Something new · Rider to rider
Breeches and tights that fit your build, from brands we carry.
We don't carry Ariat, and plenty of riders love their Tri Factor breeches. If you want something new, we'd start with Romfh and Kerrits for a close fit, Horze and Equinavia for stretch and value, and Kerrits, Irideon, Ovation and Shires Aubrion for tights.

The short version
Romfh's Isabella and Sarafina and Kerrits' Flex 3.0 tights are the closest swaps for Ariat's grip breeches and tights, and Horze's Active knee patch breeches are a lower-priced place to start.
If they wore
Tri Factor Grip Full Seat
Riders switch to
Isabella Full Seat Full GripA full grip silicone seat from Romfh, the premium pick for a close, tailored fit.
Shop nowIf they wore
Tri Factor Grip Knee Patch
Riders switch to
Celebrity Slim Secret Knee PatchA knee patch breech from Ovation, a few tiers below the Romfh picks.
Shop nowIf they wore
Pro Series
Riders switch to
Sarafina Knee Patch Euro GripA show-ring knee patch breech with a Euro grip seat.
Shop nowIf they wore
Protege
Riders switch to
Active Knee Patch BreechesAn entry knee patch breech from Horze, at the lowest tier of these picks.
Shop nowIf they wore
Eos 2.0 tights
Riders switch to
Flex 3.0 Full Seat TightsFull seat tights from Kerrits, a brand with published petite and regular inseams.
Shop nowIf they wore
Tri Factor Heat Gear
Riders switch to
Thermo Tech 2.0 Extended Grip TightsWarm extended grip tights from Kerrits for cold-weather rides.
Shop nowRider voices
Riders tell us the breeches they keep are the ones that stretch where they need to, grip without sliding and wear well, and they name Horze, Equinavia, Kerrits and Shires Aubrion.
The breeches they point to
Riders say Horze fit and flatter their build, and one sizes down for a better fit.
See the swap guideThe breeches they point to
Kerrits Thermo TechEquinavia Astrid
Riders say Kerrits tights and Equinavia breeches give grip worth having.
See Kerrits and IrideonThe breeches they point to
Shires Aubrion tightsKerrits Flex 3.0
Riders say these breathe in the heat, wash well and last.
See Horze and EquinaviaHorze riders describe stretchy breeches that fit and flatter, and a rider who found her usual size generous went down a size.
Horze breeches
I love these breeches!! They fit perfectly, are very stretchy and super comfortable. These fit in all the right places with a very comfortable mid-rise waist. I'm typically a size 24 in breeches and got these in a 24 and love the fit. I would compare these to the Romfh Sarafina with quality and style but these are more stretchy and these fit my body type better than the Sarafina. Very good quality material. Please make more colors! I would love these in other colors. I'm usually looking for breeches that have the perfect fit but I just found them with these! Thank you!
Horze high-waist breeches
Horze has been my go-to breeches brand for years. Their styles fit and flatter my 5'4", 135-145lb frame. These high-waist breeches are my new favorites. They're stretchy and my usual size (US28) was a little generous and long, in spite of me presently being at the high end of my weight range. Ordered a second pair size US26 and they fit perfectly. About the 4 button front -- they look like buttons but are functionally hooks and eyes and lay much flatter than buttons would, creating a nice flat profile across the stomach. The belt loops are set low, so you can always add a belt to flatter your hips if you choose.
A Kerrits tights fan says the full seat grip is worth the extra cost, and an Equinavia rider calls the grip just the right amount.
Kerrits tights
These are my favorite type of riding pants, and one of the very few brands I will use. I have a pair in almost every color they make. The material is durable, especially for tights, and comfortable. I really dislike the stiff slacks or jeans material that other breeches use, so I pretty much only wear tights. Of course, it can be hard to find tights that offer full seat, because I also try to only buy full seat pants as I think the extra grip is worth the extra money. I also think these pants are much more grippy than the Kerrits Ice Fil pants, and definitely worth the higher cost. These tights are plenty cool, I'll wear them outside in up to 100 degree weather and feel fine, even in a long-sleeved shirt. The material is durable, but I did manage to create a huge rip by catching my pants on a stirrup as I dismounted. Luckily, the fabric is strong enough that I was able to sew it back together and the pants are totally fine and have not ripped, frayed, or stretched at the sew site.
