Horse riding is great fun, but it can be difficult trying to accumulate all the right equipment and clothing to make your riding not just enjoyable, but comfortable and safe.
Many people will spend a lot of time looking for the perfect riding boots or hat to help protect them and keep them riding in comfort. However, one piece of riding clothing that gets commonly overlooked is riding pants.
Avid or professional riders will wear jodhpurs or breeches when riding as these offer the most flexibility and comfort which is ideal for jumping or racing.
However, for the more casual rider or someone who likes to partake in horseback riding, you may not want to splash the cash on more professional riding gear and want something that you could also wear day-to-day alongside your riding.
One of the best solutions for this is to find a great pair of horse riding jeans that’ll be comfortable to ride around in all day but also suitable for hitting the grocery store after returning from the stables.
To help you find your new pair, we’ve gathered a list of the best horse riding jeans around for both men and women, so keep on reading to discover what will work best for you.
Best Horse Riding Jeans (Men’s Jeans)
Wrangler Men’s Cowboy Cut Original Fit Jean
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Our top pick for the best men’s horse riding jeans is this pair of Wrangler’s Men’s Cowboy Original Fit Jean that is made up of 100% cotton to ensure good durability no matter how much you ride whilst also being flexible and comfortable.
They are designed to be a functional fit for riders so you can stack them over your riding boots without them being uncomfortable. The jeans come with felled seams to prevent chafing for long days in the saddle.
This pair is available in attractive colors/wash including vivid indigo if you’d prefer to hide the sight of dirt and stains or riding or antique wash if you’re someone who prefers lighter wash jeans.
They come equipped with lots of belt loops so if they’re slightly too big around your waist then you’ll be able to get the correct fit with your favorite belt. They even come with 5 various pockets throughout the design, so you’ll always have somewhere to keep your keys or even a wallet when you’re far away from the stables.
This pair of Wrangler’s jeans will have you looking like an authentic cowboy whether you’re out in the saddle, mucking out the stables, or even just looking for a timeless pair of jeans.
Pros
- Felled seams – Prevents chafing when in the saddle
- 100% cotton – Good flexibility and breathability
- Lots of belt loops – Get the perfect fit with a belt if necessary
Cons
- The cotton material will show wrinkles – May need to iron them each time
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Ariat M4 Low Rise Boot Cut Jeans – Men’s Relaxed Fit Denim
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These boot-cut jeans from Ariat are also another great option for male riders due to their stackable design that’s easy to wear with riding boots. They’re also designed with no-rub comfort inseams that prevent abrasion against the skin, so you’ll experience maximum comfort when in the saddle with no irritation or rashes.
They’re made up of 100% premium blend cotton for excellent durability that is made to last regardless of how much you ride.
This pair of Ariat jeans are a low-rise fit, so it would be recommended to wear a belt with them to ensure they slip down when riding on your horse.
They come in 9 different washes, so if you’re picky about what wash of jeans they like, then you’ll be able to find one that is to your taste. The 9 different washes are also ideal if you find yourself loving your first pair of these jeans and want to buy additional pairs for either riding or day-to-day wear.
You may need to wash this pair a few times before wearing them, as there have been some experiences of blue staining coming off after washing them a couple of times.
Pros
- Variety of washes to choose from – Suits all styles
- Boot cut design – Good for wearing with cowboy or riding boots
- 100% premium cotton – Provides amazing durability
Cons
- Blue stain can come off – Will need to be washed a few times before wearing them
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Wrangler Men’s Premium Performance Cowboy Cut Regular Fit Jean
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These Wrangler Premium Fit jeans are implemented with the classic cowboy cut design that makes it easy to stack over your favorite pair of boots.
The timeless western design will maintain its look regardless of how much wear you get out of them and won’t lose their quality or wash after multiple times in the washer as some other jeans do.
They have a regular fit throughout the waist, seat, and thigh for good comfortability but also functionality when you’re riding in the saddle.
The pockets are designed with copper rivets to ensure long-lasting durability no matter how much wear and tear your cowboy jeans should get. Despite being so durable, these jeans also offer good breathability to keep you cool even during the hottest of days.
There’s plenty of color washes to choose from including a black wash for a more sophisticated look or a bleach wash for a vintage cowboy look.
