Best Mid-Range Breeches ($70-$150)
1. Ariat Heritage Elite Knee Patch Breeches (~$95)
My personal favorite in this category and the breeches I reach for most often.
What You Get:
- AriatTEK fabric (4-way stretch, moisture-wicking)
- Compressive fit that’s flattering without being restrictive
- Core Schooler styling (traditional look)
- Machine washable
The Reality: These perform like breeches that cost $50 more. After six months of riding 5 days a week, mine still look new—no pilling, no stretched-out knees, no fading. The fabric is noticeably better quality than budget options: smoother, more breathable, better stretch recovery.
The knee patches provide excellent grip without being sticky. They’re comfortable enough for 3-hour barn days but look polished enough for schooling shows.
Sizing: True to size. I’m typically a 28 and the 28 fits perfectly.
Best For: Regular riders, schooling, local shows
Shop Ariat Heritage Elite at SmartPak →
2. RJ Classics Gulf Breeches (~$95)
A favorite among hunter/jumper riders for good reason.
What You Get:
- Euro seat styling (flattering fit)
- Euroseat silicone grip
- Classic look that works for showing
- Multiple color options
- Excellent quality control
The Reality: RJ Classics has built a reputation in the hunter/jumper community for consistent quality. These breeches hit the sweet spot between performance and price. The fabric is smooth, stretchy, and holds its shape well. The Euroseat design is particularly flattering and provides good grip without full-seat bulk.
I’ve worn these for both schooling and showing—they’re versatile enough for both. After a year of regular use, they still look show-ring ready.
The Standout Feature: The rise is perfect for most body types—not too high, not too low. Many riders say these are the most comfortable breeches they own.
Sizing: True to size, possibly slightly generous.
Best For: Riders wanting show-quality breeches at mid-range pricing, hunters
Shop RJ Classics at Dover Saddlery →
3. SmartPak Piper Knee Patch Breeches (~$120)
SmartPak’s in-house brand punches above its price point.
What You Get:
- Incredibly soft technical fabric
- Tons of color options
- Modern fit (not too high, not too low)
- Convenient front pockets
The Reality: These are what I recommend to riders who want something nicer than budget breeches but aren’t ready for the $200+ category. The fabric quality is excellent—soft, stretchy, and durable. I’ve put these through rigorous testing and they hold up beautifully.
The Catch: The pockets can cause a slight visible line under show shirts, so I save these for schooling rather than showing.
Best For: Everyday riding, riders who want great quality without the premium price
Shop SmartPak Piper Breeches →
4. Pikeur Lucinda Grip Breeches (~$140)
Entry point into the premium Pikeur brand.
What You Get:
- Full Grip silicone seat (not just knee patches)
- Premium fabric with excellent recovery
- European fit and quality
- Distinctive styling
The Reality: These feel noticeably more premium than other options at this price. The full-seat grip is excellent for jumpers—you really feel locked in. The fabric is top-tier: it breathes well, wicks moisture, and maintains its shape ride after ride.
Sizing Note: Pikeur runs small and long. Size up and possibly hem.
Best For: Jumper riders, anyone wanting premium quality at mid-range pricing
Check Pikeur at Dover Saddlery →
Mid-Range Winner: Ariat Heritage Elite
Best overall value for most riders.
Mid-Range Runner-Up: RJ Classics Gulf
Best for showing and hunters specifically.
Best Premium Breeches ($150+)
Premium breeches aren’t just about the brand name—you’re paying for superior fabric, better construction, and features that make a difference when you’re in the saddle for hours. Here’s when they’re worth it.
1. Pikeur Candela Grip Breeches (~$220)
The gold standard in the hunter/jumper world.
What You Get:
- Pikeur’s premium 4-way stretch fabric
- Full seat grip technology
- Compression fit that’s supportive without being tight
- Impeccable construction
- Multiple rise options
The Reality: After two years of weekly use, my Pikeur Candelas still look and feel like new. The fabric hasn’t pilled, faded, or lost its stretch. That’s the difference between premium and mid-range: longevity.
These fit like they were custom-made. The compression is perfect—supportive enough to feel secure, comfortable enough to wear all day. The full-seat grip keeps you planted in the saddle through tough courses.
The Math: At $220, they’re expensive upfront. But if they last 3-4 years while budget breeches last one season, you’re actually saving money.
Sizing: Definitely size up. Pikeur runs small.
Best For: Serious competitors, riders who ride daily, anyone who wants breeches that last
Shop Pikeur Candela at Dover Saddlery →
2. Cavalleria Toscana Grip System Breeches (~$240)
Italian luxury meets cutting-edge performance.
