essential when riding, and a vital reason yoga pants or everyday leggings are never to be worn in the saddle. Seat grip keeps you from slipping off or tearing your pants while you are riding.
Normally pants and leggings do not come with reinforced seats like ridding pants do. Silicone seats keep you cool while providing you with extra staying power. Some lightweight fabrics are more cooling while heavier fabrics make it easier to stay in the seat. Many others though put the best of both worlds together and make the seat from a different material than the rest of the leggings. It is truly a matter of personal comfort and experience.