Summer is almost here, which means I’m on the hunt again for the coolest, most comfortable riding breeches to get me through what I like to call “the sweat season.”
Breeches are expensive. They’re an investment – in myself and my riding. So when assessing new looks and brands, I have a proper checklist I want my next pair to meet.
1. I am looking for proper fit. I want my breeches or riding tights not to bunch up in uncomfortable places. I want them to fit true-to-size (a size medium can mean a large range of things, sad to say).
2. Comfort. This feels like it should go without saying. But if I find a pair of breeches that fit right, that means they should be comfortable. I’m talking about no weird inseams that ride up. That means no rubbing at the bend in my knee or elsewhere. That means the waistband covers my waist and stays in place.
3. And lastly, I want them to look good and last! A flattering fit in trendy colors goes a long way. The worst investment is in a new pair of breeches that stay to fray or discolor or seams begin unraveling in a few rides. Riding horses through summer is tough work, and I want my breeches to last all season at least, but hopefully multiple seasons.
And a major bonus: belt loops… even on tights!
This is a longwinded way to let you know I stumbled upon a new affordable brand of lightweight, easy to wear riding tights from FiTST4. FiTST4 creates stretchy, soft riding tights with classic silicone grip for equestrians. The pull-on tights come in full-seat or knee patch, and traditional straight-leg and a bootcut option.
Each pair of riding tights is designed around the “T4 Standard,” which highlights the brands four key pillars: technology, temperature adaptability, touch and tough resilience. The sportswear type technical fabric is crafted with moisture management, dynamic stretchability, climate adaptability, enduring performance and comfort in mind.
Plus you can also shop them on Amazon.
These breeches certainly check all the boxes for me. I put them to the test in hot and humid Florida, where I’m riding several horses in them in one day, and been out on hours-long trail rides. The breeches have stood up to the heat and long hours in the saddle. They kept me cool and secure. Each pair have two thigh-side pockets, perfect to hold your phone. And they are easy to wash at home, looking brand new once cleaned. They come in a variety of fun colors. I opted for burgundy and grey.
If you’re looking for a budget friendly pair of new breeches, FiTST4 is a great buy.