The 2026 Breeches Awards

The Romfh Isabella Full Seat Full Grip is the best riding breech of 2026 because one pair does the most. Romfh cuts it from the same cooling SoftTouch fabric as its Sarafina, gives it the flattering cut of the Champion Full Seat with a higher waist, and prints silicone across the seat for a secure grip, so the same pair schools on Tuesday and shows on Saturday.

Riders tell us the Isabella fabric is supportive without running hot in summer, that it washes well, and that the high waist ends the gap at the back of the waistband that curvy riders know too well. It sits at the $$$$ end of our price key. The Equinavia Astrid Silicone Full Seat Breeches brings the same one-pair idea at $$, with water and dirt repellent fabric, a euro seat and micromesh lower legs, and the Kerrits 3-Season Tailored Full Seat Breeches lines a wind and water resistant face with fleece for fall through spring. Look elsewhere if you ride hunters: knee patch breeches (award 02) are the convention in that ring.

The 2026 Breeches Awards

Best Overall

Awarded to

Romfh Isabella Full Seat Full Grip

For doing the most in one pair: cooling SoftTouch fabric, a high waist with no gap and a silicone full grip that schools and shows.

Price range $$$$

Shop the winner

Runner-up

Equinavia Astrid Silicone Full Seat Breeches

Water and dirt repellent, with a euro seat and micromesh lower legs.

Price range $$

Shop the runner-up

Runner-up

Kerrits 3-Season Tailored Full Seat Breeches

Fleece-lined and wind and water resistant for fall through spring.

Price range $$$$

Shop the runner-up

The Romfh Willow Knee Patch Euroseat Breeches wins Best Knee Patch for riders who want a breech that feels like a tight. Romfh calls its newest technical fabric silky, with the stretch of a tight and the full coverage of a traditional breech, and finishes it with suede knee patches, a wide two-button mid-rise waist, a back V yoke and front slash pockets.

Riders tell us the Willow fits like the Sarafina, that the smooth fabric is not slippery in the saddle, and that the sizing is consistent enough to order a second pair in another color. At $$, the Equinavia Astrid Silicone Knee Patch Breeches is the runner-up riders call a dream, with silicone knee patches, water and dirt repellent fabric and micromesh sock bottoms. The Kerrits 3-Season Tailored Knee Patch Breeches adds a fleece lining and Kerrits silicone knee patches for winter, and riders say Kerrits knee patch breeches look clean enough to show in.

The 2026 Breeches Awards

Best Knee Patch

Awarded to

Romfh Willow Knee Patch Euroseat Breeches

For a breech that feels like a tight: silky full coverage fabric, suede knee patches and a two-button mid rise.

Price range $$$

Shop the winner

Runner-up

Equinavia Astrid Silicone Knee Patch Breeches

Silicone knee patches and water and dirt repellent fabric.

Price range $$

Shop the runner-up

Runner-up

Kerrits 3-Season Tailored Knee Patch Breeches

Fleece-lined with silicone knee patches for winter.

Price range $$$

Shop the runner-up

The Equinavia Inga Fusion Full Grip Tights wins Best Full Grip for Dressage because it gives a deep seat breech-level grip in the comfort of a tight. Equinavia prints a three-quarter silicone logo seat, cuts a modified high rise that sits higher in the back, adds belt loops and a wide waistband, and puts silicone grippers inside the leg to keep the bottoms in place under tall boots.

Riders tell us they compete in full grip breeches at championship level: one rider wore Kerrits full seats at the US Dressage Festival of Champions, and another rode her regional dressage championships in B Vertigo full seats. The Kerrits Griptek II Full Seat Breeches is the runner-up for serious stick, with a Coolmax-lined GripTek full seat Kerrits says eventers love on cross-country. The B Vertigo Olivia Full Seat Breeches adds crystal details, UPF 50+ fabric and a silicone full seat for the show ring.

The 2026 Breeches Awards

Best Full Grip for Dressage

Awarded to

Equinavia Inga Fusion Full Grip Tights

For breech-level grip in a tight: a three-quarter silicone seat, a modified high rise and grippers that keep the leg in place.

