The most asked questions about Horse Riding Leggings

How to Choose the Perfect Riding Leggings: A Comprehensive Guide

Choosing the right riding leggings can be overwhelming due to the variety of options available. Whether you're a seasoned rider or a beginner, the fit, comfort, and performance of your leggings matter. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know, from GSM weight to the best seat grip options, ensuring you make the perfect choice.

Why You Should Consider the GSM Weight Before Purchasing Your Riding Leggings

GSM (grams per square meter) is a crucial factor when choosing riding leggings. It determines the fabric's weight, durability, and feel. In this section, we’ll discuss why this measurement is important and how it affects your choice of leggings.

What is GSM?

GSM is the weight of the fabric in grams per square meter. It plays a significant role in how the leggings fit, feel, and perform. The GSM value for riding leggings typically ranges from 100 to 360. For Horzehoods leggings, we’ve tested various GSM weights over 12 months to develop the ideal blend. A 280 GSM fabric is perfect for all-year-round use, offering the right balance of stretch, comfort, and squat-proof qualities.

Benefits of 280 GSM Leggings

• All-season use: Lightweight comfort with warmth for cooler weather.
• Durability: No see-through issues or fabric loss after washing.
• Flexibility: Allows freedom of movement without compromising coverage.
• Breathability: Keeps you cool while riding in warmer weather.

Why We Choose Higher GSM for Specific Leggings

For lighter competition leggings (white, light competition colors), we opt for a thicker weave with a 320+ GSM fabric. This ensures squat-proof performance without compromising the style or comfort.

Note: A GSM above 350 may impact the fit and flexibility, turning leggings into a more restrictive breech-style fit.

Choosing the Right Seat: Grip vs. Non-Grip Options

When choosing your riding leggings, the seat is a key factor. It’s essential to decide whether you need a full grip seat or a non-grip seat. But there's more to this decision than just choosing between the two.

Non-Grip vs. Full-Grip Seat: What’s the Difference?

• Non-Grip Seat: Ideal for those who don’t need the extra support. It offers a comfortable, flexible fit without compromising the ability to move freely.
• Full-Grip Seat: Offers superior stability for riders who prefer extra security, especially on freshly polished saddles. However, some riders prefer subtle grip panels that don't feel restrictive.

Why the Fabric Matters

The type of fabric used in the seat can significantly impact your comfort. Gel seat panels can be bulky and create friction, while silicone panels offer a non-sticky grip, ensuring comfort without compromising freedom of movement.

Our Designs: Air2 and ContraFlex Seat Options

• Air2 Leggings: Subtle silicone diamond seat panels shaped in a V-pattern for a snug fit that doesn’t restrict movement.
• ContraFlex Leggings: Features a fuller seat with extended silicone panels to provide stability without the sticky feel. Ideal for competitive riders.

Understanding Waistbands: Comfort and Fit

A well-designed waistband is crucial for comfort, especially during long rides. Let’s compare different waistband designs and how they contribute to a better riding experience.

High-Waisted vs. Mid-Waisted Waistbands

• High-Waisted: Offers added support and prevents any downward movement. Venters leggings feature a thick, double-stitched elastic waistband for stability.
• Mid-Waisted: The ContraFlex leggings utilize a seamless design with a deep waistband, offering comfort and flexibility for those who prefer a less restrictive fit.

What Happens if You Choose a Lower GSM?

Choosing a lower GSM (below 200) can lead to see-through fabric, especially in the seat area. You may also face issues like fabric stretching, sagging, and poor squat-proof performance.

• Lower GSM = Less Durability: Lightweight fabrics are prone to losing shape, especially after a few washes.
• Squat-Proof Considerations: Always aim for at least 280 GSM for durable, squat-proof leggings that stay in shape.

The Ideal Fabric for Riding Leggings

While cotton leggings are soft and breathable, they tend to lose shape quickly. Polyester, nylon, and spandex blends are more resilient and better suited for high-performance activities like horse riding.

Most Common Fabrics Used in Riding Leggings

1. Polyester: Durable, moisture-wicking, and sweat-resistant.
2. Spandex: Provides flexibility and support for a comfortable fit.
3. Nylon: Offers durability and stretch.

By choosing a fabric blend tailored to your specific needs, you can ensure your leggings provide the right balance of comfort, durability, and performance.

Seasonal Considerations: Choosing the Right Leggings for the Weather

Riding leggings come in various styles suitable for different seasons. Here’s what you need to know:

• Summer: Lightweight leggings with Air2panels offer breathability and flexibility.
• Winter: ThermicRider Venters and ContraFlex feature insulation and microfleece lining to keep you warm during colder months.

Conclusion: Finding the Best Riding Leggings for You

Choosing the right riding leggings involves considering several factors like GSM, waistband style, grip options, and fabric composition. For all-year-round use, leggings with a 280 GSM weight offer the perfect balance of comfort and durability.

Whether you're looking for full-grip stability or a seamless, breathable fit, Horzehoods has a variety of options to meet your needs. Explore our leggings collection to find the perfect pair for your riding lifestyle.

FAQs

Q1: How do I know which GSM is best for me?

• If you ride in all conditions, a 280 GSM fabric will offer the best balance. For cooler weather, go for 320+ GSM options; however lots of riders that want compression prefer the Horzehoods heavyweight option all year round. 

Q2: Can I wear leggings for both riding and daily use?

• Absolutely! Look for leggings with durable fabrics, breathable panels, and comfort waistbands. Shop our No-Grip option for use during all other sporting activities from gym, dog walks, yoga, bike rides, hiking and more. 

Q3: What makes Horzehoods leggings unique?

• Our leggings feature high-quality fabrics, innovative grip designs, and thoughtful construction, ensuring performance and comfort for riders of all levels.