Whether you are considering investing for recreational purposes or sporting events, a great pair of riding jeans must exuberate something more than just comfort.

While the best horse riding jeans are obviously comfortable, there is more to them than meets the eye.

An ideal pair would be the perfect amalgamation of high-quality material, practical design, and overall comfort.

To help you find the perfect pair, we have put together a list of the best horse riding jeans for both men and women.

Best Horse Riding Jeans for Men: A Review

1. Wrangler Men’s Premium Performance Cowboy Cut Slim Fit Jeans

The Wrangler Men’s Cowboy Jeans has a truly authentic Western-style made for the novice rider.

Featuring deep pockets, copper riveting, and a slim fit that opens up beyond the knee, the jeans offer maximum comfort and high performance.

Product Highlights

Made with 100% cotton denim with a 20% longer lifespan and weighing 14.75 ounces, the jeans can withstand harsh terrains.

These mid-rise jeans feature a zipper fly with button closure, ensuring comfort around the waist area.

With five class pockets, two of which are deep in the front, you can safely carry your phone and other things throughout the bumpy terrains.

In terms of fitting, the Wrangler Men’s Cowboy Jeans has a narrow slim fit from the waist to the knee region for maximum comfort and to ensure a sturdy fit.

However, the jeans feature a full opening from the knees down to fit over the user’s boots easily. 

What We Like

Perhaps the Wrangler Men’s Cowboy Jeans’ best feature is the smooth inseams that help reduce friction and nudging at the skin throughout the ride.

It also ensures longevity since the seams do not come apart due to the reduced friction.

Moreover, the 100% cotton denim material ensures breathability, especially during the warmer seasons, reducing sweat accumulation.

What We Don’t Like

Although the 100% cotton denim material used in the jeans is breathable, it is quite stiff until washed a couple of times.

It significantly affects mobility and increases discomfort during the rides as the material chaffs against the skin, causing sores.

The Wrangler Men’s Cowboy Jeans also needs to be dried lying flat after every wash; otherwise, fade lines start forming, increasing maintenance time.

Pros:

• Easily machine washable
• Copper riveted pockets for increased durability
• 20% longer lasting high-quality cotton denim
• Comfortable waistband ensuring high mobility

Cons:

• May require multiple washes to achieve maximum material softness
• May shrink if put in the dryer

2. Levi’s Men’s Western Fit Cowboy Jeans

The Levi’s Men’s Cowboy Jeans is made to overcome rough and rugged riding terrains without compromising comfort and mobility.

These straight-fit, five-pocket jeans have double safety inseams and a bartack clipping guard to ensure maximum durability.

Product Highlights

Featuring a classic reversed yoke design with five ergonomic deep pockets, the Levi’s Cowboy Jeans are designed for maximum comfort, especially for rough riding terrains.

The manufacturers have added a number of features to maximize durability and ensure longevity.

For instance, the material is a combination of 74% cotton, 13% Polyester, 12% Polyamide, and 1% Elastane to allow for breathability, durability, and elasticity.

The Levi’s Men’s Cowboy Jeans’ straight fitting is supported by a revered yoke design and bartack clipping guard to reinforce the high-stress region over the boots. 

The double reinforced flat safety inseams help hold the jeans together and also provide protection against chaffing.

What We Like

The best feature of the Levi’s Men’s Cowboy Jeans is its high level of durability and ergonomic design.

Made from a combination of materials, with reinforced double inseams, bartack clipping guard, and Levis’ patented Strong Technology, the jeans are a force of their own.

Additionally, the mid-rise jeans come with five ergonomic pockets and a zip fly closure with a button for added comfort around the waist area.

What We Don’t Like

While the jeans are extremely durable and made for rugged usage, their straight fit may not appeal to everyone’s taste.

The classic western fitting has a 16.5-inch leg opening that runs straight from the seat to the ankle.

That means the loose-fit throughout can lead the jeans to ride up or gather in unpleasant areas during the ride.

Pros:

• Rest comfortably over your boots
• Reinforced safety inseams
• Machine washable
• Backtrack clipping guard for increased durability

Cons:

• Need to be dried inside out to prevent unwanted fading
• Straight fitting may cause the fabric to gather unnecessarily

3. ARIAT Men’s M2 Relaxed Boot Cut Jeans

The ARIAT Men’s M2 Boot Cut Jeans is a one-of-a-kind, go-anywhere, and do-anything kind of pair that ensures maximum utility.

The jeans’ relaxed-fitting allows for easy mobility, while the reinforced flat seams ensure comfort and durability.

Product Highlights

The ARIAT Men’s M2 Boot Cut Jeans’ relaxed fitted low-rise design supports the reinforced flat inseams that prevent chaffing by reducing the frequency of contact between the material and skin.