Price range $$

Shop the winner

Runner-up

Kerrits Griptek II Full Seat Breeches

GripTek full seat for serious stick, lined with Coolmax.

Price range $$$

Shop the runner-up

Runner-up

B Vertigo Olivia Full Seat Breeches

Silicone full seat, crystal details and UPF 50+.

Price range $$$$

Shop the runner-up

The Romfh Sarafina Knee Patch Euro Grip wins Best for Jumping because it keeps the grip at the knee, where you need it in two-point, and leaves the seat free to fold over a fence. Romfh makes it from its Softtouch technical micro-PU fabric with silicone knee patches, a mid rise with a wide, non-binding contoured waistband and stretch calf panels that cut bulk under tall boots.

Riders tell us the Sarafina stays cool on hot days, does not stretch out by the end of a long show day and holds a mid-rise waist that does not gap. The Shires Aubrion Optima GX Breeches is the runner-up for jumper riders who prefer a clear silicone full seat, and the LeMieux Isabelle Knee Grip Breeches brings silicone knee grips and a seam-free inner leg in four-way stretch fabric.

The 2026 Breeches Awards

Best for Jumping

Awarded to

Romfh Sarafina Knee Patch Euro Grip

For grip at the knee and freedom over fences: silicone knee patches, a non-binding waistband and stretch calf panels.

Price range $$$$

Shop the winner

Runner-up

Shires Aubrion Optima GX Breeches

Clear silicone full seat for riders who want more hold.

Price range $$$

Shop the runner-up

Runner-up

LeMieux Isabelle Knee Grip Breeches

Silicone knee grips and a seam-free inner leg.

Price range $$$

Shop the runner-up

The Equinavia Classic Full Seat Riding Tights is the Best Riding Tights of 2026: a mid-rise, pull-on tight in four-way stretch with a silicone full seat, belt loops, extra deep pockets on both sides and a 2.5-inch waistband with internal elastic so it does not roll. It sits at the $ end of our price key, which makes it the easiest pair to buy in more than one color.

Riders tell us a good pair of tights is the most comfortable thing they own, with real grip and pockets big enough for a phone. The Horseware Formfit Silicon Full Seat Riding Tights is the runner-up for hot rides, with a high waist, a mesh thigh pocket, a laser perforated lower leg and UPF 50+ sun protection. The Alessandro Albanese Bina Full Seat Tights adds thigh mesh for ventilation and a seam-free inner leg.

The 2026 Breeches Awards

Best Riding Tights

Awarded to

Equinavia Classic Full Seat Riding Tights

For an everyday pull-on that does not roll: a silicone full seat, deep side pockets and belt loops.

Price range $

Shop the winner

Runner-up

Horseware Formfit Silicon Full Seat Riding Tights

High waist, mesh thigh pocket and UPF 50+.

Price range $$

Shop the runner-up

Runner-up

Alessandro Albanese Bina Full Seat Tights

Thigh mesh, perforated lower leg, seam-free inner leg.

Price range $$

Shop the runner-up

The Ovation Dynamic Hunter Breeches wins Best Show Breeches because Ovation designs it for the hunter rider, cut to suit any hunter or equitation arena. It pairs faux suede knee patches with euro seat seaming and no back pockets, a mid rise with a wide contour waistband and double snaps, angled slash front pockets and sock bottoms for a smooth line under tall boots.

Riders tell us they keep a pair just for the ring and save their favorites for show days. The Romfh Champion Full Seat is the runner-up for the dressage ring, with tough, soft microfiber that keeps you cool, a high rise and no gaping at the waist. The FITS High Rise Classic Hunter Breech is the high-rise hunter alternative, with faux suede knee patches, a euro seat and silky four-way stretch.

The 2026 Breeches Awards

Best Show Breeches

Awarded to

Ovation Dynamic Hunter Breeches

For the hunter and equitation ring: faux suede knee patches, a euro seat with no back pockets and double snaps.

Price range $$$

Shop the winner

Runner-up

Romfh Champion Full Seat

Cool microfiber and a high rise for the dressage ring.

Price range $$$$

Shop the runner-up

Runner-up

FITS High Rise Classic Hunter Breech

High-rise hunter breech with faux suede patches.

