Men's Riding Wear: Breeches, Jackets and Shirts for Every Ride

Riding wear for men comes down to four pieces done well: breeches that grip and move with you, a shirt that breathes, a jacket that suits the weather or the arena, and sensible protection on top. Get those right and the rest is detail. This guide goes through what each piece does, how to match it to the ride, and where fit matters most, so you can build a kit that works from the yard to the show ring.

1. Full seat breeches

Full seat breeches have grip across the seat and inner leg, which makes them the steadiest choice for schooling, dressage work and any rider who wants extra security in the saddle. The grip panel keeps you settled without you having to think about it, particularly through transitions and at sitting trot. On a horse that spooks or jogs, that extra hold lets you stay deep and quiet rather than gripping with your knees.

The Mens Breeches Full Seat - Navy from Gallant Equestrian is a mid-rise, close-fitting breech with full seat grip, designed specifically for men. It uses 4-way stretch fabric, a French fly closure, front pockets and a zippered back pocket, so a phone or yard key stays secure when you move. It is priced at 295.00 NZD. Gallant's tailored silhouettes are designed to allow movement in and out of the saddle. You can see the full seat breeches here.

Suits: daily schooling, flatwork and dressage training where seat security matters most. Verdict: a dependable all-rounder for the rider who spends most of his time working on position.

2. Knee grip breeches

Knee grip breeches place silicone only at the knee, which gives the leg more freedom and a cleaner line through the thigh. Riders who jump or who prefer to feel the saddle directly often favour them, since the seat stays smooth. That smoother seat makes it easier to slide forward into a jumping position and back again without catching on the leather.

Gallant's Mens Competition Breeches - Knee only Silicone Grip is priced at 295.00 NZD. It shares the mid-rise design, 4-way stretch fabric, French fly closure and pocket layout of the full seat version, including the zippered back pocket. Gallant's product listing indicates that the grip can be chosen when ordering, so you can select the level of hold you want. Details are on the competition breeches page.

Suits: jumping, competition days and riders who like a lighter feel in the seat. Verdict: a sharp, freer-moving choice when you want the line of a competition breech.

3. Tailored riding jackets

A tailored riding jacket is the piece that turns a good pair of breeches into a proper outfit, and it should sit close without pulling across the shoulders when you reach forward. The cut matters more than the badge. Look for a length that covers the seat, sleeves that let your hands reach the rein, and fabric with some stretch.

A quick test is to mount an imaginary horse in front of a mirror: raise your arms as if gathering reins and check the back seam stays flat and the cuffs do not ride up past the wrist. Competition jackets tend towards darker, plainer colours such as navy, black or charcoal, while schooling jackets can be softer and more casual. If you ride in organised events, check the rules for your discipline before you buy, since colour and cut are often specified. Gallant's guide to what to wear in the competition arena covers the practical side for men.

Suits: shows, dressage tests and any occasion where a smart finish counts. Verdict: worth spending on, because a well-cut jacket carries the whole look.

4. Technical riding shirts

A technical riding shirt is a fitted, breathable layer that moves moisture away from the skin and stays tucked in when you ride. For most men a short or long-sleeved polo or base-layer style shirt is the daily workhorse. Look for stretch, a collar that sits flat and a hem long enough to stay put.

Lightweight fabric matters more than people expect in summer, and a close fit stops fabric bunching under a jacket or body protector. Choose pale shades for hot days and darker ones if you work around the yard. A long-sleeved base layer also earns its place in cooler months, since it adds warmth without bulk and lets you remove the jacket after warming up without feeling exposed. Check that the sleeves stay in place when you lift your arms, as a shirt that rides up soon becomes a distraction mid-lesson.

Suits: daily riding, warm weather and layering under a jacket. Verdict: the least glamorous piece and the one you will reach for most often.

5. Waterproof and wet weather outerwear

A waterproof riding jacket keeps you comfortable on hacks and yard days when the weather turns, and it should be long enough to cover the seat of the saddle. Features worth having include a storm flap, a high collar, a generous cut across the shoulders and some reflective detail if you ride on roads.

