White Competition Breeches, Tights and Jodhpurs: The Ultimate Guide for Equestrians
- Loz
- 5 days ago
- 6 min read
Updated: 12 hours ago
Comparing Styles, Brands, and Solutions for Coverage and Comfort
When it comes to equestrian competitions, nothing beats the crisp, professional look of white riding breeches, tights, or jodhpurs. However, riders often face challenges with transparency, cellulite coverage, the dreaded VPL (Visible Panty Line) and fit—especially curvier athletes. In this guide, we’ll break down the differences between these popular styles, highlight the best options for coverage, and compare leading brands including Horzehoods, HorseGloss, BareEquestrian, Pikeur, Peter Williams and Sam Shield. Plus, we’ll spotlight brands with sizing and designs for curvier riders.
Understanding the Styles: Breeches, Tights & Jodhpurs
Breeches
Breeches are the classic choice for competitions, designed to end just above the ankle and typically paired with tall boots. They’re tailored for a snug, structured fit, often featuring reinforced knee patches or full seat grips. Generally, they will have a zip with button enclosure. Additionally, the fabric is usually thick and supportive, which can help mask underwear lines and smooth out cellulite. However, can create extra warmth, and friction, when riding due to the thickness and extra bulk of fabric in general.
Tights
Riding tights are a modern alternative, offering a more athletic, stretchy fit and pull-on waistband. While incredibly comfortable, some tights can be thin and prone to transparency—especially in white. Look for tights with thicker, double-layered materials for competitions, as these offer better coverage and support. Generally, they are more comfortable and slimline against the body and the most popular in modern riding (with advancements in fabric technology mainly seen in this space).
Jodhpurs
Jodhpurs are similar to breeches but are longer, ending at the ankle and often worn with paddock boots and straps under the foot (on the outside of footwear). They’re less common in formal competition, but some brands offer white jodhpurs designed for showing. The cut is slightly looser, which can be more forgiving, but material thickness is key to avoiding visible underwear or cellulite.
What to Look For: Underwear and Cellulite Coverage
White riding wear is notorious for showing everything underneath—seams, colours, and even textured skin. The best options use double-layered, high-density fabric with smoothing technology. Look for:
Thick, opaque fabric – Avoid thin or single-layered materials in white.
Seam placement – Flat seams or strategically placed stitching help minimise visible lines.
Compression panels – These smooth and support, helping mask cellulite and create a sleek silhouette.
High waists – Prevent dig-ins and offer tummy control.
Moisture-wicking – To keep you cool and comfortable all day.
Big tip: choose skin-toned or blush underwear to wear underneath. Wearing white or dark colours only shows up more! (Unless you are trying to distract the judge and fellow competitors?! lol) What type of underwear style is down to personal preference. However, I always choose seam free options to reduce friction, eliminate VPL, and increase comfort.
Brand Comparisons: The Best in White Competition Wear
Horzehoods are known for innovative fabrics with a focus on rider comfort and durability. Their white breeches and tights feature double-layered, high-density material that does well to prevent transparency. Sizing is inclusive and stretch is generous, making them a solid option for most body shapes.
HorseGloss offers premium white tights and breeches with a distinct focus on fashion and function. Their competition tights are made with thick, sculpting fabric and feature a "no-show" design to eliminate underwear lines. Riders praise their smoothing effect, which is ideal for masking cellulite, though fit may run snug so sizing up is sometimes recommended.
BareEquestrian has built a reputation for their super-comfortable tights, widely worn in both training and competitions. Their white tights have a double-layered seat and high waistband, providing coverage and smoothing where needed. The brand is especially loved by curvier riders for its generous sizing and flexible fit. The fabric is soft yet thick enough to provide confidence in the show ring.
Peter Williams is a longstanding Australian favourite, known for classic breeches and jodhpurs. Their competition whites are made with durable, heavy-weight cotton blends, which do a great job at hiding underwear lines and smoothing skin. The structured tailoring offers a polished look, though fit is more traditional and may not suit all body shapes.