What You Get:
- CT’s innovative Grip System technology
- Premium Italian technical fabric
- Fashion-forward, distinctive styling
- Perforated details for breathability
- Logo detailing that’s subtle but recognizable
The Reality: Cavalleria Toscana has become the “it” brand in competitive hunter/jumper circles, and for good reason. These breeches look like nothing else in your tack trunk—sleek, modern, European. The Grip System uses strategically placed silicone that actually works better than traditional full-seat for many riders.
The fabric is exceptional: incredibly soft, moisture-wicking, and maintains compression without feeling restrictive. These are the breeches I see most often in Grand Prix warm-up rings.
The Style Factor: You’re paying partially for the CT aesthetic. If you want to look current and polished in the show ring, these deliver. The perforated detailing and modern cuts set them apart from traditional breeches.
The Consideration: If you’re purely focused on function over fashion, Pikeur offers similar performance for $20-30 less. But if you care about looking contemporary and distinctive, CT is worth the investment.
Sizing: Runs true to size, possibly slightly small. Check their size chart carefully.
Best For: Fashion-conscious competitors, rated shows, riders who want statement pieces, Instagram-worthy tack room aesthetics
Shop Cavalleria Toscana at SmartPak →
3. Horse Pilot X-Pure III Breeches (~$200)
French innovation meets rider-focused design.
What You Get:
- Technical fabric developed specifically for equestrian performance
- Preformed anatomical design (fits the riding position)
- Strategic mesh panels for ventilation
- Signature Horse Pilot styling
- Exceptional grip technology
The Reality: Horse Pilot approaches breeches like sportswear engineering, and it shows. The X-Pure III are designed around how your body actually moves while riding—the fabric stretches where you need it, provides support where you need it, and ventilates in high-heat zones.
The preformed design means these fit differently than traditional breeches. They’re cut to conform to riding position, so they feel slightly unusual when standing but perfect when mounted. The mesh panels at the calves and behind the knees make a noticeable difference in summer riding.
The Standout: These are the most breathable premium breeches I’ve tested. If you ride in hot climates or compete in summer, the ventilation technology is game-changing.
The Learning Curve: The anatomical fit takes a ride or two to get used to. Once you adapt, you’ll notice how much more comfortable they are than traditional cuts.
Sizing: European sizing. Consult their detailed size chart and consider sizing up if between sizes.
Best For: Summer competition, riders in hot climates, jumpers who want technical performance, riders dealing with heat sensitivity
Check Horse Pilot at SmartPak →
4. RJ Classics Prestige Breeches (~$165)
Premium quality at a more accessible price point.
What You Get:
- RJ’s highest-quality fabric
- Euroseat design (incredibly flattering)
- Show-ring appropriate styling
- Excellent construction
- Classic, timeless look
The Reality: These are what I recommend to riders who want premium breeches but balk at $250 price tags. RJ Classics Prestige line offers quality that rivals European brands at a better price point.
The fabric is superior to their Gulf line—noticeably softer, better stretch recovery, more durable. The Euroseat design is particularly flattering and provides subtle grip. These look expensive without screaming logos or trendy details, which some riders prefer.
The Pro: Classic styling means these never go out of fashion. They’ll look appropriate in the show ring for years.
The Con: Less technical features than Horse Pilot or CT. These are traditional premium breeches done extremely well, but without the innovation of newer brands.
Sizing: True to size, generous fit.
Best For: Hunters (especially adult amateurs), riders wanting timeless style, those who prefer American brands
Shop RJ Classics Prestige at Dover Saddlery →
5. Cavalleria Toscana New Grip System Perforated Breeches (~$260)
CT’s summer performance line.
What You Get:
- All the CT Grip System benefits
- Strategic perforation for maximum breathability
- Premium fabric with UV protection
- Show-ring appropriate despite perforations
- Distinctive CT styling
The Reality: If you compete in summer or live in hot climates, these are worth the premium over standard CT breeches. The perforations actually work—I’ve done back-to-back rides in regular breeches and these, and the temperature difference is noticeable.
The perforation pattern is subtle enough for the show ring but functional enough to matter. The UV protection in the fabric also helps prevent fading, which is important at this price point.
Best For: Summer showing, hot climates, riders who prioritize breathability, competitive riders wanting premium summer breeches
Premium Winner: Pikeur Candela Grip
Best overall premium breech—proven durability and performance.
Premium Innovation Award: Horse Pilot X-Pure III
Most technically advanced design, best for hot weather.
Premium Style Award: Cavalleria Toscana Grip System
Best looking, most fashion-forward, show ring standout.