A split or vented back helps the coat sit properly in the saddle rather than bunching behind you, and cuffs that fasten snugly stop rain running up the sleeve when you take up the reins. Choose something light enough to pack into a saddlebag, since a coat left in the car is no use when a shower arrives mid-hack. Gallant's wet weather riding kit is the page to check for the current waterproof option. For wider ideas on layering, the guide to a waterproof jacket for horse riding goes through what to look for.

Suits: hacking, winter riding and unpredictable days. Verdict: the piece you only notice on the days you forget it.

6. Riding socks

Riding socks are knee-high or mid-calf and designed to sit smoothly inside a tall or short boot without bunching. A fine, breathable knit prevents rubbing at the calf and ankle, which is where long boots cause the most discomfort.

Ordinary socks tend to slip down inside a boot and gather under the arch, which is how blisters start over a long day. A knee-high length stays level with the top of a tall boot, so there is no seam or fold pressing against the shin. Pull them up smooth before you put your boots on, with the heel properly seated, and they will stay put all day. Gallant offers several colourways, including navy and black and olive and black. Choose a pair that matches your breeches and boots.

Suits: long days in boots and anyone who gets rubbing at the calf. Verdict: a small purchase that quietly improves comfort.

7. Body protectors and hats

A body protector and a correctly fitted hat are the safety pieces of any riding wear kit. The British Horse Society recommends buying a riding hat from a reputable tack shop and having it fitted by someone with BETA training. The hat should fit properly, be fastened whenever you ride, and carry a quality mark such as a BSI Kitemark or SEI mark. A fitter will check that the hat sits level on your head and does not tilt back or forward, which a mirror at home cannot tell you.

Body protectors are designed to reduce injury risk from falls and kicks, although the BHS notes that no body protector can prevent serious injury in every situation. It also advises checking the rules of your discipline or event to confirm whether one is mandatory and which standard is required. Cross-country and some competitions make them compulsory, so confirm before you ride. Wear it over a close-fitting shirt, as a snug base layer keeps the protector from shifting and rubbing during a long session.

Suits: every rider on the flat or over fences, with the body protector required for cross-country and many events. Verdict: buy fitted, buy to standard, and never skip the hat.

How the pieces compare

This table sets each piece against the type of riding it suits best.

Matching riding wear to the ride

The right riding wear depends on the work in front of you, not on the label. Schooling days reward grip and comfort, while competition days reward polish and compliance with the rules. Hacking asks for weather cover and visibility.

A simple approach works well. Choose one pair of full seat breeches for daily work, a knee grip pair if you jump or compete, and a small number of shirts that layer well. Add a waterproof and a smart jacket, then fill in the safety pieces. Because Gallant's pieces are designed to work with the rest of the range, mixing and matching is easy, and the same items move from the yard to a coffee afterwards.

For more on pairing items, the guide to men's riding wear is a good companion, and the notes on horse riding outfits show complete looks.

Getting the fit right

Fit is where most riding wear succeeds or fails, and a close cut should never be restrictive. Breeches should sit at the waist without gaping, hold the knee without pinching and let you lift your leg to mount without strain. Try sitting in them, not just standing.

Check three points when you try anything on. The waistband should stay put when you lean forward. The inseam should end at the ankle or the boot top without riding up. The shoulders of a jacket should allow you to reach forward with both arms. If you ride for long periods, a strong core and good posture make clothes sit better too, and many riders look after their back with regular care such as chiropractic care.

Fabric and care

Recycled, lightweight, breathable fabrics are a sensible default because they handle sweat and movement well. Gallant describes its fabrics as performance-focused. Wash breeches inside out on a gentle cycle, and avoid fabric softener, which can reduce the grip of silicone panels.

Hang jackets after riding, brush off mud once dry, and rotate two pairs of breeches so each rests between rides. Good care keeps a tailored cut looking sharp for longer.

Ordering from overseas

If you order from outside New Zealand, it helps to know there will be no surprise charges on arrival. Check the shipping details on the product or contact pages to confirm what is included for international delivery. For sizing, delivery times and returns, check the individual product pages or the contact page rather than relying on assumptions.

Start by listing what you ride most often, then pick the breeches that match it and build outward from there. Gallant Equestrian designs men's riding clothing in New Zealand with a close, tailored fit, and pieces such as the Mens Breeches Full Seat - Navy are made to move with you. Look the part, enjoy the ride, and shop now at Gallant Equestrian to find breeches, jackets and shirts built for the way you ride.