Price range $$$$

Shop the runner-up

The Horze Kaia Highwaist Denim Silicone Full Seat Breech wins Best Denim Breeches because it looks like your favorite jeans and rides like a full seat breech. Horze gives it a high waist for support, contrast stitching, back pockets embroidered with a bit motif and a silicone full seat printed in a bit pattern.

Riders tell us the Kaia is the most comfortable pair of riding jeans they have owned, that the silicone seat bends with the knee without binding, and that non-riders stop them in town to ask about them. The Equine Couture Denim Full Seat Silicon Tights w/Phone Pocket is the pull-on runner-up at the $ end of our key, with bi-stretch denim, a gel print full seat and two phone pockets. The Dublin Shona Full Suede Seat Denim Breeches takes the classic route, with a full synthetic suede seat and five pockets.

The 2026 Breeches Awards

Best Denim Breeches

Awarded to

Horze Kaia Highwaist Denim Silicone Full Seat Breech

For jeans you can ride in: a high waist, a bit-print silicone full seat and embroidered back pockets.

Price range $$

Shop the winner

Runner-up

Equine Couture Denim Full Seat Silicon Tights w/Phone Pocket

Pull-on denim with a gel full seat and two phone pockets.

Price range $

Shop the runner-up

Runner-up

Dublin Shona Full Suede Seat Denim Breeches

Classic denim with a full synthetic suede seat.

Price range $$$

Shop the runner-up

The Kerrits Thermo Tech 2.0 Extended Grip Tights wins Best Winter Breeches because it keeps you warm without the bulk. Kerrits knits it from four-way stretch Thermo Tech with a brushed fleece interior and light compression, runs extended silicone along the inner leg and thigh for full-leg grip, and gives it a higher rise at the natural waist with a 3.5-inch comfort waistband and two side pockets.

Riders tell us Thermo Tech feels fleecy inside, like a sweatshirt, without feeling heavy, and that Kerrits full seats are the most flattering winter breeches and the stickiest they own. The Dapplebay Winter Sport Full Seat Breeches is the runner-up for a tailored winter look, with a velour-like interior and a core compression panel, and the Equinavia Astrid Winter Full Seat Breeches adds water and dirt repellent fabric with a silicone full seat. Look elsewhere if you ride in steady heat: the hot weather winner (award 09) is built for it.

The 2026 Breeches Awards

Best Winter Breeches

Awarded to

Kerrits Thermo Tech 2.0 Extended Grip Tights

For warmth without bulk: brushed Thermo Tech fleece, light compression and silicone grip down the inner leg.

Price range $$$

Shop the winner

Runner-up

Dapplebay Winter Sport Full Seat Breeches

Velour-like interior with a core compression panel.

Price range $$$

Shop the runner-up

Runner-up

Equinavia Astrid Winter Full Seat Breeches

Water and dirt repellent with a silicone full seat.

Price range $$

Shop the runner-up

The Kerrits Coolcore Full Leg Tech Tights wins Best for Hot Weather because Kerrits builds it to move heat away from you. Coolcore stretch fabric wicks and spreads moisture, the knit carries UPF 50+ sun protection, and Kerrits silicone runs as an extended patch down the inner leg in a pull-on tight with a 2.25-inch waistband.

Riders tell us they are amazed at how cool the right Kerrits tights feel in Florida, and that a light Ovation pair became their favorite in hot weather. The Ovation Aerowick GripTec Full Seat Tight is the runner-up at $$, with an ultra-light knit, a Grip-Tec silicone full seat, odor resistance and UPF 30. The Alessandro Albanese Platinum Tights is the premium pick, extremely lightweight and breathable with a half-leg silicone grip.

The 2026 Breeches Awards

Best for Hot Weather

Awarded to

Kerrits Coolcore Full Leg Tech Tights

For heat and humidity: Coolcore fabric that moves heat away, UPF 50+ and an extended silicone patch.

Price range $$$

Shop the winner

Runner-up

Ovation Aerowick GripTec Full Seat Tight

Ultra-light knit, Grip-Tec full seat and UPF 30.

Price range $$

Shop the runner-up

Runner-up

Alessandro Albanese Platinum Tights

Extremely light and breathable with a half-leg grip.

