So you need a Summer Riding Tight? Let's get this straight, not all equestrian tights are made equally. Understanding a standard riding tight versus a riding tight engineered for hot conditions and offers technical performance advantages makes finding a true summer riding tight challenging. What should you be looking for in a summer horse riding legging?

5 Key Attributes to Look for in Summer Horse Riding Tights

1) Cooling and Moisture Wicking Fabric Technology

Fabric technologies have really advanced over the last decade. Fabrics can now wick away sweat and offer cooling, it may sound like a midsummer night dream but it's true. When finding a summer riding tight that has cooling and high-wicking technology it's important to understand a fabric weave or application that has been tested versus marketing claims.

At Kerrits, we use two different cooling fabric technologies: Coolcore® and Ice Fil®. Both fabrics come registered and offer accredited lab testing by the fabric manufacturer.

Coolcore® is the newest high-performance moisture-wicking cooling fabric technology.

Kerrits is the first equestrian performance brand to offer Coolcore® in equestrian tights.

1. Coolcore® fabric uses 360° Moisture Movement Technology. Naturally engineered into the fibers to help regulate body temp by efficiently moving moisture away from the body, distributing it quickly throughout the garment. As the moisture spreads throughout the garment, it will dry much faster, keeping riders cool and comfortable.

2. Ice Fil® fabric converts sweat to refrigerant; to keep you cool and comfortable.

2) UPF Sun Protection

Did you know that powerful sun rays can go through fabric? Although most fabrics can block some UV light from penetrating the skin, it's important to choose a summer riding tight that offers UPF 50+ sun protection.

Why? Sun safety is important, as equestrians we spend a lot of time in the sun which poses the risk of skin damage and even worse various skin cancers. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, "current estimates are that one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime." As riders, we may not be able to avoid the sun completely but the best preventative is coverage and finding technical fabrics that offer UPF-rated protection.

What is UPF? UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor. UPF rating for clothing is a measure of how much UV radiation can come in contact with the skin through fabric. The Skin Cancer Foundation states that UPF 30-49 is very good for a product, while UPF 50+ is considered excellent.

Choosing the right fabric weave and material also impacts sun protection, for example, polyester and nylon offer more sun protection than natural fibers. Darker colors also reflect sun and offer more sun protection.

If you're planning on riding in the summer and in the sun, finding a riding tight with UPF 50+ protection is critical.

3) Breathability

Breathable Riding Tights are key for summer riding. What makes a horse riding tight breathable?

There are multiple components to breathability in active clothing:

2. Fabric Construction: The weave of the fabric can make a big impact on breathability. In general, knits are more breathable than woven fabrics. Breeches are typically designed with a woven construction making riding tights a better summer pick since they typically use a knit fabric. Also, tighter-knit construction is less breathable than loose-knit construction.

2. Weight of the Fabric: The weight of a fabric can play a large role in whether a riding tight will be breathable or not. You can look in the product description for terms like "lightweight," but generally it will be best to try-on the riding tight to really get a sense of the weight. Reading product reviews will help you gauge if a riding tight is a dense fabric or leans to feeling lightweight.

3. The Grip: The material used for a knee patch or full seat grip can be one of the most influential factors to a riding tights ability to feel breathable. Many different materials can be used for the grip of a riding tight, the least breathable material would be leather. Silicone is a popular grip material used for summer equestrian tights, just make sure it is placed strategically so that it has space between the silicone on the material, the space is what allows for breathability.

One of the most breathable grip technologies we offer is the Kerrit Sticks™ Silicone grip. It is deliberately placed for an equal ratio of stretch and breathability.

4. Moisture Management: Lightweight, breathable fabrics help minimize sweat, but moisture-wicking and quick-drying materials such as Coolcore® go beyond by utilizing the body's natural cooling process to evaporate moisture from the skin.

4) Flat, No Chafe Seams

When it's hot the last thing a rider wants is chafing. Make sure the riding tight you choose has no inner leg seams. Seams up the inner leg can cause rubbing and with excessive summer heat rubbing can turn into burns and rashes. Flat seams ensure there isn't extra texture that will either get caught on something at the barn or rub you in places.

• Flat, no-chafe seams stretch and move with you; thoughtfully placed for in-saddle comfort and performance

5) Stretch

Fabric stretch is not all the same. If you are shopping for the best summer riding tight, four-way stretch is needed.

What is four-way stretch?

• Four-way stretch in fabric refers to the material's ability to stretch and recover in both the lengthwise (vertical) and widthwise (horizontal) directions, providing maximum flexibility and comfort.

Why is four-way stretch important for equestrian pants and riders:

• Comfort and Mobility: Stretch helps riders mount, dismount, and maintain the ideal jumping or in-saddle position.
• Improved Fit: Stretch helps a riding tight have a more custom fit, a better fit ensures there won't be chafing as well.
• Versatility: Stretch materials can be used in various types of athletic apparel, from leggings and tops to sports bras and swimsuits, making them a versatile choice for different sports and activities.
• Muscle Support: Some stretch fabrics provide compression, which can help support muscles, improve circulation, and reduce muscle fatigue. This support can enhance performance and aid in recovery.
• Durability: Stretch fabrics are often more resilient, maintaining their shape and fit even after repeated use and washing. This durability makes them a practical choice for athletic wear.

When choosing the perfect summer horse riding tights make sure you consider these 5 key features:

1) Cooling and Moisture Wicking Fabric Technology

2) UPF Sun Protection

3) Breathability

4) Flat, No Chafe Seams

5) Four-Way Stretch

Summer riding is something all equestrians look forward to. The long summer hours mean more quality time with your horse, more time to be with horse friends, and sunsets on horseback. To maximize comfort make sure you invest in a summer riding tight that can perform in the heat, you won't be sorry. The more comfortable you are in and out of the saddle, the more quality time with your horse.