Let’s cut to the chase: I used to think riding breeches were riding breeches. Until I spent a wet Saturday at a regional dressage show, sliding around in a pair that cost nearly £100, only for the silicone grip to flake off by round two.
That wasn’t the last time I learned the hard way.
Over the last 12 years — coaching, competing, and managing gear for a small equestrian academy — I’ve tried just about every equestrian clothing brand the UK has to offer. Some impressed me. Some disappointed. A few actually surprised me.
And here’s what I’ve realised: the best riding clothes aren’t the ones with the flashiest logo. They’re the ones that stay put, breathe when you’re sweating, survive the wash, and don’t make you feel like you’re wearing a straitjacket.
So when I started hearing about Fexwear, I was skeptical. Another “performance brand” from another startup? Probably just more marketing.
But after trying their breeches, then their show shirts, then lending a jacket to a student for a winter hack — I started paying attention.
This isn’t a sales pitch. It’s a breakdown of the top 5 equestrian clothing manufacturers in the UK, based on what actually matters: fit, fabric, durability, ethics, and real rider experience. I’ll tell you what works, what doesn’t, and where each brand fits — including Fexwear, which I now wear more than I’d expected to.
What Makes Riding Clothes Actually Good?
You’d think this would be obvious. But it’s not.
Because riding isn’t like running or gym class. You’re not moving dynamically — you’re statically active. You need stability, but also flexibility. You need grip, but not so much it binds. And you need breathability — because nothing ruins a lesson like sweat pooling in places sweat shouldn’t be.
So what do I look for?
Fabric that behaves. Four-way stretch is non-negotiable. But so is recovery. If your breeches bag out after one ride, they’re junk. Moisture-wicking? Essential. I’ve worn breeches that felt like wet clingfilm by the end of a 45-minute lesson. Never again.
Fit that respects the body. High back, low front waistband — that’s basic. But too many brands still design for a size 8 model, not a real rider with hips, a stomach, or broad shoulders. And inner thigh seams? If they’re not flat or bonded, they’ll chafe. Guaranteed.
Durability that lasts. I’ve seen grip patterns peel after three washes. Zippers fail. Stitching unravel at the crotch. That’s not just annoying — it’s expensive.
And now, sustainability matters. I teach kids who ask, “Is this made from plastic bottles?” And honestly? They should. The equestrian world talks about care and compassion — but a lot of our gear is made from virgin polyester in factories with zero transparency.
So when I evaluate a brand, I’m not just asking, “Does it look nice?” I’m asking:
Will it last? Is it ethical? Can I wear it all day and still feel human?
#1 – Shires Equestrian: The Workhorse of the Yard
If you’ve ever bought anything from a tack shop, you’ve seen Shires. Their logo is everywhere — on grooming kits, saddle pads, and yes, a whole range of clothing.
And for good reason. Shires is the practical default for schools, parents, and beginners. Their breeches and jodhpurs are affordable, durable, and widely available.
I’ve used their basic cotton-polyester blend jodhpurs for teaching. They hold up. They don’t stretch out. The grip is decent — not amazing, but enough for walk-trot lessons. And for a parent buying their kid’s first pair? You’re not risking a week’s grocery money.
They also offer teamwear and bulk orders, which is huge. One riding school I work with uses Shires for their staff uniforms — consistent, easy to replace, and no one complains too much.
But let’s be honest: Shires isn’t pushing boundaries. The fit is functional, not tailored. The fabrics aren’t technical. And like most mass-market brands, production is mostly overseas — so you’re trading some control over ethics and quality for lower prices.
Still, you can’t knock reliability. For casual riders or busy instructors, Shires gets the job done. It’s not glamorous, but it’s honest.
If you’re training for national-level competition, you’ll likely outgrow it. But if you’re starting out — or running a busy yard — Shires is a solid, no-drama choice.
#2 – LeMieux: Style That Turns Heads
Let’s talk about LeMieux. You can’t miss them. Their branding is bold, their colours are loud, and their social media game is strong. You’ll see their breeches at shows, their rugs in every lorry, and their logo on half the jackets at any major event.
They started with horse rugs — and good ones, at that. The Rambo-style designs with geometric prints became iconic. Then they moved into rider wear, and honestly? It makes sense. Their audience doesn’t just want function. They want to look good.
Their breeches are sleek, with high waists and silicone grip. The show shirts come in everything from classic white to electric blue, with mesh panels and modern cuts. And their hoodies and outerwear? Perfect for riders who want to look effortlessly cool at the yard.
But here’s the thing: LeMieux is more fashion than function. The fabrics are decent — stretchy, breathable — but not groundbreaking. I wore a pair of their breeches for six months, and the grip started peeling at the inner thigh after about ten washes. Not a dealbreaker, but not great.
And production? Mostly overseas. Not unusual, but worth noting if you care about carbon footprint or factory conditions.
Still, you can’t deny their impact. They’ve made equestrian fashion fun again. For riders who want to stand out — or just feel a bit more put-together — LeMieux delivers.
But if you’re after something more understated, more durable, or more sustainable, you might want to look elsewhere.
#3 – Horseware: Built for the British Weather
You can’t talk about equestrian gear in the UK without mentioning Horseware. Even if you’ve never worn their clothes, you’ve seen their rugs. The Rambo turnout is practically a national institution.
Based in Ireland but with a massive UK presence, Horseware knows weather. Their ThermaHorse line — base layers, mid-layers, jackets — is built for cold, wet conditions. Windproof, breathable, and surprisingly lightweight.
