Leggings, Breggings, And Breeches, Oh My!

Covid has created more than a few lifestyle changes of late. One of the few I'm kind of enjoying is not having to dress for the office. We all joke about living in our pajamas this year, and while I do get dressed in the morning, it's usually just leggings and a t-shirt. 

Last year, it was one set of clothes for work, one for riding, one for the gym/hiking and one for normal person living. To be fair, there has always been some crossover between gym/exercise and riding, but my office clothes in particular never intersect with the rest of my life and my breeches have always been strictly for riding. 

This year, my home office trend of leggings and a t-shirt transitioned right over to lunch time walks and after work rides more often than not. I've got a few pairs of nice running leggings that don't sag or roll down, have a nice big phone pocket, don't require a belt, and are flattering and presentable if I have to run an errand or two.  I went through my closets the other day and realized my breeches and riding specific clothes got as much use as my show clothes last year (ie, none!) I've even got some ancient Kerrits tights that should fit the bill, but I find them unflattering on me and uncomfortable.

While I love how polished and professional a lot of you (and of course all of my instagram feed) look while you're riding, I'm just not there for it myself anymore. It seems like manufacturers have caught on and there a ton of different riding leggings/breggings options on the market now. I'm totally in for that trend! 

While I admittedly will probably keep riding in leggings, a little discreet silicone would be a bonus *cough*Sophie*cough* Not having a clue what I wanted beyond 'leggings with silicone', I ordered two very different types:

First up, I've tried the Shires Aubrion Porter Winter Legging.

Cost: ~$60

Pros: Fleece lined and SO soft and comfy. Literally like pajamas. There is some small branding on the hip and color on the ankle, but I think they pass for exercise leggings too. The silicone dots are pretty discreet and don't scream 'I ride horses!' Price point is very fair and I think they're flattering on.

Cons: At least on me, they get a little stretched by day's end. I probably could have gone a size down, but I think they just aren't the most expensive legging and so they do stretch a bit too much. While they are warmer than most leggings, they are in no way wind or water resistant and I wouldn't recommend them as 'warm' to anyone who gets a real winter. I'd also love for them to have a pocket. I'm 5'2" on a good day and the waist is very high and little prone to a little sagging/rolling by days end - if I was a person who wanted to tuck my shirt in I'd definitely be frustrated by that. Still, I guess the more unstructured feel is part of why they're so comfortable so I can't have it all.

Overall: I don't think these are going to last forever, but I wear them 3-4 times a week because they're just so comfortable and our winter climate is just perfect for them. For the price, they're comparable with a mid range non equestrian winter legging, so even if they just last me a season or two or are relegated to around the house, I'd be tempted to buy a new pair next year. I kind of love them for what they are.

Second up: PS Sweden Mathilde Technical Legging.

Cost ~$125. 

Pros: I got the navy color and it's gorgeous - a super dark blue that goes with anything. The fabric in general is super nice, stretchy but still providing structure, looking a lot more polished than a straight up legging. The silicone seat is perfect - I don't feel stuck but it's there. Big phone pocket on the thigh with silicone inside so your phone doesn't pop out - a nice compromise with having a pocket but not a cargo pant look :) As with many of these tights, there is a large brand on the thigh, but it's the same color as the fabric so only visible close up. These are super flattering and came highly recommended. I feel like there is good value for the money with these too, they're way nicer than others in the price range and more than nice enough for lessons - they have fake pockets that make them look like proper breeches. The waistband is higher but it's wide, which I appreciate - it stays put, doesn't roll down and is quite slimming plus there's no pulling it up all day. These tights definitely work with or without a belt.

Cons: Let's be real, they are still pricey as compared to straight up exercise leggings. If you're looking for something not obviously equestrian that could transition to the gym or grocery shopping these might not be your top choice, they're closer to a breech than a lot of options out there. They are a tiny bit long on me personally, but would be perfect on anyone of a normal height.

Overall: I absolutely love these ones, but could do without the fake back pocket detail and the belt loops. I will definitely be ordering a pair in black, though.

Wine color is nice tho too.

These are an excellent one to try if you're loving the look of breeches but want to try out a riding tight. I can see myself selling all my 'real' everyday breeches and just living in these when I want to look nice and continuing to use plain old running tights for everyday.

Anyone else have a favorite to recommend? I'd be totally in for some summer weight ones with a pocket, minimal branding, and a discreet silicone full seat :)