Made from a combination of high-quality cotton and ring-spun denim, the jeans offer maximum breathability and support mobility.

The stackable boot cut design rests naturally over the user’s boot to prevent excess debris from entering and ensuring a true cowboy look.

It has anchored belt loops with a heavy-duty zipper for durability and button closure for comfort around the waist region.

What We Like

If you are looking for a pair of jeans that allows maximum all-rounder utility, the ARIAT Men’s M2 Jeans is a great option.

The loose-fitting of the jeans with the stackable boot cut design enhances mobility, which you need, especially for rugged farm life.

It also ensures breathability and prevents chafing against the skin, especially during hot weather.

What We Don’t Like

While the ARIAT Men’s M2 Boot Cut Jeans offers maximum utility, the low-rise design may not be made for everyone, especially those who struggle with snug waist fitting.

Although the stackable boot cut design exuberates a cowboy style, the low-rise jeans can be uncomfortable around the waist while horseback riding.

Pros:

• Machine washable on cold cycle
• Flat reinforced seams to prevent rubbing
• Extra deep pockets
• Houses boot adequately

Cons:

• May create a waist gap if fitted snugly
• Stackable boot cut may create a shabby look

Best Horse Riding Jeans for Women: A Review

1. Dublin Shona Knee Patch Denim Breech

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The perfect amalgamation of tights and jeans, the Dublin Shona Breeches offers a laid-back casual look with a high level of comfort and flexibility.

The suede elements in the design of the jeans add an extra layer of durability and practicality.

Product Highlights

The Dublin Shona pair of jeans is made with high-quality two-way denim fabric, a combination of 60% cotton, 24% polyester, and 6% elastane.

It allows for enhanced flexibility since the fabric offers maximum compression throughout with a comfortable snug fit.

In terms of practicality, the jeans have suede knee patches that ensure a sturdy grip around the tack region while riding.

There are also matching belt loops with a metal zipper and closure that enhance overall durability.

What We Like

The mid-rise two-way stretchable fabric of the Dublin Shona Knee Patch Denim Breech Jeans allows maximum support while horseback riding.

The compression across the leg with no-gap waistband contour naturally across your body to support and accentuate your figure.

What We Don’t Like

Although one of the best horse riding jeans, the Dublin Shona Knee Patch Denim Breech Jeans is tightly fitted, which may restrict blood flow and reduce breathability.

Additionally, these jeans may not be comfortable during the warm weather since the suede region may get too hot while riding.

Pros:

• Supports boots over the jeans
• Suede knee patches enhance grip
• Two-way denim fabric ensures protection from branches

Cons:

• May require additional maintenance due to suede elements
• Not recommended for pregnant riders

2. Wrangler Women’s Retro Mae Bootcut Jeans

The Wrangler Retro Mae Women’s Jeans is the perfect hybrid combining the classic bootcut design with contemporary stylish features.

These mid-rise jeans have a fitted profile with a straight cut at the bottom, contouring and accentuating the natural curves.

Product Highlights

Made from high-quality durable yet stretchable cotton material, the jeans are extremely breathable to ensure comfort.

The mid-rise style has a curve-hugging narrow profile around the hips and waist for maximum mobility.

Beyond the knees, the straight cut of the jeans covers the opening of the boots to help reduce the amount of debris entering.

Along with the five functional deep pockets, there are also belt loops given across the waistband that ensure utility. 

What We Like

The Wrangler Women’s Retro Mae Bootcut Jeans is a great pair of extremely functional, practical, and multi-purpose riding pants.

Its snug profile around the waist and thighs provides maximum support and high mobility during the ride while also ensuring a curve-hugging flattering style for casual wear.

What We Don’t Like

The Wrangler Women’s Retro Mae Bootcut Jeans is made to accentuate a curvy figure but may not be an ideal pair for slender women.

The snug-fitting at the waist level ensures maximum mobility, but may ride up or gather in unpleasant areas on a slender figure.

Pros:

• Machine washable
• Tumble dry on low heat setting
• Zipper and button closure
• Reinforced flat seams

Cons:

• No leather or suede knee patches
• May require multiple washes to achieve ideal softness

3. ECP RideTex Denim Breeches

Not your typical horse riding pants, the ECP RideTex Denim Breeches is the perfect go-between casual denim jeans and comfy everyday tights.

Featuring ankle panels and knee patches, the breeches ensure maximum support and comfort during rides.

Product Highlights

The ECP RideTex Denim Breeches’ silicone knee patches are designed to withstand over 200,000 strokes against the leather seat, ensuring durability.