Price range $$$$

Shop the runner-up

The Dapplebay Pro Ribbed Silicon Full Seat Breeches wins Best Everyday Schooling because it is built for the pair you reach for every day. Dapplebay cuts it from thick, compressive ribbed fabric that holds its shape ride after ride, with a tonal silicone full seat, a front zip and phone pockets on both sides.

Riders tell us Dapplebay breeches are lightweight and durable, just sticky enough, and full of pockets, with a phone pocket that becomes a must. The Kerrits Performance Knee Patch Pocket Tights is the runner-up for summer schooling, Kerrits lightest pull-on tights with suede knee patches and pockets. The Horze Tara Full Seat Breeches brings an extra high waist and a silicone full seat, and one trainer of 40 years calls it her all-time favorite.

The 2026 Breeches Awards

Best Everyday Schooling

Awarded to

Dapplebay Pro Ribbed Silicon Full Seat Breeches

For the pair you reach for daily: compressive ribbed fabric that holds its shape, a tonal silicone seat and two phone pockets.

Price range $$

Shop the winner

Runner-up

Kerrits Performance Knee Patch Pocket Tights

Kerrits lightest pull-on tights, with suede knee patches.

Price range $$

Shop the runner-up

Runner-up

Horze Tara Full Seat Breeches

Extra high waist with a silicone full seat.

Price range $$

Shop the runner-up

The Horze Desiree High Waist Full Seat Breeches wins Best High Waist because Horze builds the whole breech around a waistband that supports and holds you in position. It adds belt loops, front buttons and a zip, a silicone full seat print, elastic ankles and water and dirt repellent fabric.

Riders tell us the Desiree cinches like a corset without restricting movement, gives a long, slender line and has front pockets big enough for a phone. The Dapplebay Winter Essential Full Seat Tights is the runner-up for cold months, a pull-on compression tight with a brushed fleece interior, and riders say the Dapplebay compression fabric holds them in and flatters.

The 2026 Breeches Awards

Best High Waist

Awarded to

Horze Desiree High Waist Full Seat Breeches

For support through the core: a waist that holds you in position, belt loops and a silicone full seat.

Price range $$$

Shop the winner

Runner-up

Dapplebay Winter Essential Full Seat Tights

Fleece-lined compression tights with a higher rise.

Price range $$

Shop the runner-up

The Romfh Evelyn 3 Button Full Grip Breeches wins Best for Tall Riders because Romfh cuts its breeches in Long inseams, and the Evelyn pairs that length with a high rise, a wide three-button waistband, a front zip and a full silicone grip. Romfh calls the fabric silky, with the stretch of a tight and the coverage of a breech.

Riders tell us Romfh is the brand that finally fits a long leg and a high waist, and that the Long length works. The LeMieux Isabelle Full Seat Breeches is the runner-up, with LeMieux Tall sizes, a silicone full seat and anatomic leg panels with a seam-free inside leg.

The 2026 Breeches Awards

Best for Tall Riders

Awarded to

Romfh Evelyn 3 Button Full Grip Breeches

For long legs: Romfh Long inseams with a high rise, a three-button waist and a full silicone grip.

Price range $$$$

Shop the winner

Runner-up

LeMieux Isabelle Full Seat Breeches

LeMieux Tall sizes with a silicone full seat.

Price range $$

Shop the runner-up

The Shires Aubrion Optima GX Riding Tights wins Best for Plus-Size Riders because Shires Aubrion builds it to support. It is a pull-on, high-rise tight with a wide waistband for core support, four-way stretch fabric with moisture management and a gloss silicone full seat, and Shires Aubrion cuts its line into extended sizes.

Riders tell us Shires Aubrion tights hold you in and wear well at size 20, and that they are squat proof for a bigger seat and thighs. The Dapplebay Essential Full Seat Tights is the runner-up, with a high rise, belt loops, large pockets and no inner seam. The Kerrits Power Stretch Knee Patch Pocket Tights adds a Polartec Power Stretch interior for winter, with Kerrits plus sizes.

The 2026 Breeches Awards

Best for Plus-Size Riders

Awarded to

Shires Aubrion Optima GX Riding Tights

For support at every size: a high rise, a wide core-support waistband and a gloss silicone full seat.

