Look, I know Questo isn’t a word, but when I was typing the title I accidentally created that word because my fingers are so used to “est” being followed by “o”. And then I kinda liked the word questo (perhaps Presto will go on a questo?) so I decided to keep it. This is the quality journalism you get here, what can I say?
Anyway.
I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect riding tights/leggings for a couple years now. I’ve kind of been a slow convert, mostly wearing them during the summer when it’s so hot and I wanted something lighter. But if there’s one thing this quarantine did, it’s really drive home that no one needs real pants. Like… buttons and zippers? How very 1900’s. My fat rolls are like nah fam. Nah.
I still haven’t found my own personal Holy Grail of riding leggings though. Here are the ones I have now or have had so far and my general thoughts/feelings:
For Horses Julie tights – These are my pick for most comfortable definitely. I like the fabric, it’s really smooth and light and stretchy. I don’t like the faux pocket flap on the butt and I wish they had thigh pockets (which have become a necessity for me). They’re also too expensive.
Tuffrider Minerva – I don’t like the fabric of these, it’s too cottony and cheap. Like walmart leggings. They stretch and sag and aren’t flattering. They do have pockets though, and the wide waistband is comfortable. The pocket could be wider, my phone doesn’t fit quite as easily as I’d like.
Tuffrider Bootie – see above comments about fabric. These only have one pocket and it’s in kind of a weird place that makes it hard to access when you’re riding. They’re a little more flattering than the Minerva though. Like… a tiny bit.
Ovation Aerowick – I wish the fabric was a little more “techy”, if that makes any sense at all. It could be a little bit thinner too, for summer. But I do LOVE the pockets, and they’re comfortable. If they would change the waistband from elastic to the wide yoga-pant type waistband, I’d just buy a bunch of these and be done with it. The price is right.
Horseware – I had higher expectations for these considering the price point. Mine were on sale, so they were cheap, but the fabric is a little meh for me and I don’t love the pockets. Or the black color blocking. And the extended suede patches are a little TOO grippy for my preference. I like the waistband and the color (I got fig) though.
Aztec Diamond – I’m not sure if these really even count because the ADE leggings I have are from the very first run that they ever released. Like 5 years ago. They’re more of casual leggings than actual riding leggings (no knee patch) but I really like the fabric. Hate the elastic waistband though, and there are no pockets.
So based on all that… give me some more suggestions. I’m convinced that my perfect riding leggings exist and I just haven’t found them yet. Here is what I’m very specifically looking for:
I have to have a wide waistband (not elastic), knee patch or no patch, thinner (and not cottony) fabric, and good pockets preferably on both sides. And not stupid expensive. Like, I want under $80. If they’re so great that it’s like Jesus himself made these leggings with angel fabric and holy thread, then ok… maybe $100. And I would strongly prefer a company that has been pro-BLM (hey look, new shopping requirements!). A lot of people have mentioned Botori and Equestriess Etelier to be before – I’m waiting for a Botori sale on a color I like, and I’m not sold on the waistband of the EE (if you have them please tell me more about the waistband!).
Drop some suggestions please!
breedrideevent.com 
Botori Taylors all the way. I got mine on sale and I absolutely love them. The Kates seem to run a bit smaller and I don’t find them as comfy. I wore the Taylor’s on a two day road trip because they are the most comfortable pants I own.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good to know, thanks! I wasn’t sure of the differences between the models.
LikeLike
Same. I am a size 6/8 and get the Taylors in a small and the Kates in a medium. I think PJ has said before that the black material is stretchier than the other colors, basically.
LikeLike
Honestly, I am in love with my Dover Saddlery leggings, I have the full seat ones but I believe they make a knee patch one too. They have a wide waistband, thigh pockets on both sides, and the material is a good thickness, still flattering but breathable. My leggings were under $70. Not sure on the pro-BLM, definitely something to look into. Good luck with your search!
LikeLike
Honestly. My favorite leggings to ride in are my Zella Live In Leggings. Super breathable. Not slippery in the saddle. Hold up well. And they have a version with a thigh pocket (altho the waist pocket is fine for me) At $59 (and often on sale), I just can’t bring myself to buy expensive riding specific tights.
LikeLike
I love my Zellas but I’ve never thought to ride in them!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Loooooove riding in them. I would definitely try it 😉
LikeLike
Ariat Eos! I’ve been living in mine since I took the plunge on tights this spring. I have never been a tights girl until these. They have knee patch and full seat options. Two thigh pockets, one zippered and one plain, plus a zippered pocket on the waist in back. The best part is the calf is made of vented material! They run about $99 but Riding Warehouse has them for $89.
LikeLike
I have been wanting to try these!
