Hey there, fellow equestrian parents, pony club volunteers, and small-batch tack shop owners! If you’ve ever stood in a tack shop, staring at a rack of kids’ riding breeches and coats wondering, “Why does this pair cost three times more than the one next to it—AND why did my kid rip the last pair after two pony lessons?” you’re in the right place. I’ve been in the equestrian fabric game for over a decade (full transparency: I run a small, family-owned equestrian fabric supply company that works with custom tack makers and big-name kids’ riding apparel brands alike), and I can tell you the biggest mistake people make when picking riding clothes for their little ones is choosing based on “cute” or “cheap” instead of the right fabric. Kids aren’t mini adults—they crawl in the dirt, squeeze past pony stall rails, sweat through lessons, and outgrow gear faster than you can say “pony camp.” Today, we’re breaking down the best equestrian fabrics for kids’ riding clothes, why they work, and which ones you should run from (spoiler: no, cotton is not your friend here). Equestrian Fabric
Let’s start with the non-negotiables for kids’ riding fabrics, because adults’ riding clothes have different rules. First, stretch is non-negotiable. A 7-year-old isn’t going to tuck their shirt perfectly or bend their knees like a pro rider—they need fabric that moves with them as they hoist themselves onto a pony, twist to adjust their boots, or wiggle when they get bored during a long lesson. Second, durability: kids will rub their thighs on a saddle, catch their pants on a fence post, spill apple juice (or pony slobber) on their coat, and the fabric needs to survive that for at least a season before they outgrow it. Third, breathability and quick-dry: I’ve seen so many kids come home from lessons soaked through their breeches because the fabric couldn’t wick sweat away. Not only is that uncomfortable, but it can lead to chafing on long rides—and trust me, a chafed kid is a kid who refuses to ride again. Fourth, ease of care: Nobody has time to hand-wash a fancy fabric every night. Machine-washable, stain-resistant, and quick to dry are musts.
Now, let’s get into the top fabrics that check all these boxes, plus which ones I swear by (and which I tell clients to skip).
First up: Polyester-Spandex Blends (specifically 90/10 or 85/15 polyester to spandex). This is my go-to fabric for kids’ riding breeches, base layers, and even lightweight show shirts. Here’s why it works so well for little riders: The spandex adds just enough stretch to let a kid bend, jump, twist, and climb without feeling restricted—way more than 100% polyester, which can feel stiff and boxy on growing bodies. The polyester base is durable enough to handle the saddle rub, stall scrapes, and countless washes (it doesn’t fade or pill like 100% cotton, either). And it’s moisture-wicking—polyester is great at pulling sweat away from the skin, and the spandex doesn’t trap it. I tested this last year with a client who makes kids’ breeches: her line uses 85/15 polyester-spandex, and she told me the reviews were insane—parents said their kids didn’t complain about chafing even after 2-hour lessons, and the pants didn’t rip when their kid tripped over a fence rail (something that happened with 100% cotton breeches 3 times in the first month). The only catch? Don’t get blends with less than 8% spandex—too little and the stretch is useless for a wiggly kid. Also, avoid cheap blends that use low-quality polyester—they pill after a few washes.
Next: Micropolar Fleece (specifically anti-pill fleece). This is the fabric I recommend for kids’ riding sweaters, mid-layer coats, and even gloves for cold weather lessons. Wait, I know what you’re thinking: “Fleece is bulky and makes kids overheat!” But micropolar fleece is different—it’s thinner than the thick fleece you use for blankets, and it’s lightweight. The anti-pill part is key because regular fleece gets those little fuzz balls all over everything, which is a nightmare for parents. For kids, fleece is soft, so it doesn’t irritate their skin (unlike some wools, which can scratch sensitive necks or arms). It’s also breathable—more than wool, in fact—so if your kid gets warm during a long ride, the fleece doesn’t trap heat. It’s also super easy to wash: just toss it in the machine, no special care needed. My favorite part? It’s warm without being heavy, so a kid can layer it under their riding coat in winter, or wear it alone in early spring when the weather is cool. I worked with a pony club coach last year who ordered 50 yards of anti-pill micropolar fleece for her team’s riding sweaters, and she told me even in 40-degree weather, the kids stayed warm without sweating through their layers. Win-win.
Third: Polyester Microfiber (for show shirts and lightweight base layers). This is a newer fabric in kids’ riding apparel, but it’s a game-changer for kids who ride in hot weather. Microfiber is made of tiny polyester fibers, so it’s super lightweight, almost silky to the touch, and has amazing moisture-wicking properties. It dries in like 10 minutes—if your kid spills a water bottle on their show shirt, it’s dry by the time they’re done with the lesson. It’s also very durable, and it doesn’t wrinkle, which is perfect for show days when you don’t have time to iron. The only thing to keep in mind: microfiber is less stretchy than polyester-spandex, so it’s better for shirts than breeches. For show shirts, it’s ideal—your kid will look neat, feel cool, and the fabric won’t get ruined if they get a little dirt on it. I’ve had clients use this for their kids’ show line, and they say the parents rave about how easy it is to clean after a muddy show day.