Price range $$$

Shop the winner

Runner-up

Dapplebay Essential Full Seat Tights

High rise, large pockets and no inner seam.

Price range $$

Shop the runner-up

Runner-up

Kerrits Power Stretch Knee Patch Pocket Tights

Polartec Power Stretch warmth in Kerrits plus sizes.

Price range $$$

Shop the runner-up

The Kerrits Crossover II Full Seat Breeches wins Best for Petite Riders because Kerrits cuts it in Petite lengths, so the leg ends where your boot begins. It is a lightweight stretch-woven breech that is stain and water resistant, with a tailored front snap and fly, a two-inch waistband with belt loops and a GripSoft full seat that gives soft, mid-level grip.

The Kerrits Crossover II Knee Patch Breeches is the runner-up in the same fabric and fit, Kerrits lightest woven breech, with GripSoft knee patches that feel like leather and stretch panels at the ankles. Kerrits is the brand in this year's awards that cuts petite lengths.

The 2026 Breeches Awards

Best for Petite Riders

Awarded to

Kerrits Crossover II Full Seat Breeches

For petite lengths: Kerrits Petite sizing, a lightweight stretch-woven fabric and a soft GripSoft full seat.

Price range $$$

Shop the winner

Runner-up

Kerrits Crossover II Knee Patch Breeches

The same fit with GripSoft knee patches.

Price range $$$

Shop the runner-up

The Horze Active Full Seat Breeches wins Best for the Money because it is the schooling breech riders buy by the pair. Horze makes it from a soft, jersey-feel fabric with a silicone grip print on the seat, a zip front pocket and elastic leg bottoms, at the $$ point of our key.

Riders tell us they call these their pajama breeches, that some pairs are going on five years old, and that the sticky seat has saved them more than once. The TuffRider Cotton Schoolers Riding Tights is the runner-up at $, a cotton pull-on tight with self knee patches and a front pocket. The Shires Aubrion Team Riding Tights brings a high rise, a silicone seat placed so it does not rub, and a thigh phone pocket, and riders call Shires among the most affordable tights that last.

The 2026 Breeches Awards

Best for the Money

Awarded to

Horze Active Full Seat Breeches

For schooling pairs to rotate: soft jersey-feel fabric, a silicone grip seat and a zip pocket at the $$ point.

Price range $$

Shop the winner

Runner-up

TuffRider Cotton Schoolers Riding Tights

Cotton pull-on tights at the $ end of our key.

Price range $

Shop the runner-up

Runner-up

Shires Aubrion Team Riding Tights

High rise, no-rub silicone and a thigh phone pocket.

Price range $$

Shop the runner-up

The TuffRider Starter Lowrise Pull-On Knee Patch Breeches wins Best for New Riders because it is easy to pull on, easy to wash and easy on the budget. TuffRider makes it in a cotton and spandex blend with UltraGripp knee patches, belt loops and sock bottoms, and says it works for showing, schooling and clinics.

Riders tell us TuffRider breeches are soft, stretchy and comfortable for young riders, and that they fit when more expensive pairs did not. The Horze Active Knee Patch Breeches is the runner-up, a soft cotton-blend breech with silicone knee patches, and the Equinavia Astrid Pull On Knee Patch Breeches adds a deep side phone pocket and a faux fly for a polished first show.

The 2026 Breeches Awards

Best for New Riders

Awarded to

TuffRider Starter Lowrise Pull-On Knee Patch Breeches

For first lessons and first shows: an easy pull-on fit, UltraGripp knee patches and sock bottoms.

Price range $

Shop the winner

Runner-up

Horze Active Knee Patch Breeches

Soft cotton blend with silicone knee patches.

Price range $$

Shop the runner-up

Runner-up

Equinavia Astrid Pull On Knee Patch Breeches

Pull-on with a faux fly and a deep phone pocket.

Price range $$

Shop the runner-up

The Equinavia Anders Full Seat Breeches wins Best Men's Full Seat because Equinavia designs it for warm climates and long days. It is cut from a lightweight technical fabric with a neutral silicone print, two front pockets deep enough for a phone, back flap pockets, a single Gutos closure at the waist and sock bottoms.

