The best competition breeches are lightweight and breathable, enabling you to stay cool while working hard in warm temperatures. Competition breeches are typically either white, cream or fawn in colour to fit with the rules of the major disciplines – so finding a pair that uses stain-repelling technology is a real bonus. If you’re looking for something a bit more casual, check out our pick of the best everyday breeches or the best riding tights and leggings. And if you’re after the best men’s competition breeches, we’ve got that covered, too.
Technical fabrics also offer wicking properties as well as compression and the best competition breeches will have sufficient stretch to allow you freedom of movement in the saddle, combined with good support and grip.
Full-seat vs knee-patch breeches
Full-seat breeches tend to be favoured by riders who hack or do dressage as they are great for helping you stay secure in the saddle by promoting stillness from your seat down. For this reason, they can be a little more restrictive and can make it harder to adjust your position. Knee-patch breeches only have grip at the knee – this offers less security, but makes it easier to come out of the saddle and adopt the two-point position if you’re jumping. Traditionally the seat or patches were suede, but more recently variations of silicone grip have become more popular.
Choosing between the two styles is really down to personal preference but luckily there are plenty of design options to suit. Obviously you want look and feel your best when out competing, so style and fit are also key to finding the best pair of competition breeches for you.
Best competition breeches
Pikeur Candela Grip Competition Breeches
Seats: Full silicone seat | Colours: White, vanilla cream, truffle, chocolate, mud, dark green, dark shadow, black or nightblue | Sizes: 18–34in, in regular or long | RRP: £199.95 |
The Candela Grip is one of Pikeur’s most popular styles – it has a high, wide waist, two slanting front pockets and a stretch ankle finish. The fabric is moisture-wicking and supportive. This style is also available with a mock suede seat.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk
In the US? View now at amazon.com
Equetech Ultimo Grip Breeches
Seats:Full silicone seat | Colours: White, grey or navy | Sizes: 24–36in | RRP: £89.50 |
These stretchy high-waisted breeches have a subtle phone pocket on the thigh. They also have hidden support to the waist, jean-style front pockets, a subtle matt silicone grip seat and a Lycra panel at the ankle.
In the UK? View now at ebay.co.uk
Mark Todd Marceline Breeches
Seat: Knee patch | Colours: White, beige, grey, navy, navy/rose gold or white/rose gold | Sizes: 24–34in | RRP: £79.99 |
These breeches are designed to have a close, comfortable fit that allows freedom of movement. They feature silicone grip knee patches and a slimline, elasticated sock ankle.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk or ebay.co.uk
In the US? View now at amazon.com
Ariat Tri Factor Breeches
Seats: Full or knee patch | Colours: White, navy or black | Sizes: 22–36in, in regular or long | RRP: From £140 |
These flattering mid-rise breeches benefit from Ariat’s ClimateTek technology, which help with temperature and moisture regulation, while the silicone (either knee patch of full seat) provides grip in the saddle. They are designed with a V-shaped waistband, core control technology and compression fabric for slimming support, a sleek fit and shape retention.
In the UK? View knee-patch breeches now at ariat.com
In the UK? View full-seat breeches now at ariat.com
In the US? View knee-patch breeches now at ariat.com, amazon.com or statelinetack.com
In the US? View full-seat breeches now at ariat.com
Fouganza Classic 900 Competition Breeches
Seat: Full seat | Colours: White | Sizes: XXS–XL | RRP: £59.99 |
These mid-rise breeches are designed to have a slimming effect. They have a light silicone grip on the thigh, as well as two zipped rear pockets, a zipped thigh pocket and a Lycra ankle.
In the UK? View now at decathlon.co.uk
Hy Equestrian Roka Rose Breeches
Colours: White | Sizes: 24–34in | RRP: £89.99 |
These breeches with diamante detailing aim to add some sparkle to your performance. The rose gold and navy diamantes decorate the front and rear pockets, while the full silicone seat offers extra grip and the no-bulk stretch hem ankles offer a nice fit under long boots.
In the UK? View now at viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk
In the US? View now at amazon.com
Whitaker Miami Ladies Full-Seat Breeches
Seats: Full silicone seat | Colours: White, cream, blue or black | Sizes: 26–34in | RRP: £70 |
These breeches are crafted from a soft-touch, opaque fabric with four-way stretch that is quick drying and breathable. Designed to flatter, they have a contoured subtle silicone seat that aids security in the saddle, while also offering a smart look.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk
Harry Hall Farnell Full-Seat Breeches
Seats: Full silicone grip | Colours: Beige, white or corn | Sizes: 24–38in | RRP: £55 |
With an updated fit and design, these mid-rise breeches have a full silicone seat and stretch ankle panels.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk
Shires Aubrion Chapman Breeches
Colours: White, beige, black, navy or grey | Sizes: 24–36in | RRP: £59.99 |
These breeches are both flexible and supportive, as well as lightweight and quick drying. They have a matte-finish full silicone seat for stability, discrete zipped hip pockets, and sleek ankle cuffs.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk or naylors.com
Coldstream Kilham Competition Breeches
Colours: White, taupe or navy | Sizes: 24–34in | RRP: £119.99 |
These breeches are designed to contour your figure for the perfect fit. They are made from a hair- and water-repellent fabric with Lycra, have a full silicone seat and have inner ankles made from a stretch elastic to ensure a close and smooth fit under long socks.
In the UK? View now at viovet.co.uk or ebay.co.uk
Mountain Horse Diana Breeches
Colours: White or navy | Sizes: EU 34–46 | RRP: £109 |
These breeches have a high waist with a wide waistband and double hook fastening. They are made of a four-way stretch nylon/spandex mix and have a synthetic leather grip seat. The supportive material wicks away moisture and the double stretch cuff at the ankle ensures a tight fit with the breeches still easy to pull on and off.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk or ebay.co.uk
LeMieux Dynamique Breeches
Seats: Full or knee patch | Colours: White, navy, dark navy, graphite or ice grey | Sizes: UK 6–18 | RRP: £109.95 |
These durable breeches are have a tapered lower leg design and a mesh stretch seamless cuff. They have a seamless design with a supportive, elasticated high waist and a full silicone seat. The two fake zip back pockets are finished with a shimmer of gems for added sparkle. Available in full seat or knee grip styles.
In the UK? View full-seat now at amazon.co.uk
In the UK? View knee-patch now at ebay.co.uk
In the US? View full-seat now at amazon.com
In the US? View knee-patch now at amazon.com
Ego7 EJ Jumping Breeches
Seat: Knee patch | Colours: White, beige, black, navy, Bordeaux, green grey or hunter green | Sizes: EU 32–46 | RRP: £168 |
These jersey breeches feature knee grip patches, flattering front pockets and zip detail on the back. The fabric has a four-way stretch that provides unrestricted movement, support and shape retention.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk
Shires Aubrion Thompson Breeches
Colours: White, beige, black, navy, olive or grey | Sizes: 24–34in | RRP: £59.99 |
These lightweight breeches are made from performance fabric and feature matte silicone knee grips and a contour seat. As one of the cheaper pairs of breeches in this guide, they show you can still feel the part on a budget.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk, naylors.com or ebay.co.uk
Hy Equestrian Regatta Ladies Breeches
Colours: White or black | Sizes: 24–34in | RRP: £79.99 |
The back pockets on these breeches feature embroidered roses and a silver zip. The breeches have moisture-wicking properties and feature stretch hem ankle cuffs.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk or ebay.co.uk
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