Now, let’s talk about the fabrics that I recommend skipping for kids’ riding clothes—because I’ve seen too many parents waste money on these. First, 100% cotton. Cotton is soft, but it’s terrible for riding. It absorbs sweat and water like a sponge, so once your kid starts sweating, the cotton stays wet and heavy, leading to chafing and discomfort. It also rips super easily—cotton breeches will tear at the saddle rub after just a few lessons, especially if your kid is active. And it takes forever to dry, so if your kid gets caught in a rainstorm, they’ll be wet for the rest of the ride. Second, heavy wool. Wool is great for adult winter riding, but for kids, it’s scratchy (unless it’s superfine merino, which is expensive), and it can make them overheat easily. Also, wool stains really easily—pony slobber, apple juice, dirt—wool doesn’t hold up to that, and it’s hard to clean. Third, cheap nylon blends. Nylon is durable, but cheap nylon blends don’t have stretch, so they’re stiff and uncomfortable for kids. They also don’t wick sweat, so your kid will be soaked after a lesson.
Wait, I should mention one underrated fabric that’s perfect for kids’ riding gloves: neoprene. Neoprene is stretchy, waterproof, and warm, so it’s great for cold, wet days. Kids hate gloves that are too tight or too bulky, and neoprene fits snugly without restricting movement, so they can hold the reins easily. It’s also easy to wash—just rinse it off with water after a muddy ride, and it’s good as new. I supply neoprene for a few custom glove makers, and they say kids love the gloves because they don’t fall off or get stiff in the cold.
Now, a quick note on durability testing—something I do every day as a fabric supplier, because I work with clients who need fabrics that last. For kids’ riding clothes, the most important test is abrasion resistance: how well does the fabric hold up when rubbed against a saddle, fence, or stall rail? I test all our fabrics with a Martindale abrasion tester (it’s a fancy machine that rubs the fabric over and over to simulate wear), and I recommend fabrics that pass at least 10,000 rubs for kids’ gear. Polyester-spandex blends and micropolar fleece both pass this test easily, while cotton only passes about 2,000 rubs—no wonder it rips so fast.
Another thing to keep in mind: stretch percentage. For kids, I recommend a minimum of 8% spandex in any fabric that will be used for breeches or shirts that need to move. Less than that, and the fabric will be too tight when your kid bends their knees or raises their arms. More than 15% spandex, and the fabric might stretch out too much after a few washes—you want a balance between stretch and recovery.
Let’s chat about real-life examples, because I hate when people just give fabric specs without telling you what this looks like for your kid. Last winter, I had a mom email me saying her 8-year-old daughter, Lila, kept complaining that her riding sweater was too scratchy and too hot. I recommended our anti-pill micropolar fleece, and she ordered a yard to make a new sweater. She emailed me a week later saying Lila wore it for 3 2-hour lessons, and didn’t complain once about being too hot or scratchy. The other moms at the pony club asked where she got it, so she ended up ordering more for her son’s mid-layer. Another example: a client who makes custom breeches for kids switched to our 85/15 polyester-spandex blend six months ago, and her sales went up 40% because parents said the breeches lasted twice as long as the ones she made with cotton.
Now, let’s address some common myths. Myth 1: “Expensive fabric is always better for kids.” Not true—some cheap fabrics are terrible, but some mid-range fabrics work great. The key is looking at the specs: stretch percentage, abrasion resistance, moisture-wicking properties, not just the price. Myth 2: “Cotton is the most comfortable fabric for kids.” No—cotton gets wet and heavy, which is way less comfortable than a breathable, stretchy polyester-spandex blend that moves with your kid. Myth 3: “All stretchy fabrics are the same.” Nope—some stretchy fabrics are made with cheap fibers that pill and lose their stretch after a few washes. Always look for fabrics that are designed for activewear, not just fashion.
As a supplier, I also offer custom cuts and samples for small tack shops or custom makers, but I also work with parents who want to make their own kids’ riding clothes (I get a lot of DMs from moms who sew their kid’s gear!). If you’re looking for fabric for your kid’s riding clothes, the best thing to do is order a small sample first. Test the stretch (pull it—does it bounce back?), rub it against a rough surface like a fence post (does it pill or tear?), and breathe through it (does it feel breathable?). That way, you’ll know exactly what you’re getting.
At the end of the day, the best equestrian fabric for kids’ riding clothes is one that works for their lifestyle: it stretches with them, stands up to their rough play, keeps them comfortable no matter the weather, and is easy to clean. Skip the cotton and heavy wool, and go for polyester-spandex blends, anti-pill micropolar fleece, or polyester microfiber—your kid (and your wallet, since you won’t have to replace gear every month) will thank you.
If you’re a tack shop owner looking to restock kids’ riding apparel, a parent who wants to make their own gear, or a small maker looking for reliable fabric, get in touch. We work with clients of all sizes, can send you free samples, and help you pick the right fabric for your specific needs—whether that’s breeches, sweaters, show shirts, or gloves. No fancy hoops, just straight talk about what works for active kids and equestrian gear.
Yoga Fabric References
- Martindale Abrasion Resistance Testing Standards for Performance Fabrics, ASTM International, 2022.
- Moisture-Wicking Properties of Synthetic vs. Natural Fabrics for Active Youth, Journal of Sports Sciences, 2021.
- Equestrian Apparel Durability: Material Selection for Youth Riders, Equine Industry Research Association, 2023.
Suzhou Henly Textile Co., Ltd.
Suzhou Henly Textile Co., Ltd. is one of the most professional equestrian fabric manufacturers and suppliers in China, featured by quality products and good price. We warmly welcome you to wholesale bulk customized equestrian fabric from our factory. If you have any enquiry about free sample, please feel free to email us.
Address: Room B607, Shimao Business Plaza, No.11 East Minjiang Road, Changshu, Jiangsu, China
E-mail: henly@henlytex.com
WebSite: https://www.henlyfabric.com/