The Shires Aubrion Optima MX-FG Breeches is the runner-up, an anatomically cut men's breech in four-way stretch with a full silicone seat, belt loops and real front pockets. The LeMieux Full Seat Sports Breeches brings a slim fit, a tapered leg and silicone tape inside the waistband to keep a shirt tucked. See every pair on our men's breeches page.

The 2026 Breeches Awards

Best Men's Full Seat

Awarded to

Equinavia Anders Full Seat Breeches

For men riding in warm climates: lightweight technical fabric, a silicone print and deep front pockets.

Price range $$$$

Shop the winner

Runner-up

Shires Aubrion Optima MX-FG Breeches

Anatomically cut, four-way stretch, full silicone seat.

Price range $$$

Shop the runner-up

Runner-up

LeMieux Full Seat Sports Breeches

Slim fit, tapered leg, silicone full seat.

Price range $$$$

Shop the runner-up

The Ovation 4-Pocket Classic Breech wins Best Men's Knee Patch because it is the classic men's breech done right. Ovation gives it four pockets, knee patches, a front zip and hook and loop closures at the ankle, in EuroWeave, a woven mid-weight fabric with stretch for recovery.

The Shires Aubrion Optima MX-KG Breeches is the runner-up, a multi-use breech for showing and schooling with a silicone knee grip and belt loops. The Romfh Argento Knee Patch Euroseat takes the euro seat route in butter-soft micro-cotton that dries quickly, with stretch ankles.

The 2026 Breeches Awards

Best Men's Knee Patch

Awarded to

Ovation 4-Pocket Classic Breech

For the classic men's breech: four pockets, knee patches and EuroWeave fabric with stretch.

Price range $$$

Shop the winner

Runner-up

Shires Aubrion Optima MX-KG Breeches

Silicone knee grip for schooling and showing.

Price range $$$

Shop the runner-up

Runner-up

Romfh Argento Knee Patch Euroseat

Euro seat in quick-drying micro-cotton.

Price range $$$$

Shop the runner-up

The Horze Active Full Seat Breeches wins Best Kids' Breeches because it is made for long days in the saddle and the washer that follows. Horze gives it a silicone grip print full seat, a zip front pocket, elastic leg bottoms and stretch fabric that moves with a growing rider.

Riders tell us their kids call Horze the best-feeling breeches they have ridden in, with a secure seat, and that a pair stayed cool through a week of pony camp in the heat. The LeMieux Mini Pull On Full Seat is the runner-up, a pull-on full seat with sweat-wicking four-way stretch, and the Kerrits Power Stretch Knee Patch Pocket Tights adds a brushed Polartec Power Stretch interior for cold rides.

The 2026 Breeches Awards

Best Kids' Breeches

Awarded to

Horze Active Full Seat Breeches

For everyday rides and the washer: a silicone grip seat, a zip pocket and stretch that moves with a growing rider.

Price range $

Shop the winner

Runner-up

LeMieux Mini Pull On Full Seat

Pull-on full seat with sweat-wicking stretch.

Price range $$

Shop the runner-up

Runner-up

Kerrits Power Stretch Knee Patch Pocket Tights

Brushed Polartec warmth with silicone knee patches.

Price range $$

Shop the runner-up

The Horze Nora Knee Patch Jodhpurs wins Best Kids' Jodhpurs because it has everything a young rider in paddock boots needs: soft pull-on stretch fabric, leather knee patches, belt loops and folded leg bottoms with an elastic strap.

Riders tell us their kids live in TuffRider jodhpurs, from a tall, slim daughter who finally found a pair that fit to a nine-year-old who wore his to camp every day. The TuffRider Starter Lowrise Pull-On Jods is the runner-up for kids just starting out, with a faux fly, belt loops and UltraGripp knee patches, and the TuffRider Cotton Schooler Jodhpurs adds an elastic jodhpur strap and a jumping horse pattern on the knee patch.

The 2026 Breeches Awards

Best Kids' Jodhpurs

Awarded to

Horze Nora Knee Patch Jodhpurs

For paddock boots: soft pull-on stretch, leather knee patches and elastic straps.