Premium Value: RJ Classics Prestige
Premium quality without the European price tag.
Quick Comparison: Best Breeches by Budget
(Updated table)
| Price Range | Best Pick | Why We Love It | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under $70 | Horze Active Silicone | Solid performance, multiple colors | Beginners, casual riders |
| $70-$100 | RJ Classics Gulf | Show-quality at mid-range price | Hunters, showing |
| $100-$150 | Ariat Heritage Elite | Perfect balance of quality and price | Regular riders, schooling |
| $150-$200 | Horse Pilot X-Pure III | Technical innovation, summer performance | Hot climate riders, jumpers |
| $200+ | Pikeur Candela / CT Grip | Premium quality that lasts | Serious competitors, daily riders |
Brand Breakdown: What You’re Really Paying For
Pikeur (German)
- Philosophy: Traditional premium quality, proven over decades
- Strengths: Durability, consistent sizing, fabric quality
- Price: $140-$250
- Best for: Riders wanting proven performance and longevity
Cavalleria Toscana (Italian)
- Philosophy: Fashion-forward technical riding wear
- Strengths: Distinctive style, innovative design, breathability
- Price: $200-$280
- Best for: Style-conscious competitors, riders wanting current aesthetics
Horse Pilot (French)
- Philosophy: Technical sportswear engineering for equestrians
- Strengths: Innovation, ventilation, anatomical design
- Price: $180-$250
- Best for: Technical riders, hot climates, jumpers
RJ Classics (American)
- Philosophy: Classic hunter/jumper style, reliable quality
- Strengths: Flattering fit, show-appropriate, good value
- Price: $95-$180
- Best for: Hunters, traditional style preferences, American sizing
Ariat (American)
- Philosophy: Performance at accessible prices
- Strengths: Best value, reliable quality, widely available
- Price: $80-$120
- Best for: Regular riders wanting quality without premium prices
When to Choose Each Brand
Choose Pikeur if:
- ✅ You want breeches that last 3+ years
- ✅ You ride daily or compete regularly
- ✅ You prefer proven, traditional quality
- ✅ You don’t mind sizing challenges for superior fabric
Choose Cavalleria Toscana if:
- ✅ Style matters as much as function
- ✅ You compete at rated shows
- ✅ You want to look current and distinctive
- ✅ You follow equestrian fashion trends
Choose Horse Pilot if:
- ✅ You ride in hot climates
- ✅ You want the most technical design
- ✅ Breathability is a priority
- ✅ You appreciate innovation over tradition
Choose RJ Classics if:
- ✅ You ride hunters primarily
- ✅ You want show-quality at better prices
- ✅ You prefer classic, timeless styling
- ✅ You like American brands and sizing
Choose Ariat if:
- ✅ Budget is a consideration
- ✅ You want reliable performance without premium prices
- ✅ You ride 3-5 times per week
- ✅ You prefer widely available brands with easy returns
Final Recommendations
(Updated with new brands)
Best Budget Pick: Horze Active Silicone ($60)
Solid performance without the premium price.
Best Mid-Range Overall: Ariat Heritage Elite ($95)
Best value for most riders.
Best Mid-Range for Showing: RJ Classics Gulf ($95)
Show-quality at an accessible price.
Best Premium Traditional: Pikeur Candela Grip ($220)
Proven quality and durability.
Best Premium Technical: Horse Pilot X-Pure III ($200)
Most innovative design, best for summer.
Best Premium Fashion: Cavalleria Toscana Grip System ($240)
Show ring standout, modern aesthetic.
Best Premium Value: RJ Classics Prestige ($165)
Premium quality without European pricing.
Best Full Seat: Pikeur Lucinda Grip ($140)
Excellent grip at mid-premium pricing.
Best Summer Breeches: Horse Pilot X-Pure III or CT Perforated
Technical ventilation that actually works.
Brand-Specific Sizing Notes:
(Added section)
Pikeur:
- Runs small (size up)
- Runs long (may need hemming)
- European sizing
- Worth the sizing challenge for fabric quality
Cavalleria Toscana:
- True to size or slightly small
- European sizing
- Check size chart carefully
- Modern, athletic cut
Horse Pilot:
- European sizing
- Anatomical fit (different from traditional)
- Size up if between sizes
- Check detailed size chart
RJ Classics:
- True to size
- Generous, flattering fit
- American sizing
- Consistent across their line
Ariat:
- True to size
- American sizing
- Consistent and reliable
- Easy returns if sizing is off
Ready to upgrade your riding wardrobe?
Browse the full selection of breeches at SmartPak → | Dover Saddlery → | Riding Warehouse →