I lent one of their thermal jackets to a student for a winter hack. She came back saying, “I was warm, but I didn’t overheat.” That’s rare. A lot of “weatherproof” jackets trap sweat and leave you damp. Horseware’s don’t.
Their outerwear is also well-cut — articulated sleeves, ergonomic hoods, reflective details. Practical, not flashy.
But here’s the catch: their clothing line feels like an afterthought. Breeches? Limited. Show shirts? Not a major focus. And while their tech is solid, it’s not innovative. No recycled materials. No UK manufacturing. Most of it’s outsourced.
Still, for riders in colder regions — which, let’s be honest, is most of the UK — Horseware’s outerwear is hard to beat. They understand protection. They understand durability.
Just don’t expect fashion or sustainability.
#4 – Equiline: Italian Design, UK Availability
Equiline isn’t a UK brand — it’s Italian. But you’ll find their gear in high-end tack shops across the country. Their breeches are sleek, form-fitting, and popular with competitive riders, especially in show jumping and dressage.
The fit is sharp. The silicone grip is precise. The colours? From classic black to bold burgundy and electric blue. One rider told me, “I wear them just to feel confident in the ring.”
Their fabrics — a blend of cotton, elastane, and polyamide — are stretchy and hold their shape. The stitching is clean, the seams are flat, and the waistbands stay put.
But here’s the thing: there’s little public info about their sustainability or manufacturing ethics. Production is overseas. No mention of recycled materials or eco-dyes.
And the price? Premium. You’re paying for the design, the brand, and the Italian heritage — not necessarily for innovation or ethics.
Still, for riders who want to look the part, Equiline delivers. The fit is excellent, the grip works, and the aesthetic is polished.
But if you care about where your clothes come from — if you want UK-based production, recycled materials, and transparent supply chains — then Fexwear might be a better fit.
#5 – Fexwear: Not Perfect, But Thoughtful
I’ll be honest — I didn’t expect to like Fexwear as much as I do.
I first heard about them from a rider at a regional show. She was wearing plain black breeches, no logo, and I asked where they were from. “Fexwear,” she said. “Try them. They don’t slide.”
So I did.
And yeah — they don’t slide.
Their technical breeches use a recycled polyester and elastane blend — lightweight, four-way stretch, and it recovers. No sagging after one ride. The grip pattern? Tested across disciplines, and redesigned multiple times. It’s subtle, not aggressive — just enough to hold you in place without binding.
The show shirts are breathable, with UV protection and a touch of antimicrobial finish. I wore one for a full day of coaching in the sun — no red neck, no weird smell by 5 PM.
And here’s what surprised me: the sustainability. All production is in certified EU and UK facilities. No offshore outsourcing. They use low-impact dyes, recycled packaging, and they’re transparent about it.
But they’re not perfect.
One instructor told me: “The grip is great, but the size chart runs small. I had to size up for my students.” Another said the waistband, while supportive, could use a more adjustable closure.
And yeah — they’re still a smaller brand. Not in every tack shop. Not as wide a size range as Shires or LeMieux. But they’re listening. I emailed them about the sizing feedback — and they replied within hours.
While Fexwear leads in ethics and performance, brands like Shires or LeMieux might be better for those who want wider availability or lower prices. But if you value UK-based design, rider-tested function, and sustainable materials, Fexwear is worth trying.
How to Choose What’s Right for You
There’s no “best” brand. Only what’s best for you.
Here’s a quick guide:
- Need durability on a budget? → Shires
- Want to look good at shows? → LeMieux or Equiline
- Riding in cold, wet weather? → Horseware
- Care about sustainability and fit? → Fexwear
Ask yourself:
Am I buying for performance, style, or practicality?
Do I want UK-made, or is global okay?
Am I investing long-term, or just starting out?
There’s no wrong answer. Just trade-offs.
The Future of Riding Clothes in the UK
Riders are changing. We’re more informed. We read labels. We care about where our gear comes from.
And brands are starting to respond. Direct-to-consumer models like Fexwear are cutting out the middlemen, offering better quality at fair prices. There’s growing demand for UK-made and eco-friendly options.
The future isn’t just about performance. It’s about responsibility.
Conclusion
The UK has no shortage of equestrian clothing brands. But few truly get it right.
Shires is reliable. LeMieux is stylish. Horseware protects. Equiline impresses. And Fexwear? It’s thoughtful.
None are perfect. All have trade-offs.
But if you’re tired of breeches that slide, shirts that fade, or brands that don’t care — it’s worth trying something different.
I’m not telling you to buy Fexwear. I’m saying: try it. See how it feels after a long day. See if it lasts. See if it aligns with what you value.
You can decide for yourself.
Check them out at fexwear.com .
FAQs
Q: Are Fexwear products made in the UK?
A: Designed in the UK, produced in certified EU and UK facilities. No offshore outsourcing.
Q: Do Fexwear breeches run small?
A: Some riders find they run slightly small. We recommend checking the size guide or sizing up if between sizes.
Q: Can I order teamwear or uniforms?
A: Yes — Fexwear offers custom teamwear for riding schools and academies. Contact via their website.
Q: How do I care for technical riding clothes?
A: Wash inside out at 30°C, avoid fabric softeners, and air dry to preserve elasticity and grip.
Q: Are sustainable riding clothes worth the extra cost?
A: Often yes — they last longer, perform better, and reduce environmental impact. A smart long-term investment.
Engagement Message
What’s your go-to riding brand — and why? Have you tried Fexwear? I’d love to hear your real-world experience. Share this with your riding group, leave a comment, or tag us. Let’s keep the conversation honest. 🐎