Equinavia breeches
These are just what I was looking for! They are super flattering, just the right amount of grip and so comfortable. I LOVE the high waistband which makes you look so long legged. I wear them even when I'm not riding and have gotten many compliments. Fabric and detailing are high quality, in love with the little silver snaffle bit accent, too! I size down from what I normally wear in any Equinavia breech. Normally a 28 but bought these in a 26 and they were perfect.
Riders praise Horze for summer heat, Kerrits for a twill that looks like clothing, and Shires Aubrion tights for lasting and fitting.
Horze breeches
I have tried many many MANY types of breeches and firstly let me say that the HORZE brand fits me the very best, has actual low and high waists. These breeches however have been a life saver in the southern heat. They are the first pair in probably the whole 7 years of riding in the south that are comfortable and stay comfortable throughout the ride. I use them almost exclusively for hot days. Wash and hang inbetween rides and they just keep going, look NEW after every wash. I will have to order more because eventually I know I will ride right through these. BTW the price is exceptional for how nice and durable they are. I wish they came in more colors but I'll take them in whatever they come in!
Kerrits breeches
I wear my riding pants all day as I work, so I am always looking for something that looks like clothing, not workout garb. The twill fabric is smart looking, and the perfect weight most winter days here in Georgia. I don't get hot inside the house while working, and they are enough until the temps drop to the 30's. The pockets are in the right place and hold my big phone. Waist also in the right place. They washed great. With everything going to silicone -- which isn't good for our sadlles -- I'm grateful for the knee patches. Now if Kerrits could do the same for summer rising tights, I'd be happy.
Shires Aubrion tights
The only tights I purchase any more are from Shires as they last the longest, fit me the best, and are the most affordable. These are gorgeous and the design on the seat is so stylish! I've got them in the brown as well.
Shires Aubrion tights
Shires riding tights fit extremely well, last for ages, and are one of the most affordable brands out there. Everyone at the barn comments on how much they like the different styles I wear. I no longer purchase any other brands.
Swap guide
Find the Ariat style you wore in the left column. The breeches and tights riders move to sit beside it, with a price tier for each.
Price tiers among these picks: $ (lowest) to $$$$ (highest)
| If you wore | Riders switch to | Why riders choose it |
|---|---|---|
| Tri Factor Grip Full Seat | Full seat grip in three price tiers. Romfh is the premium fit, Equinavia the value pick. | |
| Tri Factor Grip Knee Patch | Knee patch breeches for schooling and showing, from three brands we carry. | |
| Pro Series | The two show-ring knee patch breeches at the top tier here. | |
| Protege | Everyday knee patch breeches at the lowest tiers. | |
| Eos 2.0 tights | Full seat tights from two brands riders say last. | |
| Tri Factor Heat Gear | Warm extended grip tights for winter rides. |
Fit tip
Measure your waist, hip and inseam and match them to each maker's size chart, not to your Ariat size. Kerrits publishes Petite and Regular inseams, and riders say Horze and Equinavia can run a size different from other brands.Tights and grip
Kerrits' Flex 3.0 and Thermo Tech 2.0 tights are the full seat and extended grip tights we pair with Ariat's Eos and Heat Gear styles, and Kerrits' Griptek II is its full seat breech.
Irideon's Cadence is its classic knee patch breech.
In fairness
Riders who love Ariat's compression tights say Kerrits and Irideon feel different on the leg, so try a pair before you commit to a whole wardrobe.Shop Kerrits full seat breeches and tights
Shop all ›Show-ring knee patch
Romfh's Sarafina and RJ Classics' Margot are the show-ring knee patch breeches in this guide, and RJ Classics riders call the fabric breathable, stretchy and easy to clean.