LikeLike
They dont have knee patches or any sort of gripping silicone dots, but I love the Cinch leggings that RW (used?) to carry. Wide waist band with no elastic that annoyingly roll, the fabric is super light but retains its shape very well, and pockets. I like the blue colors blocking, it’s sporty and flattering. Definitely my go-to for light hacks or just barn chores in the stupid Texas summer…
LikeLike
I like Noble Outfitters Balance tights…I bought a pair a few years ago and they’ve held up well. They’re not super stretchy so a little bit of a squeeze to get into, but the fabric has a bit of a compression effect, which is comfy and holds the rolls in, ha. They’re comfy once they’re on, to me. The fabric isn’t super light, but not weirdly thick either. When it’s 99 and humid, they’re not my first pick, but still passable.
My favorite light tights are Ariat Frejas. They’re really stretchy and light, so they end up feeling more like yoga pants. The fabric is durable, and they’re flattering too. For super hot days I like the cheapo Tuff Rider ventilated tights. The fabric is thin and feels kind of like cheaper workout clothing material, but it is LIGHT.
LikeLike
If you don’t require knee patches, maybe just try some good athletic wear leggings? I really love the Fabletics ones for running, and they have several different styles with pockets. Shameless drop of my referral code: https://www.fabletics.com/invite/22562509/
LikeLike
I know I’ve commented on your tights quest posts before about these, but I really do like Irideon’s synergy tights. I am not a huge fan of their other products, but those tights are my #1 fav and check all of your boxes (at least when they are on sale).
LikeLike
I don’t have much experience with leggings (I rode in college and haven’t had the money/time since) but jeans-wise, I get mine from Kohl’s. They’re literally soft denim sweatpants. Elastic waistband, DEEP pockets, and comfy as heck. I have sensory issues due to autism, and it was so nice to find *comfy* pants I can wear outside the house. Good luck on your search!
LikeLike
I have been loving the Noble outfitters/equestrian gravity balance tights. I prefer breeches and full seats, but my barn owner recommended them. The gravity ones are super light and Ive enjoyed them in 80 degree days. Only one pocket on the thigh though. Very comfy and I’ve enjoyed them. They come with belt loops which I prefer, just because I’m oddly proportioned and tights don’t stay on my waist unless I wear a belt. Im not a tights girl and I’m definitely going to invest in another pair, they run for 80$ on Dover but they have them on sale for 60$ right now.
LikeLike
These are also my favorites! You can usually snag them for $50-70 and mine are going strong a few years old and 7567234 washes later. But yes, only one pocket.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I LOVE my Kerrits Icefil leggings.
I wear them year round in the great frozen North in Canada, lol. They might be thicker than what you are looking for, and a bit more expensive… but they’re so comfortable, hold up well to abuse, and have thigh pockets and are flattering on the body.
LikeLike
Starting wearing jogging pants to ride many years ago. Between shows/clinics I almost forget there is such a thing as riding pants. I do not need the knee patches and seat patches and so forth and so on.
The ones I like are light and stretchy, not as close fit as leggings, but almost. Mine do not have a pocket that counts (just big enough for one key and a credit card). If I ride with my mobile phone etc., I prefer the stretchy phone belt anyway. They don’t pull on the pants waistline, they lie flat, and I forget the belt when not using it.
LikeLike
I want to try the HorseGloss technical stretch leggings. Two pockets, one with a zipper. They’re next on my list in my questo.
LikeLike
I normally hate riding tights but ended up buying a pair of Kerritts Icefil tights and LOVE them for hot, swampy Florida summers. I loved them so much that I went back and got another pair. Very flattering, stretchy and cool. I really love the thigh pockets…perfect for phone and a few treats.
LikeLike
I’m blaming this targeted ad on you after reading this post this AM.
https://www.ariat.com/10025584_889359755294.html
LikeLike
Kerrits Icefils, full seat grippies. These things have a wide waistband, MASSIVE THIGH POCKETS (I can fit like 4 handfuls of treats in one and my phone plus the Titanic in the other), and grippy (but not too grippy) full sticky seats. Also the fabric sheds everything, and if you get them wet you’ll freeze when it’s 100 out.
LikeLike
I don’t want full seat, not a fan.
I did try on the Kerrits though and they were ok but I didn’t LOVE them. If i find a good sale I might grab some but I’m not sold for full price.
LikeLike
ok update i found a pair of knee patch on sale in my size so I’ll give them a better shot!
LikeLike
I’m going to revise my previous suggestion of the Equestriess Atelier breeches. I love everything about them and the knee patch might be ok but the full seats are WAY too sticky and make a squelching sound when I post. It’s not ideal…
LikeLike
hahaha yeah I tend to dislike full seats in general unless they’re not at all grippy. I do not like to be stuck to my saddle.