These are made via a thermal multi-layer process that ensures longevity and provides a sturdy grip for safety purposes.

The four-way stretch denim fabric ensures breathability as well as provides compression across the leg for snug-fitting.

Similarly, the ankle panels ensure comfort within the boot area.

What We Like

The ECP RideTex Denim Breeches is a professional-grade pair of horse riding pants with a casual denim loo.

Thus, you can comfortably wear these pants beyond the ride.

The snug-fitting across the waistband ensures maximum comfort by holding the shirt in place while also pleasantly accentuating your curves.

What We Don’t Like

Although the silicone knee patches offer maximum support and grip, these are ideal for endurance and hunt seat riders that wear paddock, tall or half-chap boots.

On the other hand, these may not provide the essential full-seat support and grip required for dressage riders.

Pros:

• The silicone will not peel off even after multiple strokes against the saddle
• Non-slip waistband
• Ergonomic ankle panel
• Highly stretchable denim material

Con:

• Not recommended for pregnant riders

Buyer’s Guide

If you are looking to invest in a pair of horse riding jeans, it is important to consider some key features that will help you make the right choice.

Riding Style

The way you ride will determine the kind of jeans you should invest in.

For instance, if you are an avid rider training for a sporting event multiple times during the week, then you may want to opt for a durable yet flexible pair of breeches with knee patches that offer maximum support.

On the other hand, if you are a trail rider, you may want to invest in a pair made from sturdy material and covers your boots opening to prevent excess debris from entering.

Ideal Fit

In terms of fitting, your ideal riding boots should naturally fall over your boots and not ride up or gather in uncomfortable areas.

Moreover, look for a pair with flat inseams to not chafe against your skin and cause sores.

Finally, an ideal pair will sit comfortably across the waist area to allow for maximum mobility.

Best Material

Unlike your regular wear jeans, your riding pair should be made with high quality, extremely durable, and super comfortable material.

It needs to be breathable and stretchable to ensure maximum mobility.

It should also have reinforced flat inseams, especially in high-stress regions, to ensure longevity.

Finally, like any new pair of boots or heels, the best jeans take some time to become to reach their optimal level of comfort.

Horse Riding Jeans FAQs

1. What Is Best to Wear for Horseback Riding?

The best attire for horseback riding will consist of clothing and footwear that is comfortable and does not restrict movement.

For instance, a loose-fitting shirt with a pair of comfortable jeans without raised inseams is an excellent option.

Additionally, for shoes, it is recommended that you opt for close-toe shoes that preferably do not have a heel.

While this attire works perfectly throughout the year, you may want to layer up with a jacket and some gloves in the winter season.

2. What Should I Wear to My First Horse Riding Lesson?

For your first riding lesson, you should aim to have thin layers of clothing.

This is essential so that you can easily remove or add layers depending on the seasonal requirements.

More specifically, opt for a comfortable pair of pants that is:

• Not baggy 
• Not made of rough material
• Don’t include any studs or other bling material
• Riding long and covering your boots
• Have flat inseams
• Made from stretchable material

In terms of boots, you can opt for any as long as they do not have a very strong grip, such as the ridges found in hiking boots.

Additionally, for safety purposes, opt for a great riding helmet to protect against any head injuries and a pair of gloves to protect against the rope chafing your hands.

3. Are Jeans OK for Horse Riding?

A comfortable pair of jeans is a great clothing option for western, English, or even bareback horse riding.

However, it is recommended for users to opt for jeans with flat inseams to protect against chaffing and also protect the horse when riding bareback.

Alternatively, you can also opt for jodhpurs, breeches, and riding tights.

4. Why Do People Wear Long Pants for Horse Riding?

Here are some reasons why people opt for long pants for horse riding:

• Reduce friction against the horse’s skin to prevent sores
• Reduce the amount of debris entering the opening of the boot
• Protect against tree branches and other fly-aways on the riding trails

5. Can You Wear Shorts While Riding a Horse?

Although not recommended, many people opt for wearing shorts in the warmer seasons since these are cooler than pants.

However, wearing shorts also increases the chances of skin chaffing against or getting pinched between the saddle and stirrup.

Shorts are also often against the proper dress code of many riding clubs.

What Are the Best Jeans for Horseback Riding: Our Final Recommendations

The best riding jeans will compliment your riding style.

They have the perfect combination of practical, functional, durable, and comfortable so that they may support you throughout your ride.

However, finding the right pair can sometimes take time and may require you to try out a few styles till you find your perfect pair.

For men, we highly recommend the Levi’s Western Fit Cowboy Jeans because of its high level of comfort, durability, and mobility.

For women, the ECP RideTex Denim Breeches is a top option because it doesn’t have as many cons as the other two.