Pros
- Regular fit jean – Ensures good comfort and functionality
- Maintains quality and color – Won’t have to worry about washing/drying carefully
- Breathable cotton – Ideal for wearing during hot summer months
Cons
- Sizes are a bit off – May need to size down or up
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Dickies Men’s Regular-Fit 5-Pocket Jean
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Dickies made its name for selling workwear to people working on farms and ranches back in the 1920s so it’s no wonder a pair of their jeans have found a way on their list as they’re made for working in the stables and riding in the saddle.
These Dickies jeans are equipped with deep front and back pockets as well as a coin pocket that makes it easy to store essential items when you’re out in the saddle all day without needing to bring bags with you.
They’re built with 100% heavyweight cotton for long-lasting comfort and reliable durability to withstand the test of time.
The Regular Fit jeans from Dickies are available in 3 classic washes – indigo blue, stonewashed indigo blue, and indigo blue rigid to help you achieve that traditional western look.
The implemented 7 keystone belt loops will ensure no bunching if you need to wear a belt to help tighten these jeans for a perfect fit.
Pros
- Built with lots of pockets – Keep essential items on you at all times
- 3 classic washes available – Will suit a variety of tastes
- Made of 100% cotton – Offers good durability
Cons
- Warmer than most jeans – May not be suitable during the summer months
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Cinch Men’s Dooley Relaxed-Fit Jean
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Our final recommendation for the best riding jeans for men is this pair of Cinch Dooley Relaxed Fit jeans that come in a mid-rise fit for good functionality and comfort when riding.
The bootcut design is ideal for being able to stack with your cowboy or riding boots and also offers that authentic western look. The jean fit is fashionable yet still functional for riding so will allow you to wear them for an everyday look whilst also being suitable for horse riding.
The Cinch jeans are available in predominantly lighter washes including the dark stonewash which is still quite light compared to other jeans we’ve come across. So if you were looking for jeans that won’t easily show stains or dirt then these might not be the pair for you.
They’re made up of 100% cotton so will be comfortable enough for all-day wear but will also be able to withstand wear and tear so should last you for years to come.
Pros
- Relaxed fit – Fashionable yet functional so good for versatile wear
- 100% cotton design – Comfortable for all-day wear
- Boot cut design – Ideal for wearing with cowboy or riding boots
Cons
- Only lighter washes available – Will show more stains and dirt
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Best Horse Riding Jeans (Women’s Jeans)
WallFlower Women’s Instastretch Luscious Curvy Bootcut Jeans
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Our top pick for the best horse riding jean for women is this pair of curvy bootcut jeans from WallFlower that is available in both standard and plus sizes to suit a whole range of women.
The design is made up of 80% cotton, 19% polyester, and 1% to ensure the most comfortable yet functional fit. The stretchy yet durable material will hug and sculpt the curves on your body whilst also making it incredibly comfortable to climb on and off your house and carry out all stable tasks without feeling constricted.
The contoured waistband will also hug your hips without chafing your skin to prevent gapping and to make it more comfortable to ride without trying to pull your jeans up.
The bootcut design is ideal for horse riding, making it easy to tuck the jeans into the boots or cover them up for a more seamless look.
They’re available in a multitude of washes to suit any sort of style preference, making them suitable for both daywear and riding wear.
Pros
- Contoured waistband – Prevents gapping as riding
- Multiple colors available – Offers versatile styling
- Stretchy material – Ensures comfort and flexibility when riding
Cons
- Doesn’t cater to smaller waists – Hourglass figures will have some gapping
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Signature by Levi Strauss & Co. Gold Label Women’s Shaping Bootcut Jeans
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These Signature jeans by Levis are great for a fashionable yet functional look for any rider who wants a tight fit through the hip and thigh but bootcut bottoms to make way for their classic cowboy boots.
They’re a snug fit that doesn’t lose its shape, even when they’ve been through the washer a dozen times. The super stretch design lasts from day to night and will allow you to carry out all your riding needs whether that’s jumping, racing, or casual horseback riding whilst being able to feel comfortable.
The Signatures are available in a light to dark wash depending on your style but still have that vintage worn look to them for that classic western style.
The jeans are available in short, medium, and long lengths so will suit petite women to even those over 5’8” so make sure to check out the size chart to see what is recommended for your height. The size chart also gives good accurate measurements to help you find your size based on your hips and waist to ensure your Levi Signatures fit perfectly.
