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Best Men’s Jeans for Horse Riding – Top 7 Picks For 2023

Last updated: January 9, 2023

By: Miles HenryFact Checked

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If you’re going to be riding horses, you need a good pair of jeans. I’m not talking about some skinny jeans that are going to rip the first time you get on a horse. I’m talking about a nice, sturdy pair of jeans that are going to hold up when you’re out riding.

My favorite jeans for horseback riding are Wrangler’s original cowboy-cut jeans. Regardless of the brand, the best jeans for horse riding should be made of durable denim that’s not going to tear when you’re in the saddle.

You also want a pair of jeans that fits well and isn’t too baggy. You don’t want your jeans getting caught on the saddle or anything else while you’re riding. Jeans designed for riding horses are usually boot-cut and made with a bit of stretch so you can easily lift your leg to mount a horse.

And finally, you want a pair of jeans that looks good. Because let’s face it, when you’re out riding horses, you want to look good doing it. So make sure you get yourself a good pair of jeans for horse riding. You’ll be glad you did. In this guide, I review the best men’s jeans for horse riding.

Also, Check Out: Best Horse Riding Clothes for English and Western Riding

Wrangler Men’s Cowboy Cut Original Jeans

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Wrangler cowboy cut originals are the Official ProRodeo Competition jean and a western denim essential that will stay with you for years to come. They are designed to be worn over boots and have a comfortable fit in the waist, seat, and thigh.

Wrangler jeans are stiff. This is because they’re made of 100% cotton denim that’s designed to withstand a lot of wear and tear. However, the stiffness of Wrangler jeans is also what makes them so durable.

If you’re not accustomed to wearing wranglers, it may take some getting used to, but it’s worth it for the durability and long-lasting wear. I also find they run a bit smaller than other brands. I typically wear a 32-inch waist, but in Wranglers, I wear 33.

The straight-fit jeans with a regular seat and thigh sit at the waist and come with 2 pockets on the front and back side each. There is also a watch pocket. The jeans can be secured with a zipper and button closure.

Picture of a new pair of Wrangler jeans.

The wrangler jeans in the above picture are my favorite style for riding and working. They are made of heavy denim, will last a long time, and are reasonably priced.

Pros

  • Very comfortable for horseback and motorcycle riding
  • Sit comfortably over riding boots
  • Stretchy waist
  • Several belt loops
  • Multiple pockets
  • Affordable

Cons

  • Buttonholes are slightly bulky and small.

Levi’s Men’s Western Fit Cowboy Jeans

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Levi’s Men’s Western Fit Cowboy Jeans are inspired by the jeans worn in the Wild West and are made for a classic style and rugged durability. required of horseback riding jeans.

Levi’s jeans are also perfect for riders as they have a reinforced inseam. This prevents wear and tear around the thighs and in the crotch region when riding for prolonged periods. Furthermore, they are engineered with Levi’s Strong Technology for enhanced durability.

The well-designed jeans also come with a bartack clipping guard to fit over your riding boots. 

Pros

  • Very strong, reinforced stitching. Long-lasting, durable riding jeans
  • Do not shrink after washing
  • Multiple pockets and additional belt loops
  • Sit comfortably over boots
  • Comfortable true to fit – stretchy in the legs, snug at the waist
  • Great price.

Cons

  • Colors are different than what you see on the screen.
  • Not made in the USA.

Ariat Men’s Rebar M4 Low Rise DuraStretch Boot Cut Jean

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ARIAT jeans are built to last thanks to the ToughMax denim construction and Durastretch technology. This allows maximum flexibility.

The boot-cut jeans also have a relaxed fit at the waist, thigh, and hips for greater comfort and flexibility in the saddle.

ARIAT stackable jeans easily slip over your boots so you can get to work quickly. They have a worn, faded, yet sophisticated look – which makes them perfect for farm work as well as causal evenings in town.

Pros

  • Twice the durability compared to other jeans
  • Deep front pockets with a small knife pocket
  • Beautifully made jeans with superior technology
  • Great price

Cons

  • The back pockets are glued before being sewn on. The glue runs and leaves a sticky residue.
  • A few size issues

Pro Tip: Check out Ariat’s website; they often offer the best prices and the latest styles.