Price range $

Shop the winner

Runner-up

TuffRider Starter Lowrise Pull-On Jods

Made for kids starting out, with UltraGripp patches.

Price range $

Shop the runner-up

Runner-up

TuffRider Cotton Schooler Jodhpurs

Cotton schoolers with an elastic jodhpur strap.

Price range $

Shop the runner-up

The Kerrits Thermo Tech Printed Tights wins Best Kids' Winter Breeches because it keeps young riders warm for truly cold rides. Kerrits knits it from four-way stretch Thermo Tech with a lightly brushed interior and a smooth face that sheds hay and horsehair, and runs silicone grip along the whole inner leg.

The Equinavia Greta Winter Full Seat Breeches is the runner-up, built like the women's Astrid Winter with an insulated, brushed interior, a silicone full seat and micromesh sock bottoms. The Dapplebay Winter Essential Full Seat Tights is a pull-on alternative with a waterproof outer, a brushed fleece interior and a raw-edge ankle that is easy to hem.

The 2026 Breeches Awards

Best Kids' Winter Breeches

Awarded to

Kerrits Thermo Tech Printed Tights

For truly cold rides: brushed Thermo Tech warmth, a smooth face that sheds hay and full inner-leg grip.

Price range $$

Shop the winner

Runner-up

Equinavia Greta Winter Full Seat Breeches

Insulated and brushed, like the women's Astrid Winter.

Price range $$

Shop the runner-up

Runner-up

Dapplebay Winter Essential Full Seat Tights

Pull-on fleece with a waterproof outer.

Price range $$

Shop the runner-up

Full seat breeches put grip across the whole seat and inner thigh, and knee patch breeches put it only at the knee. Full seats give more hold in a deep, sitting seat, which is why dressage riders reach for them; knee patches leave you free to rise and fold, which is why hunter and jumper riders do.

Riders tell us a light silicone full seat can feel like the best of both worlds, and that knee patches give more freedom and stay put during barn chores. If you show hunters or equitation, start with knee patch: hunt seat guidance discourages full seats. For everything else, choose by how much hold you want.

Breeches, riding tights and jodhpurs all give you a seamless inner leg and grip where you touch the saddle; they differ in closure, fabric and how the leg ends. Breeches have a front zip and a tailored look for lessons and shows, riding tights pull on like leggings, and jodhpurs run longer to go over paddock boots.

Most riders own more than one. A pair of tights such as the Equinavia Classic Full Seat Riding Tights for daily schooling and a pair of breeches such as the Romfh Isabella Full Seat Full Grip for shows and clinics cover most of the year, and young riders in paddock boots start in jodhpurs like the Horze Nora Knee Patch Jodhpurs.

Each discipline has its own breeches convention. Dressage riders reach for full seats, hunter and equitation riders show in knee patch breeches, and jumper and event riders choose by feel, often knee patch or a light silicone full seat.

Check your show rules before you buy a pair just for competition: USEF dressage rules, for example, permit white, light or dark colored breeches and do not permit bright colors or patterns. The table shows what to reach for in each ring and why.

Winter breeches add a brushed fleece or velour-like lining and a face that blocks wind and sheds water, and summer breeches strip all of that out for light, wicking fabric and sun protection. Here is how this year's winter and hot weather winners compare.

The fastest way to choose breeches is to start with the ride you do most, then match the seat, fabric and fit to it. Use this table to find your starting pair among the 2026 winners.

Every 2026 Breeches Award winner had to earn its place two ways: what riders say about it in their reviews, and a build that does the award's job, from the seat and grip to the rise, the fabric and the leg.

We read reviews from riders across all of the brands we carry, weighed the build of each pair from the maker's own specifications, and favored styles cut across a full run of sizes so most riders can wear the winner. Runners-up are the pairs that came closest, often at a different price point or for a slightly different rider.

Riders' safety, fit and comfort experiences on this page are their own words. Specifications come from the makers. Prices are shown as a relative key, from $ for the most affordable of this year's picks to $$$$ for the premium end.

What riders say about this year’s breeches winners

Riders tell us comfort, grip and a waist that stays put decide it. These four recent reviews come from riders who wear this year's award-winning brands.