Pros
- Helpful size chart available – Find your perfect fit
- Super stretch design – Offers amazing flexibility and comfort when riding
- Mid-rise design – No worrying about your pants falling down
Cons
- More of a jegging material rather than jean – May not be to everyone’s preference
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ARIAT Women’s R.E.A.L. Mid Rise Bootcut
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We know how frustrating it is to find a good pair of jeans that don’t gap at the waist when riding, and that’s why we love this pair from Ariat as they don’t gap or stretch anywhere within the design regardless of how much wear you get out of them. However, washing with cold water is recommended to retain the fabric’s strength and structure.
The slim-fitting thigh with boot cut design and stretch design makes them a good functional choice for riding as you’ll be able to wear your riding boots comfortably with them.
They’re implemented with the classic western look with the back pocket design and are available in 4 slightly different shades of washes in an ombre style fade down the leg that will help you look like the cowgirl that you are.
Whether you’re short or very tall, then you’ll be able to find the perfect size jeans for you by scanning and using the size chart provided.
Pros
- Secure mid-rise fit – No gapping when riding
- Boot cut design – Fashionable and functional
- Stretchy design – Provides a more comfortable fit for curves
Cons
- Looser than what they look in the pictures – May not be the fit desired
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Wrangler Women’s Aura Instantly Slimming Mid Rise Boot Cut Jean
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If you’re extremely fussy when it comes to picking out jeans and are quite specific with what wash of jeans you like, then we are sure you’ll find something from the wide selection of washes in the Wrangler Aura style.
They’re made up of 61% cotton, 23% rayon, 15% polyester and 1% spandex to provide a fit that’s both comfortable, flexible, and breathable for women whilst they ride.
The mid-rise design is fitted with a no-gap waistband for full coverage and comfort, even during intense riding sessions in the saddle.
They’re equipped with a full-flex knee for unrestricted movement and added range of motion, great for climbing on and off your horse comfortably.
Whether you’ll wear them to stroll downtown or only when in the saddle, these bootcut jeans will look amazing with both sneakers for a casual day-to-day look or cowboy boots for your riding sessions.
Pros
- No-gap waistband – Full coverage when riding
- Full flex-knee – Unrestricted movement
- Huge choice of colors – Something for everyone
Cons
- Sizing is a bit off – May need to size up
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Rock and Roll Cowgirl Women’s Jeans in Dark Vintage
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If you’re looking to go full-on cowgirl, barn dances, and rope swinging included, then you’ll need to grab a pair of these jeans from Rock and Roll Cowgirl.
They’re designed with wide bootcut bottoms to ensure plenty of room for your star-of-the-show cowboy boots and also have a good amount of stretch in them for good functionality when on your horse.
These jeans were built to be durable enough to endure long days at work so they’ll be more than capable of getting you through the next few years of your riding. The 73% cotton, 25% polyester, and 1% spandex design will ensure maximum comfort when riding but also offer good breathability so you can keep cool during the warmer months.
They are a low-rise fit that sits on the hips so those who prefer mid-rise or high-rise may feel more secure wearing a belt to provide full coverage.
Pros
- Durable for all-day work – Will withstand wear and tear of riding
- Perfect western-style, – Great for riding, dancing, or casual wear
- Stretch-cotton denim – Good flexibility within the leg for functionality
Cons
- Sizing is difficult to navigate – No size chart available
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Buyers Guide
Size
One of the main things you’ll need to consider when buying jeans for horse riding is that you get the perfect size that will be comfortable for when you’re on your horse.
Unless you plan on wearing a good belt, then we wouldn’t recommend getting a size too big otherwise you’ll spend the majority of your time riding being paranoid, and holding your pants up.
However, this doesn’t mean you’ll need to buy a size too small to ensure they won’t move from your body at all as this may be way too restrictive and prevent you from moving up and down easily as you’re riding or even make it more difficult for you to climb on to the horse.
Jean sizes vary drastically from brand to brand, so your usual size in your favorite pair of everyday jeans may not be the same fit as the horse riding jeans you’re planning to buy. Most riding jeans will come with a sizing chart image that will show measurements for each size. We’d recommend getting a tape measure and measuring up your waist, hip, and leg length so you can find the perfect size for you.
Remember to get the leg length measurements correct, or you could end up with jeans that are brushing against the floor which you’ll find makes it more difficult for you to ride and they’ll also get dirtier quicker.
Material
You may be thinking, surely all jean material is the same? But it’s not and some are also less comfortable than others which can make it a right pain (no pun intended) when you’re out riding.