RJ Classics riders like the sock bottoms that sit comfortably under their boots.
In fairness
Both sit at the top price tier of this guide, so riders who want a lower tier start with Horze or Equinavia.RJ Classics breeches
I got my first pair of RJ Classics in 2015 at a horse show and since then, I have been addicted. They look just as nice (if not nicer) than the Tailored Sportsmans and are excellent alternatives at a lower price. They have also held up better than my TS...they do not fade or stretch out at all. My first pair was burgundy (the pair I got in 2015) and they are still in excellent condition even though I wear them all the time. I love the sock bottoms because they fit comfortably under your boots and don't "catch" things in the dryer. These pants do keep you cooler than the TS as another reviewer stated and they are very easy to clean. The fabric is extremely comfortable and I love all the colors! Contrast knee patches on all of them. I get compliments on these all the time. I would give them more than 5 stars if I could...comfortable, durable, sleek, easy to clean, beautiful breeches. The price is well worth it. Buy a pair (or several)!
RJ Classics breeches
I wouldn't say either of these breeches are uncomfortable, but I definitely think that the RJ Classics breeches win this category. Made out of breathable, super stretchy fabric, I feel downright sporty in them. While the TS breeches boast a "four way stretch fabric," I definitely feel that they don't have as great shape retention and overall feel a little stiffer/more starchy. I rank my RJ Classics for longer days at the barn and my TS for a show class or quicker in-and-out hack days.
Shop Romfh knee patch breeches
Shop all ›Stretch and value

Horze is the brand riders name for stretchy breeches that fit and flatter, and the Equinavia Astrid is the lowest-tier full seat silicone pick in this guide.
Equine Couture's knee patch breeches, such as the Nicole, add a lower-tier option for everyday riding.
In fairness
Riders say Horze and Equinavia sizing differs from other brands, so use the size chart and read the fit notes.Shop Equinavia full seat breeches and tights
Shop all ›In fairness
We'd rather you buy the right breeches than the wrong pair from us. Ariat's breeches are well liked, and these are the cases where staying with Ariat makes sense.
If you need Plus sizes or a Long inseam, Ariat's Tri Factor Grip Knee Patch comes in sizes 22 to 36, Standard and Plus, in Regular and Long lengths.
If you like a nylon and elastane blend, Tri Factor Grip is 75% nylon and 25% elastane.
If your Ariats already fit, keep them and try one new pair beside them before you switch.
If you like zip-up breeches or compression tights, riders praise Ariat's zip-front breeches and Eos 2.0 tights.
No. We don't carry Ariat. We carry Romfh, Kerrits, Horze, Equinavia, Irideon, Ovation, RJ Classics, Equine Couture, Tredstep and Shires Aubrion breeches and tights.
CloseRomfh's Isabella is a full grip seat and its Sarafina a knee patch show breech. Horze and Equinavia are lower-priced options with stretch.
CloseRiders report that it varies by build, and some size up or add a belt. Measure yourself and use the size chart for any new brand.
CloseKerrits Flex 3.0 full seat tights and Shires Aubrion Optima GX riding tights are the closest we carry. Kerrits' Thermo Tech 2.0 is the warm option.
CloseKerrits publishes Petite inseams of 26 to 28 inches and Regular inseams of 30 to 32 inches. Check each maker's size chart before you order.
CloseRiders replacing Ariat also read these guides to compare fit across the brands we carry.
Brands we carry
Every breech and tight on this page comes from a brand we carry: Romfh, Kerrits, Horze, Equinavia, Irideon, Ovation, RJ Classics, Equine Couture, Tredstep and Shires Aubrion.
How we built this guide: carried styles and rider comments checked November 4, 2026. Ariat sizing and fabric details from ariat.com, checked October 7, 2026.