Sam Shield is renowned for luxury equestrian apparel. Their white breeches use advanced stretch material with a second-skin feel, and feature design elements like silicone grip and flat seams. They excel at coverage due to their technical fabric but tend to be a more expensive investment. Fit is snug and tailored, so riders with curvier hips may need to size up or look for specific models designed for a wider range of figures.
Pikeur are renowned for their luxurious, hard-wearing breeches. They have an enormous range to suit a large variety of body shapes. They do come at a cost being at the high-end of brands in this space.
Free Ride Equestrian tights are designed for riders who value quality, comfort, and style while in the saddle or out and about. Crafted from high-quality, four-way stretch fabric, these tights provide a supportive yet flexible fit, ensuring unrestricted movement during every ride.
Brands for Curvier Riders
For riders with curves, finding white breeches or tights that fit comfortably and offer coverage is essential. Here are some standout brands and lines:
BareEquestrian – Their inclusive sizing and stretch fabric make them a go-to for curvier athletes. The high waistband stays in place and the double-layered seat adds confidence.
Free Ride Equestrian – The 4-way stretch fabric make them super comfortable and adapt to different shapes and sizes. With many different seat options and styles this helps provide further options for the most conscious rider.
Horzehoods – Offers extended sizing and extra stretch, with designs that flatter various body types.
HorseGloss – While sizing runs snug, their sculpting fabric and wide waistband offer good support for curves. Check their specific product lines for extended sizes.
Equestrian Stockholm – Not listed above but worth a mention, this brand offers inclusive sizing and thicker fabrics in white breeches and tights.
When shopping for white competition wear, always check sizing charts and read rider reviews—especially from those with similar body shapes. Consider trying multiple brands to find your perfect fit and coverage.
My Top Picks - as a Mature/Older, More Curvier Female Rider
I have tried and tested all the brands mentioned in this post, and here is my review and ranking of the products:
The both lighter and thicker fabric options in tights format is just second-to-none. I also love their different coloured seat options (which are Equestrian Australia approved for use). With comfort and coverage of cellulite being the best so far.
If I want extra bling or to stand out in a matchy-matchy competition or high-end clinic look, then these are beautiful, as they are so different to others on the market.
My favourite Australian branded tights. These are not as good for covering cellulite and underwear as the ones listed above here. But are awesome if you want to support the Australian market. I use their everyday riding tights for my own every day riding. Super comfortable and hard wearing.
Amazing comfort and coverage across breeches and tights options, however due to being International these take quite a bit of time to arrive.
For the price, you can get better, more comfortable, and streamlined fabrics in tights. Pikeur is a little less forgiving if you change shape and is costly if you have to change sizes.
Another Aussie branded competition wear. I found Peter Williams too bulky for my liking and got rubbing where I just didn't need or want it. I believe these are amazing for kids/showing competitions so don't necessarily rule them out. I also believe they are more tailored to Western riders. Good for the budget conscious!
I wanted to love Sam Shield but for the price and sizing I could not "get amongst it". You can buy better products for less. If you are a slight build and want luxury then these are definitely for you.
If I was to review other brands, this post would be ginormous, so am limiting it to key players that I know well. So, I am acknowledging that there might be other brands/products out there that might suit people too. I wanted to give people somewhere to start, regardless.
If in doubt, head into a horse clothing store and try a variety on to find your perfect fit. If you are around the Canberra region, we have a list of stores here.
Conclusion
Whether you choose breeches, tights or jodhpurs, the key to feeling confident in white is quality fabric and thoughtful design. Brands like Horzehoods, HorseGloss, BareEquestrian, Peter Williams, Pikeur, and Sam Shield each offer unique solutions, but for curvier riders, BareEquestrian and Horzehoods stand out for their inclusive fit and reliable coverage. Happy riding—may your whites stay flawless in the ring!
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