Some key materials to look for when buying your riding jeans are polyester, cotton, and spandex as these will prove to be the most comfortable and flexible for you but also be reliable and durable so they won’t rip within the first time you wear them.
Cheap or poor material can rub on your skin and irritate and even cause a rash when you begin to warm up and sweat whilst you’re on the horse.
Style
You’ll most commonly see any horse rider wearing tight-fitted pants like jodhpurs, breeches, leggings, yoga pants, or slim-fit jeans. These are the most comfortable and they also won’t move around and you cause your irritation as you’re moving on the horse, and they also won’t get stuck in any of the riding equipment.
As for jeans, we’d recommend going for a boot cut style as you’ll be able to wear your riding boots comfortably but they’re also not too loose that excess material will rub against your skin.
Ideally, you’ll avoid buying baggy or wide-leg jeans that are prone to bunching up as you’re moving up and down on the horse as they won’t protect you from any friction from when you’re moving. Not only this but looser or baggier jeans are more likely to catch on some of the riding gear which could cause an injury to your or the horse.
Waist
You’ll need to consider what rise on the jeans you want. If you’re not familiar with this term, the rise is the distance between the waistband and the crotch and refers to how the jeans will sit on you.
Low rise jeans are generally avoided in horse riding as they sit very low or below the hips (we’re talking early 2000s style) and they don’t offer much coverage for when you’re on the horse and will often cause people to spend the majority of the time pulling them up trying to prevent exposing themselves.
Mid-rise to high-rise jeans are preferred by riders as they offer good coverage so they won’t have to worry about pulling them up when riding but they’re also quite comfortable
Wash
Another minor thing to consider when choosing your riding jeans is the wash of jeans you’d like. Whilst this may predominantly come down to style in the end, there are some benefits and cons to certain types of washes.
Darker wash jeans or even black jeans are ideal for hiding dirt better, so if you’re planning on going out and about after riding then you’ll probably be able to get away with it more so if you choose darker wash jeans.
They also help to make the body look slimmer than it is, so if you are a bit body conscious then darker wash jeans may help you feel more confident when out on the horse. However, darker wash or black jeans will absorb heat so may not be the best option during the peak of summer.
Light wash jeans are not the go-to choice for riders as they easily show dirt and will require more frequent washing. However, as they’re light they don’t absorb as much heat as darker wash jeans so would be a good candidate for summer riding to keep you cooler.
Mid-wash jeans are a happy medium for horse riders who want something that will hide the dirt and stains accumulated during riding, but also not absorb as much heat so you can wear them all year round.
Brand
When it comes to picking a good pair of riding jeans, the brand is not one of the most important factors but will be a useful one when searching for a reliable pair of jeans.
Often brands like Levi or Wrangler are commonly preferred by riders as they’re made of long-lasting materials but also super comfortable. However, there are some less known brands out there that produce some quality jeans that are ideal for horse riding also.
Don’t judge a pair of jeans by the brand but also maybe do some research into the brand of riding jeans you intend to buy to see if it is reliable and comfortable.
Price
Popular brands like Wrangler and Levis will charge higher prices for their jeans mainly because they know people will still buy them as they’re so well known. However, if you’re looking to stick to a budget then lesser-known brands will offer some inexpensive pairs of riding jeans that will still be good quality.
If you’re an avid rider then it may be worth spending a bit more money on your riding jeans as you know you’ll get the best wear out of them. However, if you’re just starting riding as a hobby, or maybe you only go once a month, then it might not be worth splashing out on riding jeans just for them to spend a large portion of time sitting in your dresser.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Do Horse Riders Wear Jeans?
Jeans are a more affordable riding pant option compared to jodhpurs and they’re quite comfortable as well. You’ll most likely see horseback riders wearing jeans then regular horse riders wearing jodhpurs.
What Pants Do Horse Riders Wear?
Normally most horse riders will wear breeches or jodhpurs as there won’t be any loose material that could catch in the saddle or the rest of the riding equipment. If riders don’t have any jodhpurs at the time then you’ll also see them wearing a comfortable pair of jeans when out riding their horse.
Can You Wear Sneakers While Horseback Riding?
Sneakers are not recommended for horseback riding whatsoever as they don’t offer protection for the foot and the laces are often prone to get tangled or snagged in the tack as you’re riding. Not only this but most sneakers also don’t possess the required heel that keeps your feet in place within the stirrups like riding boots, rain boots, or even hiking boots.
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