Kimes Ranch Men’s Watson Mid-Rise Relaxed Bootcut Jeans

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Kimes Ranch Watson jeans are made especially for life in the wild wild west. Says the founder of Kimes Ranch, Matt Kimes: “When I first set out to make a pair of jeans, I not only took into account what I wanted in a pair of jeans but also what my friends wanted.”

The result: beautiful-looking jeans that fit comfortably and last long. The special 3×1 right-hand twill ring spun 14oz denim enhances durability further.

Ring spun yarns consist of weft and warp patterns (horizontal and vertical, respectively), increasing strength and softness while adding character to the jeans. The denim is also silicone-washed for greater comfort.

Kimes Ranch jeans are sure to last for years to come. The hand-sanded detailing adds a stylish and sophisticated look.  Matt Kimes says he can go on and on about the sweat and toil that has gone into making these jeans. But, for brevity: “this is the perfect pair of western jeans.”

Pros

  • Extremely comfortable for getting in and out of the saddle
  • True to fit
  • Several pockets
  • Durable
  • Wash well

Cons

  • Expensive but worth it.

Cinch Men’s Black Label Loose-Fit Jean

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CINCH Black Label jeans are perfect for rodeo or ranch work. They are durable and loose-fitting, making it easy to get on and off the saddle. At the same time, they are stylish enough for a night out in town.

About the brand: Cinch has been making western wear since the late 1990s. It is a brand inspired by the values and inspiration of the western lifestyle: adventurous, determined, and hard-working.

Like the original cowboy jeans, the CINCH Black Label jeans have a mid-rise, loose-at-the-thighs-and-knees design. It is ideal for men having a sturdy frame and those who like a bit more room in the leg region.

Pros

  • Highest-quality, ring-spun denim that has been tested extensively for wear and tear. Extremely long-lasting.
  • Felled-seam construction for added durability
  • Ideal for tall men who need room in their legs. These jeans enhance mobility.

Cons

  • Even some tall men (6’ 9”) found these jeans too long for comfort.

Wrangler Men’s George Strait Cowboy Cut Original Fit Jean

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Jeans are something that should fit, fade, wash, wear, and move with you. Wranglers makes jeans that do all that for you and more.

Wrangler’s George Strait Cowboy jeans are the original rise, traditional cowboy jeans that feature the brand’s authentic embellishments. It has been designed with functionality and comfort in mind. The comfortable George Strait cowboy jeans are ideal for working on the ranch or the yard and in the saddle, yet stylish enough for a lunch date.

Wrangler George Strait jeans also feature felled construction and are made with heavy-duty denim cotton. This keeps them long-lasting, and they also wash well.

Wrangler’s 5-pocket style is great for riders to keep their keys and phone, etc.

Pros

  • Classic style with original fit and rise
  • Durable
  • Comfortable
  • Plenty of pockets

Cons

  • The waist is a little snug for most men.

Silver Jeans Co. Men’s Zac Relaxed Fit Straight Leg Jeans

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Silver Jeans Co. Zac relaxed-fit jeans are sure to offer you everyday comfort whether you are horseriding or working on the farm or ranch. They sit just below the waist and have a relaxed fit through the hips and legs. This eases movement in the saddle.

About Silver Jeans Co. – the brand has been making jeans since 1991. Every collection is designed with superior craftsmanship, so you get a pair of stylish, durable, and comfortable jeans.

Zac’s relaxed-fit jeans have just enough room in the legs without fitting too loose.

Pros

  • Well-designed
  • Comfortable
  • Stylish
  • Bootcut style lets you wear them comfortably over boots.

Cons

  • Some users found the bottom too wide.
Picture of a cowboy riding his horse wearing jeans.

Why Are Jeans Ideal for Horse Riding?

Jeans are ideal for horse riding for the following reasons:

Durability

Life on the ranch can be tough. There are endless chores and back-breaking work. A cowboy’s attire undergoes a lot of wear and tear, making denim one of the best materials for barn chores and in the saddle. 

Denim is a long-lasting material that can be worn for years to come. A good pair of jeans from top brands can last almost an entire decade before it starts showing signs of wear. High-quality men’s jeans for horse riding are made with ring-spun denim, which has horizontal (weft) and vertical (warp) yarns that increase the fabric’s strength.