LikeLike
I’ve never experienced the stuck to the saddle feeling until these breeches. Definitely not my cup of tea.
LikeLike
Aubrion from Shires are still my favourites, and cheap (uk) I have the mesh inserts ones for summer
LikeLike
I recommended Kerrits Icefil tights last time and I continue to recommend them. I’m wearing them right now and have been for the last few weeks. I wear them all the time, not just when I am riding. They have the waist and thigh pockets that you want. Added bonus: they’ve been really rocking it on the BLM front recently, so double win there.
LikeLike
I might fall back to those if I can’t find anything I like better, or if I see them on sale. I tried some on and didn’t love them.
LikeLike
ok update i found a pair on sale in my size so I’ll give them a better shot!
LikeLike
Check out HLH Equestrian! Young indepedent from Australia. I just got some tops from her and they’re absolutely lovely – hoping to get the leggings next. She has a few different styles and even sweatpants with grippy knees (!!!) for colder weather.
LikeLike
I wear Bare Equestrian here in Aus. They are like running tights but slightly thicker. Slightly! They are flattering, have a thigh pocket, come in a range of colours, you can get full seat or not and they are just so comfy. They were my go to in the height of summer here so might be worth a shot 🙂
https://bareequestrian.com/collections/bare-performance-tights?gclid=Cj0KCQjwrIf3BRD1ARIsAMuugNsKPfaI6m3YMYI6DOiQGX4Xhd9U0gunLFn5b6g6_KCvvV968X8zEwkaAu7MEALw_wcB
LikeLike
Second the Bare Equestrian tights! Very comfy.
LikeLike
I tried the Equestriess Atelier knee patch leggings and can’t recommend them. The waistband is smaller than the size charts said, and it’s a fairly thin elastic band which was not comfortable. I did not ride in them – literally tried them on and said “no”.
The new Dover tights are worth a shot and I’m sure they’ll be on sale. They have two thigh pockets and good material. My issue is they slid down pretty badly, however it may have been a sizing issue and I’ll likely give them another try when they’re on sale.
LikeLike
Speaking from Western Australia, the home of HOT: Performa Ride tights (don’t have the wide waistband, do have the two pocket option, and you can choose from a selection of “sticky” options – no stick, knee patch, fullseat). Bare Equestrian (ditto). I ride endurance in the Performa and love them.
LikeLike
I love my Smartpak Hadley tights. They’re inexpensive, hold up well, and they a good phone pocket and nice wide waste band. So comfy I’ll wear them all day.
LikeLike
Eileen Douglas tackshop in the UK has tons of legging options
LikeLike
Horze Leah! They are amazing. They are cooler than not wearing pants (and I live in the humid sweaty armpit that is Missouri), have fantastic thigh pockets, and are made of some sort of SuperWoman material that disguises thigh ripple. Seriously, I have multiple pairs and would own them in every color available if I were a richer woman (but to achieve richness I must get rid of the horses, so that doesn’t make any sense). After age 30 I didn’t do tights anymore until these. Now I loooove tights. But just these tights.
LikeLike
I can’t find any in knee patch?
LikeLike
What about custom tights/leggings?
http://www.rideboldly.com/
She makes these for the endurance crowd, so can do patches and I bet she can do them in a color of your choice. I KNOW she can do cell phone pockets.
I have several friends who swear by her leggings/tights and have a bunch. And we’re pretty hard on our gear.
Worth maybe looking into and seeing what she could do for you.
LikeLike
I still absolutely die for my PSOS Mathilde breggings but they won’t be the go if you don’t like elasticated waistbands.
From what I can see, most people in the leggings/breggings section of the Aussie market swear by Bare Equestrian and QJ Riding Wear. Black Horse has also released some. Potential options for you?
LikeLike
I love my Kerritts icefill. Expensive here in Aus but worth it. The silicon sticky isn’t sticky (don’t know why its there tbh). My phone does get damp in the thigh pocket in winter. Need to wash proptly after wear or you get that revolting gym clothes smell in your laundry room. Wash up fine though.
LikeLike
Derby House Elite Ladies riding tights, lightweight, thigh pocket either side (not zip tho), kinda suede knee patches, wide waistband and they wash and wear pretty well for the price. And they ship to the US. I did find the ankle grip irritating when I rode in them trekking in ankle boots and no chaps but otherwise fine.
I also have a nice decathlon pair which have mesh panels and 3 zip pockets, including a big side pocket but I don’t see them online at the moment. They are very slightly slippy but super super lightweight and wear really well.
LikeLike
Have you tried Free Ride Equestrian? They have a few different types of leggings/tights. I just bought a pair of the Flower legging and love the fit. Wide waistband with no elastic and two thigh pockets.
LikeLike