Riding Tights - what on earth is the attraction?

[Tarragon]

Goodness me, Ladies, I don’t understand these riding tights at all!
I am over 60, just, and a trim size 10 (about 59kg and 5’5”) so not too bad a figure, and I was sucked into buying some tweed effect riding tights by adverts on Facebook because I liked the look of them and I ordered size M (10 to 12).
They arrived this morning (with a packet of polos which was sweet!) and I have just tried them on. I felt I was wearing underwear! My Pilates leggings have more to them than these did. They are going back, though I will keep the polos, and I will go back to my proper riding breeches.
I am obviously of the wrong generation

 

[Pearlsasinger]

Me too!

 

[Barton Bounty]

I absolutely love them they are so comfy. You will get used to them

 

[Shinx]

I own a couple pairs of ariat riding tights and I love them! They're definitely more substantial than my yoga tights (but largely similar except for the full seat). They're comfortable and breathable and they don't sag in the bum so I'm a big fan. Maybe you just need to try a better pair?

 

[Barton Bounty]

I own a couple pairs of ariat riding tights and I love them! They're definitely more substantial than my yoga tights (but largely similar except for the full seat). They're comfortable and breathable and they don't sag in the bum so I'm a big fan. Maybe you just need to try a better pair?

I agree with you! LeMieux also last as well but I love my ariats

 

[tda]

I used to have some musto snugs and I felt like I just had my tights on and had forgotten to add trousers
not for me, mid 50s and size 8/10 too

 

[mustardsmum]

Think its all down to quality, some are really not great while others are amazing. The tweedy ones I have seen on FB don't look the best quality, and were not a brand I recognised. I have Foxy's (local brand near me which are great) and Horseware summer tights and both are thick enough to not feel like you are just wearing tights, but are super comfy. Countrydale winter tights are also thick and comfortable. I am early 50's and love them. I find them so comfy over my back where after a sacrum fracture I cant cope with waistbands on jods. So maybe go to a store and try some, you may find you find some of the more well known brands more suitable.

 

[criso]

I own a couple pairs of ariat riding tights and I love them! They're definitely more substantial than my yoga tights (but largely similar except for the full seat). They're comfortable and breathable and they don't sag in the bum so I'm a big fan. Maybe you just need to try a better pair?

I also use mine for yoga! Would happily live in them as they are so comfy and work for all activities.

Like leggings generally some are thicker/better than others. I've found ones that are thick enough not to show lumps and bumps but thin enough to be ok in summer.

 

[Pinkvboots]

Some are thin and cheap and not nice but all the ones I have are nice and thick and are so comfortable I really like them.

 

[maya2008]

I can't justify the price so ride in Sports leggings from Matalan. £12.50 per pair, decent and do the job. I had no idea riding leggings were really thin though!

 

[Tiddlypom]

Tights come into their own in hot weather. I saw the tweed ones advertised and wondered what on earth they were about!

Being a chunky 65yo size 12/14 I am far from svelte, but my Flexars do me proud and are unexpectedly flattering. They let me ride in comfort in higher temps than I would normally cope with - important for me as I go on pre booked treks and trail rides.

Very comfy to ride in teamed with a technical tee shirt, Just Chaps cool chaps and a ventilated crash hat.

 

[EstherYoung]

Proper endurance riding rights with a padded bum and knees are ace, much better than jods or breeches. Very hard-wearing, no annoying seams in the wrong places and much more comfortable. Plus bright funky colours.

 

[HopOnTrot]

I love them, so comfy, phone pocket and a nice thick waistband. Plus they’re much more flexible than jods.

 

[HopOnTrot]

Proper endurance riding rights with a padded bum and knees are ace, much better than jods or breeches. Very hard-wearing, no annoying seams in the wrong places and much more comfortable. Plus bright funky colours.

A padded bum sounds amazing!

 

[planete]

I found out to my cost that it is better to go to a shop and try leggins after buying a pair on the internet which made me feel as if I was in a pair of shiny shrinking drainpipes. They are the right size, elasticated and good quality but the elastic component is so strong I was feeling tired out just standing in them. My old muscles do not need to be working hard even before getting on the horse, thanks.

 

[Sealine]

I’m late 50’s size 12 and I live in riding tights. I rode this morning and have worked from home in them all day. I recommend Flexars as they are supportive and flattering.

 

[blodwyn1]

I thought the same till I tried equine splendour leggings and they are so comfortable I am not sure I would go back to breeches now. I have got the winter weight and they are warm and water resistant and come in a range of colours. When you leave a review they give you a 10% discount of your next pair. I like supporting a small business as well. They are also reasonable compared to other brands about £46.

 

[Cloball]

I'm a covert to the side phone pocket but agree some are better made than others. Some I have tried have had slightly oddly sized seams

 

[Jellymoon]

I’m with you OP, I don’t get them either, I am yet to see a pair that looks good on anyone except my 8 yr old daughter - sorry ladies!!!

 

[pistolpete]

Love my horse ware ones. Think they’re so comfy. Nearly 60 and am a 14. I buy the large ones. Super long lasting too.

 

[Tarragon]

Ok, so it looks like I need to try leggings again and give them a second chance, but try them on in a shop first Everyone else seem to manage to look good in them!
I really want to have the phone pocket as I think they are just so useful, and a high waist, and not so bothered about sticky bum.

 

[Tarragon]

I'm a covert to the side phone pocket but agree some are better made than others. Some I have tried have had slightly oddly sized seams

Definitely like the phone pocket!

 

[Tarragon]

I thought the same till I tried equine splendour leggings and they are so comfortable I am not sure I would go back to breeches now. I have got the winter weight and they are warm and water resistant and come in a range of colours. When you leave a review they give you a 10% discount of your next pair. I like supporting a small business as well. They are also reasonable compared to other brands about £46.

I will give them a go!

 

[Mrs. Jingle]

Well when I was still riding two or so years ago I lived in my many and various riding tights. Age 70 plus, quite a chunky 12/14 (not now though! ) and I truly did not give a damn how I looked in them, they were just so very comfortable. In the summer with a lightweight pair on it was very comfortable indeed. I am still wearing them just to sit and amble about in, purely for the comfort of them. I have some very expensive ones that really do keep even my baggy old flesh under control. I shall probably sell those as hardly likely to wear them again unfortunately.

 

[gallopingby]

I used to have some musto snugs and I felt like I just had my tights on and had forgotten to add trousers
not for me, mid 50s and size 8/10 too

Oh l loved my musto snugs, so warm and cosy although mainly worn under waterproof trousers. Wish they still made them.

 

[pistolpete]

Mine are the slightly less gawdy ones on the right! Love them!

 

[AthenesOwl]

I love mine too (age 50, size 12), although I’m a fairly recent convert. I love the absence of weird seams that rub from knee patches, comfortable waistbands and the phone pocket. I find them very comfortable, but I have always bought a decent brand.

I have a pair from Dublin that are fleece lined and incredibly cosy for winter. I couldn’t be without them!

 

[scats]

You’re wearing the wrong ones. If you get the right ones they are comfortable and lovely to ride in.
A bit like any tighter clothes though, you do need the right bum to really carry them off.

 

[SpotsandBays]

Some are definitely much better quality than others!
I’m a total convert and live in riding leggings. I have breeches for best and they’re nowhere near as comfy

 

[humblepie]

Had some before they were a thing or at least pull on breeches. They lasted years. I am tempted by Flexars but not gone down that route yet. Have some hiking leggings from Go Outdoors that are brilliant for riding in and then keep on at work