Regular cotton pants often tear at the crotch when you ride for hours. But a sturdy pair of jeans with reinforced stitching in the crotch area can easily withstand this wear and tear.

Picture of a person riding a quarter horse wearing jeans.

Comfort

The last thing you’d want in the saddle is chafing along the thighs and the crotch region. Horse riding jeans have a slight flex or give that allows you to stretch and move comfortably without restrictions. 

A good pair of jeans will also protect your legs from saddle sores, scratches, and cuts while riding in the brush or forest trails. The all-weather jeans can protect your legs from sunburns. In wet weather, jeans can keep you dry to some extent. It also dries quickly, making it ideal for rain and snow. Jeans can also protect you from extreme cold.

Style

There are myriad options for men in horse-riding jeans. From relaxed fit to boot cut style to slim fit to classic western cowboy style jeans, you can have a pair for every day of the week. These days, you also have several choices in colors. You can pair them with riding shirts, snap shirts, polos, or denim shirts – the options are endless.

Check out this Cool Collection of Women’s Equestrian Shirts

Easy to maintain

Jeans are easy to maintain. You can simply toss them in the washer and dryer and not worry about them tearing, shrinking, or fading.  While it may seem gross, many men do not wash their jeans for weeks – even months! They hide stains well, so you really need not go out of your way to clean them. The best part about washing your riding jeans is that they get more comfortable after every wash!

Picture of a cowboy wearing jeans.

What To Look for in Horse Riding Jeans?

Here are some tips for choosing the perfect pair of riding jeans:

Know the different silhouettes in jeans

Riding jeans can be skinny, slim fit, loose fit, etc. Slim-fit jeans give a ‘definition’ to the legs, whereas skinny silhouettes hug the thighs, legs, and hips.  You also have the tapered style, which is relaxed around the thighs but narrows down from the knees to the ankles. 

Even if you opt for the slim fit or skinny fit styles, you need to ensure that they have stretchability. These jeans may work with Chelsea boots but probably don’t provide enough room to fit over the shaft of standard cowboy boots. Try out different styles and choose the one that is most comfortable for you.

If you wear cowboy boots with your jeans, look for a bootcut style so they easily slide over the boots.

Determine the right size

After you select the style of riding jeans you prefer, determine the size. Start with your waist size. Different brands of jeans have their own sizing guides. Read reviews and know if the jeans you like run true to size, then choose accordingly.

For men, most jeans come in a length of 30 to 36-inch inseam. Select the length of the jeans or get them altered as needed. They should also measure 7-8 inches from the waist to the fork, where the legs meet the crotch.

Note: You want to try jeans on with the boots you intend to wear when horseback riding to get a proper fit. They will typically be an inch or two longer than the length of your standard pants.

Picture of me wearing wrangler jeans with a pair of Chisos cowboy boots.

Conclusion – Best Men’s Jeans for Horse Riding

Jeans with the right fit and durable construction can make your horse riding experience a lot more comfortable. They allow ease of movement, especially when you get on and off the saddle. They are also durable and wash well.

I recommend the Wrangler Cut Original jeans because they’re the jeans my friends and I wear when riding horses, and we haven’t found another pair that works as well; they are tried and true.

These jeans have a stretchy give and a comfortable waist. It also comes with several pockets and extra belt loops. It is the ultimate rider’s jeans suitable for horse and motorcycle riding. It has received tens of thousands of positive reviews as well.

Below is a funny YouTube video on how to dress like a cowboy.

FAQs – Best Men’s Jeans for Horse Riding

Are jeans good for horse riding?

Yes. The right pair of jeans can be an excellent choice for horse riding because they enhance comfort, wash well, and also protect your legs from chafing, scratches, and cuts while riding in the brush.

How long should horse riding jeans be?

Stacking horse riding jeans is popular among cowboys. But I like my jeans to just about touch the ground at the rear end of my boots so that I have slack when I reach for a stirrup. Typical riding jeans are an inch or two extra longer than the inseam of your regular pants.

How should riding jeans fit?

Riding jeans should fit snugly, not tight, and not loose. They should allow you enough movement so you can easily swing your leg and sit in the saddle.